Third Times a Charm?

A

anon3478

Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2021
Messages
59
I have been rejected from USNA twice now and am applying one more time. I'm currently a 3/C in NROTC at a 4-year university; however, I am not yet on scholarship. Giving up two years to start as a 4/C again seems to be a large sacrifice for someone who wants to go into naval aviation (longer time commitment). A pro is that, if admitted, I would be guaranteed a commission (which I am not yet 100% promised as a college programmer). I'm wondering if any other forum members know/are someone who has been in a similar situation and if it would still be worth it to apply. The academy has been a dream of mine for so long; yet, NROTC is also a wonderful program that I have learned to love.
 
Not an easy decision, but there have been many threads on this issue over the last year or more.
 
I knew a handful of 3rd time applicants in my class. 24 vs 22, really isn that big of deal in the scheme of things. Honestly, if USNA is still somewhere you would want to attend, then keep applying. Also, keep applying for NROTC scholarship and advanced standing. Use every door possible to achieve your dream.

If you see it as only ‘starting over’ then don’t reapply. USNA is different. There are tons of opportunities, if you take advantage of them. If you see it as a chance to gain maturity, education, a guaranteed path to a commission and all the training that is available, then reapply.
 
I'm in a similar boat as you, third time applicant but in Army ROTC and on scholarship (I have to see how much I would have to pay back IF I was accepted the third time). I kind of remember seeing some posts about third time applicants during my first and second time applying so we do exist lol.
 
NavyHoops said:
I knew a handful of 3rd time applicants in my class. 24 vs 22, really isn that big of deal in the scheme of things. Honestly, if USNA is still somewhere you would want to attend, then keep applying. Also, keep applying for NROTC scholarship and advanced standing. Use every door possible to achieve your dream.

If you see it as only ‘starting over’ then don’t reapply. USNA is different. There are tons of opportunities, if you take advantage of them. If you see it as a chance to gain maturity, education, a guaranteed path to a commission and all the training that is available, then reapply.
Click to expand...
I am definitely focused on a commission. I dont see it as "starting over" more as adding on a bit more time to better train as a midshipman before commissioning.
Thank you for this reply!
 
Go after it and complete the application. Leave it all on the court. Let your thoughts continue to percolate until it’s time to make a decision to accept an appointment if offered. That is likely some months down the road. If not offered an appointment, you will know you gave it your best shot and can choose to let that particular dream go.

If you are offered an appointment and decide to accept, you will be well-positioned with your exposure and military knowledge to do well and serve as a peer leader. It will still not be anything like you have experienced to date. Heed @NavyHoops . There will be people in your age range, college re-applicants, prior enlisted, etc. Don’t borrow worry from the future about the aviation path. Deal with that when it’s time. You’ll have to trust those of us with a few more years on the planet, you are not teetering at grave’s edge a few years later in your twenties.

Best of all, you are in a program you like! You are running TO something, rather than AWAY, which is usually healthier.
 
My son has a member of his Company at USNA who got in on the third try (after three years in college).
This year is the first time he's been a senior, so he's got that going for him. ;)

You can't do it if you don't try, that's for sure.
 
Capt MJ said:
Go after it and complete the application. Leave it all on the court. Let your thoughts continue to percolate until it’s time to make a decision to accept an appointment if offered. That is likely some months down the road. If not offered an appointment, you will know you gave it your best shot and can choose to let that particular dream go.

If you are offered an appointment and decide to accept, you will be well-positioned with your exposure and military knowledge to do well and serve as a peer leader. It will still not be anything like you have experienced to date. Heed @NavyHoops . There will be people in your age range, college re-applicants, prior enlisted, etc. Don’t borrow worry from the future about the aviation path. Deal with that when it’s time. You’ll have to trust those of us with a few more years on the planet, you are not teetering at grave’s edge a few years later in your twenties.

Best of all, you are in a program you like! You are running TO something, rather than AWAY, which is usually healthier.
Click to expand...
This is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you so much.
 
My youngster had (pre shotgun) a company mate who is older…applied a few time, and enlisted. He is doing very well. Has leadership roles (not as common for youngsters), and is mentored specifically for a unique path. So just because you are starting over, doesn’t mean NECESSARILY that what you did before, is ‘wasted’. There will be opportunities you will be able to take advantage of that perhaps wouldn’t be there as a direct HS admission.

Go for it!! I still cannot believe the opportunities my boys have had. That they wouldn’t in ROTC. In the end, it’s all the same. But the ride to get there is different. Last summer was FANTASTIC.

Good luck!
 
I was a three-time applicant and I am now a Plebe here at the Naval Academy. It was hard to finish the application that last cycle because I had lost faith in myself and felt that an appointment would never come. All I can say is keep the motivation and finish the application! You never know what is going to happen.

Although I am only a Plebe and have not experienced much of the Naval Academy, I can say it was well worth it reapplying to come here. Plebe Summer was one of the greatest summers of my life and it was a great experience that I would not trade for anything.

If you have any questions just let me know, I really hope you get a shot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top