I just checked the USNA website and saw that session one for NASS begins this Saturday, 31 May. I went to NASS in 2012, and thought that it would be helpful to make a short post regarding what to expect.
First off, I will tell you that without a doubt Summer Seminar (what most of us called it as opposed to "NASS") was one of the most fun weeks of my entire life and I am glad I went. I actually got the letter of rejection earlier that spring so I was pretty bummed; however, I got a call from the academy saying a spot had opened up THREE days before session one began. So, even if you got rejected, there still is a possibility a spot could open up which means it's important to CHECK YOUR HOUSE PHONE or whatever number you gave them frequently so you don't miss your chance. This is especially true if you live in the Virginia, DC, Maryland, eastern Pennsylvania, and Delaware area since you'll be nearby enough to not have to make flight plans.
Second, while there you will probably notice as I did the sheer joy and satisfaction of being surrounded by HUNDREDS of high school students your age with the same passion as you: to serve their country as a military officer. It's a great feeling and I bonded with the people in my squad (Bravo 4-2 hooyah) in that short week better than I did with anyone else I had met in my life. I still keep in contact with them today even though only one of us got into the academy. So, enjoy the people you'll be around because they'll be like your family during that time.
Third, and arguably most important, you are there to experience and see what the academy has to offer. You'll be rudely awakened to yelling and music playing on a portable stereo (it was 2012 when I went so of course dubstep was playing), do PT in the morning, go to meals throughout the day, attend academic workshops, drill quite a bit, and do that day's special event (CFA, Arlington National Cemetery, Mini-Sea Trials). Just make the most out of every day and LEARN all you can about the academy. You'll even have a mock Plebe indoc night where it's basically a no holds barred boot camp for twenty or so minutes one of the last nights there. SPOILER ALERT DO NOT READ UNTIL AFTER YOU GO TO SUMMER SEMINAR BEGINNING NOW my company at least began this by telling us someone had smeared their "excrement" on a bulkhead (wall) in one of the heads (bathrooms) and we were all getting punished SPOILER OVER READ NOW so it'll be interesting to see what they say to begin this.
All in all, it is a great experience and while you will be exhausted at the end of each day, you will have a fun time and do something which will move you in the right direction. This is actually where I learned how to drill, which will obviously help you no matter what commissioning program you choose. Even if you decide you don't want to attend, still go because it's in my opinion the best high school summer camp in existence and you will still get a lot out of it. Feel free to ask any questions here. GET PUMPED!
First off, I will tell you that without a doubt Summer Seminar (what most of us called it as opposed to "NASS") was one of the most fun weeks of my entire life and I am glad I went. I actually got the letter of rejection earlier that spring so I was pretty bummed; however, I got a call from the academy saying a spot had opened up THREE days before session one began. So, even if you got rejected, there still is a possibility a spot could open up which means it's important to CHECK YOUR HOUSE PHONE or whatever number you gave them frequently so you don't miss your chance. This is especially true if you live in the Virginia, DC, Maryland, eastern Pennsylvania, and Delaware area since you'll be nearby enough to not have to make flight plans.
Second, while there you will probably notice as I did the sheer joy and satisfaction of being surrounded by HUNDREDS of high school students your age with the same passion as you: to serve their country as a military officer. It's a great feeling and I bonded with the people in my squad (Bravo 4-2 hooyah) in that short week better than I did with anyone else I had met in my life. I still keep in contact with them today even though only one of us got into the academy. So, enjoy the people you'll be around because they'll be like your family during that time.
Third, and arguably most important, you are there to experience and see what the academy has to offer. You'll be rudely awakened to yelling and music playing on a portable stereo (it was 2012 when I went so of course dubstep was playing), do PT in the morning, go to meals throughout the day, attend academic workshops, drill quite a bit, and do that day's special event (CFA, Arlington National Cemetery, Mini-Sea Trials). Just make the most out of every day and LEARN all you can about the academy. You'll even have a mock Plebe indoc night where it's basically a no holds barred boot camp for twenty or so minutes one of the last nights there. SPOILER ALERT DO NOT READ UNTIL AFTER YOU GO TO SUMMER SEMINAR BEGINNING NOW my company at least began this by telling us someone had smeared their "excrement" on a bulkhead (wall) in one of the heads (bathrooms) and we were all getting punished SPOILER OVER READ NOW so it'll be interesting to see what they say to begin this.
All in all, it is a great experience and while you will be exhausted at the end of each day, you will have a fun time and do something which will move you in the right direction. This is actually where I learned how to drill, which will obviously help you no matter what commissioning program you choose. Even if you decide you don't want to attend, still go because it's in my opinion the best high school summer camp in existence and you will still get a lot out of it. Feel free to ask any questions here. GET PUMPED!
