Should I even apply

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lily_smith_37

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I am a sophomore in high school right now and I'm not sure if i should even apply because my resume is very slim. I have a 4.0 unweighted GPA, ranked 34th out of 163, and am going to be taking dual-credit and AP courses next year(I am aware these don't count for credit at USNA, it doesn't really matter to me). The problem is I've never been able to participate in sports because my mother could never pick me up or take me to practice so I never really started, I do ride horses and am planning on talking to my school about starting a rodeo team because many student there have mentioned it would be a cool thing to have. I also have limited experience being a leader, I am going to be a counselor in training at summer camp this year and plan on joining a few clubs next year since I will then have my driver's license and a car. I've also signed up for several volunteering opportunities but haven't yet been contacted back. I'm not worried about doing well on the CFA, because I'm confident that by the time I need to take it I'll be in good shape. I'm just worried that if I apply with my very small resume I won't even have a chance. Thoughts?
 
I also play guitar literally ever second that I can, but that won't get me very far on my application since it's independent right?
 
No one here can tell whether you will get in or not. Just focus on academics, extracurriculars, and athletics. USNA likes to see stuff that makes you stand out and different. Playing guitar makes you different from those who don’t. I am also in your position being a freshman in highschool who really wants to go. I am challenging myself physically and mentally and am getting as involved with leadership and In the community. My advice will definitely not be as good as more experienced “veterans” in this topic but take all advice with an open mind. Good luck hope this helps a little!
 
lily_smith_37 said:
I am a sophomore in high school right now and I'm not sure if i should even apply because my resume is very slim. I have a 4.0 unweighted GPA, ranked 34th out of 163, and am going to be taking dual-credit and AP courses next year(I am aware these don't count for credit at USNA, it doesn't really matter to me). The problem is I've never been able to participate in sports because my mother could never pick me up or take me to practice so I never really started, I do ride horses and am planning on talking to my school about starting a rodeo team because many student there have mentioned it would be a cool thing to have. I also have limited experience being a leader, I am going to be a counselor in training at summer camp this year and plan on joining a few clubs next year since I will then have my driver's license and a car. I've also signed up for several volunteering opportunities but haven't yet been contacted back. I'm not worried about doing well on the CFA, because I'm confident that by the time I need to take it I'll be in good shape. I'm just worried that if I apply with my very small resume I won't even have a chance. Thoughts?
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Apply. Your concerns boil down to three things: (1) Academics, (2) extra-curricular activities, (3) Fitness

(1) You're already doing well academically so keep on pressing! Challenge yourself and do as well as you can.

(2) Sounds like you're exploring options that will make you stand out so keep it up. The world needs volunteers and leadership can be found in clubs, even if you're the president of a club with four people. Moreover, camp counselor work can be translated into leadership training.

(3) It is astonishing what can be accomplished physically if you set your mind to it. Fitness comes from smart training and hard work -- the end. You don't know me but I know this: if you were to exhibit diligence in following any number of sound training regimens, you'll be ready when the time comes.

You're a sophomore and the time between now and applying is enough to get an incredible amount of work done. In the end, there's no magical advice to be had on SAF. However, if you truly go about the steps to be as competitive as possible and apply you'll be the best version of yourself, regardless of whether you're accepted or not, and that truly is worth something. Moreover, you'll never have to wonder "what if...?" I've accomplished a lot but I've been shot down even more times. Keep trying and never give up.
 
lily_smith_37 said:
I am a sophomore in high school right now and I'm not sure if i should even apply because my resume is very slim. I have a 4.0 unweighted GPA, ranked 34th out of 163, and am going to be taking dual-credit and AP courses next year(I am aware these don't count for credit at USNA, it doesn't really matter to me). The problem is I've never been able to participate in sports because my mother could never pick me up or take me to practice so I never really started, I do ride horses and am planning on talking to my school about starting a rodeo team because many student there have mentioned it would be a cool thing to have. I also have limited experience being a leader, I am going to be a counselor in training at summer camp this year and plan on joining a few clubs next year since I will then have my driver's license and a car. I've also signed up for several volunteering opportunities but haven't yet been contacted back. I'm not worried about doing well on the CFA, because I'm confident that by the time I need to take it I'll be in good shape. I'm just worried that if I apply with my very small resume I won't even have a chance. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
It’s never too late to boost the resume, believe me I’ve been there. Truth is, life is too short to worry about the what if’s. I had similar thoughts to you, but I knew that I wanted to serve my country and that I would do whatever it takes to get there, even if it means not attending USNA. If this is something you want to do, then go for it! The worst thing they can tell you is no. Best of luck to you!
 
No academy is looking for a traditional athlete. They are looking for a leader. A problem solver. A troubleshooter. A ‘I can get this done’ person. I can lead my team. I can do this. No one sport or varsity high school sport checks that box.
And many non varsity sports do check that box.
How did you lead. How did you instruct. How did you adjust for levels of learning.
These are the things that matter.
 
Why do you want to apply? That is important to your success, as well. What’s your why?

A SA is looking for someone they can shape into a future Naval/Marine Officer. Your competition for that appointment firstly is on your nomination slates. That’s your competition. And it’s impossible to know how you stack up amongst your competitors. How you jnterview. The competitiveness of your school. Your act/sat scores. If you hold some underrepresented qualities. How you articulate your goals, etc, in your essay. If you will clear medical. It’s all more than being ranked number one in your class, for example. It’s more than one or two things….it’s the whole person. And has subjective pieces to it that no one here can evaluate.

Apply. You cannot get in if you don’t try. You cannot receive a NAPS/prep offer if you don’t apply. Or what about NROTC?? You have time to work on your best resume. And I love what @USNA_STEM_Prof said…that prepping of your best self won’t be wasted. No matter where you end up!!

You are ahead of many, by thinking about this early, while you have time to continue to work on yourself. Sometimes I think people read the stellar resumes here and think they don’t have a chance. A SA is looking for a whole person that they can see has qualities that will make them an Officer. There are lots of different pieces of that. Not being number one in all things. It’s why they look at ‘all of you’. The whole person. That they can shape into an Officer. Why WOULDNT you apply?
 
Build your resume, you have time.

Leadership: keep in mind you do not need to be a leader by title in order to demonstrate leadership. For example if you do pursue the rodeo topic and drive that into existence that would be a great leadership example even though maybe someone else possibly gets picked as “captain” of the team or “president” of the club.

Sports: You mention transportation as an issue. But you say you’ll now be able to drive. Sounds like that problem is solved. Hopefully you can find one you’re interested in and join.

If serving our country and being a military officer is something you really want, then go get it!

Best of Luck in whatever you decide.
 
There is only one certainty when it comes to applying to a Service Academy -- 100% of those that don't apply don't get in...

First thing to ask though -- why do you want to apply ? Do you want to serve as a Naval /Marine Corps officer ? I didn't see anything about interest and motivation in the OP.

Second, are you from one of the rural western states ? If so, many of ther rural areas are underrepresented, with fewer people applying. USNA recognizes that they don't always have the opportunities , both academically or extracurricular wise, that those in the more populated states have. Does that make the person any less qualified to attend USNA or be a leader in the Navy / Marine Corps -- absolutely not ! I know of many classmates with humble beginnings that went on to do great things, both in the Navy and out.

Bottom line - IF you want to become a Naval /Marine Corps officer and truly want to attend USNA -- all you can do is make the best of every opportunity you have, present the best application you can, and of course COMPLETE THE APPLICATION.

Good luck !
 
You are smart to start the process early. Many questions can be resolved merely by examining the requirements for admission and working towards being able to fulfill those . Don't underestimate any of them, such as the CFA. A failure on that can take you out just as easily as anything else. Complete the application as early as possible and be aware of the MOC's deadlines for application since you will need a nomination. Always always always have a plan B which could be ROTC or a SMC and also have a plan C for civilian colleges. There are many things that can take you out of the running for an SA such as Medical history issues, No nomination, under performance on the SAT or ACT, etc. but don't take yourself out before you start. Good luck!
 
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Love all the Responses here ... especially @USNA_STEM_Prof response. Try to get a Cardio sport in there like XC and/or track. You have a lot of time.

Your love of horses and anything equestrian is near and dear to my heart. I have sisters and brothers and nieces and nephews who competed in all aspects of hunter and rodeo style (roping and barrel mostly). Our DD class of 2024 grew up her whole life around horses and livestock but wasn't quite as interested in the competition part. DD was always in 4H livestock clubs here whole life too ... awesome activities for the Kids. DD is also a Pianist and Cellist.

Now for the awesome part ... Naval Academy loves diversity in Activities. I remember reading a few years back about a Champion Barrel racer, a young lady, who received an appointment to the Naval Academy. I am not sure if this was the young lady, but get the Kleenex out, this story is a tearjerker ... this young lady equestrian who received a Naval Academy appointment but later succumbed to cancer. It is so unfortunate, but the rule is, you never give up on your dreams.

Link to Sage's Story

Here is an image of Sage doing what she loved ...

1647356934378.jpeg
 
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There are some interesting items imbedded in your post.
****1. You ride/rodeo. USAFA has both a rodeo and equestrian team! Even better is starting vs. joining a club. Lots of leadership there. Where there is adversity, or need a a ground breaker, there is opportunity to shine!*****
2. Can't really do much better than a 4.0 UW GPA...BUT, you are just outside the top 20%, so it seems GPA value is inflated. Plan your study windows for the SAT/ACT and do really, really well. And do really well in the Jr/Sr year AP/dual credit classes.
3. Camp counselor can be great leadership. Good job!
4. You have to join a club (or start one) before you can lead one. Too much emphasis on hurry up to a leadership position - 9 and 10 grade set the foundation for you to become a leader 11 12. Don't worry about not jumping into a starring role first, worry about depth of engagement.
5. The concept of "your mom can't drive you" , "you will have a car"..... pivot your mindset. There are many other candidates with far, far worse adversity than just waiting to get a DL and start driving an available car. Be creative, resourceful, and overcome blips of adversity. Where there is a will, there is a way. You could carpool. Ask the coach for alternate training, or lead sessions for students with the same dilemma, train on your own but still compete with the teams, etc. Not ideal, but show resourcefulness, commitment and embrace doing more than the guy next to you to make it happen.

Reread #1. You sound really interesting!
 
I am going to guess that you live in a rural area since you attend a small school, ride horses, and need a ride to participate in sports. Can you share which Congressional District you live in? I may be able to help identify opportunities if I had a better idea of your general geography. You can find your Congressional District here: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative



Here is the information from the USNA Class Profile for the Class of 2024
1. Varsity Athletics - 91%
2. Community Service - 90%
3. Captain/Co-Captain of Sports Team - 73%
4. National Honor Society - 67%
5. Student Body Leader - 66%
6. Dramatics, Public speaking or debating - 66%
7. Church Group - 47%
8. Tutoring - 44%
9. Work Experience (>10 hrs/week) - 35%
10. Musical Activities (Band, Chorus, Etc.) - 26%
11. Primary Language in Home Not English - 20%
12. Boy/Girl Scouts - 16%
13. ROTC/JROTC/Sea Cadets/Civil Air Pat. - 15%
14. First to Attend College in Family - 13%
15. School publication - 13%
16. First Generation American - 12%
17. Hardship or Adverse Life Experience - 11%

1&3. I would reach out to the people on this list from your state and ask them how to go about founding a rodeo team for your high school (make it known that you would like to be captain of the team): https://nhsra.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/January-Directors-Pages.pdf

2. Do you belong to a church? If so ask them what community service you could do. You may be able to play guitar at church during service.

4&2. Your grades should qualify you for National Honor Society (this has a community service component so get ahead of that). You like to ride horses. If you like animals perhaps you could volunteer with a local animal shelter. Many shelters are looking for volunteers to foster cats with their kittens before the kittens can be adopted. This can be done at your home (with your parents' permission).

5. Consider running for class president or other student body leadership position (if you are successful at bringing a Rodeo Team to school you can probably count on your teammates to vote for you).

6. I would only consider Dramatics, Public speaking or debating if you are interested...but there may be other opportunities at your school. Have you considered volunteering to read school announcements each morning? Not a heavy lift and it will give you practice with public speaking.

7. If you are a member of a church, see if they have a youth group and express your interest in a leadership role.

8&2. Consider tutoring your peers (could count for community service...ask your High School Counselor).

9. Having a job is looked favorably upon. When I was your age, 70% of high school students held a job. Now only 30% do. Having a job helps you stand out.

10&2. You love to play guitar so leverage this. Can you play for sick children at a hospital or for elderly people in an elderly home? You would be surprised at how willing these organizations might be to have you come in and play. This would combine your passion for playing with your willingness to serve others.

11. Not sure if your family speaks another language at home. If so, great. If not, no worries.

12. There is most probably a Boy Scout or Girl Scout presence in your area. You will find that participation in these activities dies down in high school but there are great opportunities to earn a Gold Award or Eagle Scout. The clock is ticking, however.

13. Depending on where you live there may be ROTC/JROTC/Sea Cadets/Civil Air Patrol in your area. I know you are interested in USNA, but Civil Air Patrol is very highly regarded by all of the SAs. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND getting involved if you can. There are endless opportunities for leadership positions. You will learn military customs and courtesies, how to wear a uniform, how to march, how to salute etc. You will also have the ability to attend (and in the future lead) encampments often held at military installations. There are also physical requirements which can help you as prepare for the CFA.

14. Not sure if your parents attended college.

15. Is there an opportunity to get involved in a school newspaper?

16. Not sure if you are a first generation American.

17. Not sure if you have lived through a hardship.

Most of the items on this list are within your control. Find your passions and pursue them and seek out leadership positions everywhere. If opportunities for community service don't exist create them yourself. You can start collecting clothing and noperishable items for Ukrainian refugees TODAY....some church or non profit will get them where they need to be. Recruit your friends to help you. Leadership is more than checking a box within an existing organization.

Also people typically do better on the SAT or the ACT. I would suggest sitting for proctored practice exams under time restrictions for both tests. My DD was able to take each for free at our library. Figure out which test you are better suited to, and do as much test prep as you can over the next year. Apply for Summer Seminar next year. SAs also seem to place a lot of weight in Boys/Girls State.

To answer your question about whether you should even apply....Wayne Gretzky famously said "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." Take your shot. Good luck!
 
17 seems a bit subjective. One person's hardship may be anothers norm. My son's mother died when he he was 8. But we were still a family and made the best of the situation with a lot of support. The whole thing sucked, and it was certainly emotionally hard, but compared to someone who lost both parents or was physically abused or something horrible happened to the whole family, who is to say????
 
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