Seeking Advice for Junior Year

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Kgrant19

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Hi all! I am currently a rising junior at a college-predatory catholic high school. I am posting this thread because I am in need of some advice as to what I should be doing this year to prepare to apply for USNA. I have already taken the act once and got a 27 overall (but I went in completely blind because I took it so early) and I have a 4.226 GPA. I am also taking all of the ap and math classes available to me at this point and I am involved in student council, soccer (JV), an my schools ambassador program . Lastly, I attended summer STEM and intend on applying for NASS and joining the sea cadets. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I REALY would like to go to this school!! Thanks
 
Kgrant19 said:
Hi all! I am currently a rising junior at a college-prepatory catholic high school. I am posting this thread because I am in need of some advice as to what I should be doing this year to prepare to apply for USNA. I have already taken the act once and got a 27 overall (but I went in completely blind because I took it so early) and I have a 4.226 GPA. I am also taking all of the ap and math classes available to me at this point and I am involved in student council, soccer (JV), an my schools ambassador program . Lastly, I attended summer STEM and intend on applying for NASS and joining the sea cadets. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I REALY would like to go to this school!! Thanks
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At this point I would suggest whatever extracurriculars you are involved with go for leadership positions- try not to sit back and just be a part of something. Look for Boys or Girls State run through the American Legion. Good luck it's a wild ride...
 
Just finished junior year actually. And like said before, JOIN THINGS and be a part of EVERYTHING you can. I can't stress that enough. Also, take as many AP's as you can. Do your best on the SAT/ACT and you should be great to go. Do sports! If you want more info on what I've been doing feel free to PM me. I'm currently in the process and about almost done with applying.
 
TechFlier7 said:
Just finished junior year actually. And like said before, JOIN THINGS and be a part of EVERYTHING you can. I can't stress that enough. Also, take as many AP's as you can. Do your best on the SAT/ACT and you should be great to go. Do sports! If you want more info on what I've been doing feel free to PM me. I'm currently in the process and about almost done with applying.
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thanks so much!! it's really nice to here from someone in the same situation. I am new to this website and I'm still trying to figure out the PM but I would love to talk to you!!
 
The same questions tend to get asked every year. No one can rate your chances or do anything but guess at how successful you might be in getting an appointment. The search function is useful for finding the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
 
time2 said:
The same questions tend to get asked every year. No one can rate your chances or do anything but guess at how successful you might be in getting an appointment. The search function is useful for finding the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
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I'm not sure if the post came off the wrong way but I'm just looking for advice as what I should be doing junior year to help with the application. For example, should I be applying for nominations or should I just be getting involved more in school. Sorry for the confusion.
 
A few things:

1) As noted above, this is the year to rise and be noted as a leader in the school. Don't just participate, take charge and be noticed.

2) I saw this in another thread a few days ago, I think it was from USNA1985; her comment was probably a lot more polished than mine, but was probably the best single piece of advice I have seen for the upcoming Junior -- your Junior Year Math and English teachers are going to be writing a evaluation/recommendation regarding your academic ability. Get to know them, and more important, let them get to know you. Participate in the class, ask questions, and demonstrate both your academic ability and leadership.

3) Retake ACT/Take SAT -- some people do better on one test than the other, so try both. Prepare for the tests -- some people swear by the prep programs, I always thought the self-help books (sample tests, etc) were good enough for me. You don't have to get 36/36 or 800/800 -- but every point you can get helps make you more competitive.

Good luck.
 
Agree with all the above.
One president or officer's position in a club is better than 10 club members.
At MOC interview, they'll ask you what you do at the club.
Try to take both ACT and SAT. you might find one is easier than the other.
Good luck!
 
MIDNMOM said:
Agree with all the above.
One president or officer's position in a club is better than 10 club members.
At MOC interview, they'll ask you what you do at the club.
Try to take both ACT and SAT. you might find one is easier than the other.
Good luck!
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Absolutely spot on... Leadership in one is better than being part of ten...100% spot on with that advice
 
TechFlier7 said:
Just finished junior year actually. And like said before, JOIN THINGS and be a part of EVERYTHING you can. I can't stress that enough. Also, take as many AP's as you can. Do your best on the SAT/ACT and you should be great to go. Do sports! If you want more info on what I've been doing feel free to PM me. I'm currently in the process and about almost done with applying.
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Do not 'JOIN THINGS' and be a part of 'EVERYTHING you can'. Do things that interest you and more importantly take a leadership role in getting things accomplished. Being able to check off 10o boxes of clubs joined and not being a leader in any is not going to impress anyone.
 
^^ I agree, during your BGO or MOC interviews, if you can't describe what you actually did/accomplished in various ECA's, then it means nothing in terms of leadership. Everyone in h.s. has a limited amount of time for sports/ECA and to excel in academics. Choose wisely to participate in things where you can contribute to your school and grow as a person. Make the best use of the time available. No one here can tell you which things to choose. For example, in some high school's, being voted class president is largely a popularity contest where your 'job' has no real responsibilities (only you know your h.s.).
 
Totally agree with the posts above... And have one thing to add. If you really want to go to the USNA, you should...

Apply for a NROTC scholarship asap.

The hard cold truth is despite the strength of your application to USNA, it is still a gamble that may take one or even two re-applications to make it. Consequently, an NROTC scholarship is not simply a "Plan B," it offers a significant advantage to a re-app's chances of being selected and succeeding at the Academy once you get there.

My DS had a very strong app out of hs with a 33 ACT score, 3 varsity letters, Eagle scout, blah blah blah and made the Wait list. The NROTC scholarship allowed him to improve his reapp exponentially, earning 3 noms, a perfect CFA, and the leadership and Navy experience that got him an Appointment to Class of 2021 where he is having a blast at plebe summer as a write this.

Good luck!
 
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