Summer Seminar

Triple111

Triple111

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 16, 2009
Messages
79
Hey guys,

When do you apply for the summer seminar at the USNA? It says on the website it is for "high achievers who have completed their junior year in high school".

When do the applications start? The USAFA SS applications went out Dec. 1st and you're supposed to fill them out DURING your junior year, so I hope you guys see where my confusion is coming from.
 
USNA's NASS applications open on Feb. 1. It's all done on-line.

Just so everyone knows, NASS is a RECRUITING TOOL. Thus, it is NOT the case that the very best applicants always receive an acceptance. In particular, USNA is more likely to offer an acceptance to a candidate from a state, district, or school that historically has not sent students to USNA (or has had no applicants) than someone from places like northern VA, MD, etc. The hope/expectation is that these people will go back to their home areas/schools and "talk up" USNA. Thus, some extremely well-qualified candidates will be turned down for NASS while some (on paper) "lesser qualified" candidates may end up at NASS.

We can all debate whether the above is "fair," but it is stated USNA policy, at least as of last year. And one's attendance at NASS is a VERY MINOR factor in admissions -- being turned down is NOT necessarily a bad thing.
 
If you have yet to visit the Yard, I suggest you visit navysports.com and sign on for a sports camp. If you are a varsity athlete this can have a bonus of getting noticed by one of the coaches. Since the sports camps are available to some younger students, they can get a leg up on the visit scene.

Also, be aware that the STEM program will be posted and open for application on Feb 1 as well. This program is open to students between grades 7 and 8 and up through grade 10. Take a look at it.
 
I had the opportunity to attend NASS last June, and would strongly recommend applying for it. Although my high school has had a few graduates become Midshipmen in recent years, two of my classmates along with myself were also accepted for Seminar.

I applied the night the application went online, although I don't know if this promptness helped my application or not. I figured the earlier I applied the better a chance I had at getting in to the program.

The program itself was an amazing experience, and completely solidified my decision to pursue an appointment. Although I had been on the Yard many times before, and had talked to many graduates and current Mids, those five days gave me more of an idea of what life at the Naval Academy will be like than anything else. If you are interested in Annapolis, I would definitely encourage you to go to Seminar.
 
Future Midshipmen was in my company at NASS and is 100 percent correct, that week on the Yard either makes or breaks your want to go to the Naval Academy
 
I mostly agree with the above comments. Even though NASS does not really give an accurate picture of academy life, it does reflect life at USNA to the degree that it deters most who are not really interested. I attended, loved it, and pursued an appointment; however, I know candidates who attended, liked it, but also figured out that academy life was not for them. In addition, the opportunity to speak with Midshipmen, especially rising 2C, was priceless.
 
I completely agree with what's been said. Summer Seminar didn't give a full picture of academy life, but it gave enough to completely solidify my desire to compete for an appointment. It was absolutely wonderful (and I think essential) to spend a week LIVING at the Academy and being surrounded by the culture to help you make a decision. The application opens sometime in February. Best of luck!
 
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