Tips for getting into USNA

[Dylan_Chamb7.62]

I know this has been done to death most likely, so I appreciate your time and patience. I'm currently a junior in high school with a 4.46 weighted GPA (3.62 unweighted) and a 1370 SAT and ranked 198th out of 1102 people in my class. I'm not currently involved with a sport or ROTC, but I am a member of the band if that can be considered mildly adequate compensation. I've lettered in Science Nation Honor Society, am a member of National Honors Society, have received the Sudler Shield award, dedicate a minimum of 15.5 hours a week to marching band during marching season, am involved heavily with my church, and have done a large range of community service. I've submitted my preliminary application and I am waiting for USNA's response- not including the automated email. I'm getting ready to start my applications for my congressional nomination. Do you have any tips for me so I can have the best shot at receiving a nomination? Also how much does not being involved in a sport hurt me, I know something like 90% of midshipmen played varsity sports in high school. And lastly, can you give me any general advice that can help me now or down the road, because I've never wanted something more in my life and I'm willing to work for this.

 

[heypal]

Every year there are a lot of kids who get in without playing varsity sports. Those kids demonstrated very good leadership and athleticism in other ways. So doing fantastic on your CFA is probably the best way to demonstrate you are physically fit for USNA.

As for leadership, does your marching band have drum major positions open? Or maybe squad leader? If you do concert band see if you could also lead in some way there. Otherwise I'd just try to get involved in as much as you can.

Nominations are largely dependent on the competitiveness of your district, so make sure to apply for all nominations you are eligible for (everyone is eligible for at least 3, two senators and one congressperson).

The pinned threads in this forum have a ton of good information that will be important for you. Best of luck.

 

[CGQMforlife]

My DS attends an arts magnate school that offers very little in the way of sports. He has been accepted to USCGA and has a congressional nom for USNA and still apparently in the running for a spot. Two years ago a classmate from his school received an appointment and is currently finishing his third class year. List out section leader positions in every band you are in and definitely shoot for band Officer and drum major slots. The other thing you should probably work on is raising your test scores GPA (if possible ) and class rank. Also take as many AP classes as possible. My DS has a 3.88 unweighted GPA with six AP courses this year and a 34 on the ACT. His friend who got in was 3.92 GPA and 1480 on SAT

 

[Dylan_Chamb7.62]

As for leadership, does your marching band have drum major positions open? Or maybe squad leader?

My band has both. I'm running for squad leader and I have a very good chance of getting that. I went for squad leader because in the past drum majors have been exclusively for women only. Additionally I forgot to mention I currently have a minor leadership position, kind of a prerequisite to squad leader, in which i'm responsible for teaching people who need extra instruction in addition to people who missed.

 

[Dylan_Chamb7.62]

My DS attends an arts magnate school that offers very little in the way of sports. He has been accepted to USCGA and has a congressional nom for USNA and still apparently in the running for a spot. Two years ago a classmate from his school received an appointment and is currently finishing his third class year. List out section leader positions in every band you are in and definitely shoot for band Officer and drum major slots. The other thing you should probably work on is raising your test scores GPA (if possible ) and class rank. Also take as many AP classes as possible. My DS has a 3.88 unweighted GPA with six AP courses this year and a 34 on the ACT. His friend who got in was 3.92 GPA and 1480 on SAT

Thats great advice, I'll definitely shoot for band leadership positions next year. I took one AP class my freshman year (AP Human Geography), none my sophomore year, 3 this year (AP Chemistry, AP Spanish, AP English), and I'm slotted to take 4 next year (AP English, AP psychology, AP Stats, and AP Gov/Econ). But I'll definitely shoot for a higher SAT score, I hadn't planned on retaking it because it is above the average SAT score at USNA (1260 according to prepscholar), so thats definitely nice to know.

 

[CGQMforlife]

Thats great advice, I'll definitely shoot for band leadership positions next year. I took one AP class my freshman year (AP Human Geography), none my sophomore year, 3 this year (AP Chemistry, AP Spanish, AP English), and I'm slotted to take 4 next year (AP English, AP psychology, AP Stats, and AP Gov/Econ). But I'll definitely shoot for a higher SAT score, I hadn't planned on retaking it because it is above the average SAT score at USNA (1260 according to prepscholar), so thats definitely nice to know.

The average SAT is probably not a great indicator for SA admissions. There are recruited athletes who can be below the average but most people want to be way above the prepscholar average. At my DS’s BGO interview he was advised to retake the ACT. At the time he had a 32 which translates to a 1440 SAT. Also take as much stem course work as possible Calculus and Physics are paramount. Good luck to you

 

[Dylan_Chamb7.62]

The average SAT is probably not a great indicator for SA admissions. There are recruited athletes who can be below the average but most people want to be way above the prepscholar average. At my DS’s BGO interview he was advised to retake the ACT. At the time he had a 32 which translates to a 1440 SAT. Also take as much stem course work as possible Calculus and Physics are paramount. Good luck to you

Thank you, I appreciate it

 

[CGQMforlife]

Thank you, I appreciate it

Also after reading your initial post again I see you wrote that you have never wanted anything more than this in your life. What is it you want? To attend USNA or to become a commissioned officer? I encourage you to look at multiple commissioning options as well as USNA. NROTC at a senior military college like Texas A&M or VA Techcan be an excellent route as well and both have excellent marching bands within there Corps of Cadets. As for other service academies I encourage you to look into the Merchant Marine Academy ad it is another excellent route to commission as a Naval Officer. USNA is extremely competitive. You will need a good plan B andC and should start working towards those ASAP as well

 

[Dylan_Chamb7.62]

Also after reading your initial post again I see you wrote that you have never wanted anything more than this in your life. What is it you want? To attend USNA or to become a commissioned officer?

Both really. Its been a dream of mine for a while to be commissioned as an officer and it makes sense for my career plan. Additionally, after looking at the Naval Academy it has become my obsession. I would do anything to make it in and couldn't think of a college I would rather go to.

I encourage you to look at multiple commissioning options as well as USNA. NROTC at a senior military college like Texas A&M or VA Techcan be an excellent route as well and both have excellent marching bands within there Corps of Cadets. As for other service academies I encourage you to look into the Merchant Marine Academy ad it is another excellent route to commission as a Naval Officer. USNA is extremely competitive. You will need a good plan B andC and should start working towards those ASAP as well

I have also looked at the NROTC route but it pales in comparison to USNA. I might not have the best shot in the world at getting in, but I'd like to try. If I don't make it in that would be very disappointing but I do have other colleges lined up as backup plans.

 

[Heatherg21]

I would counter your thought about NROTC paling in comparison. No, it isn’t a SA. But it leads to the same outcome. A commissioned officer in the US Navy. Your choice of unit and school can directly affect the experience you may have there. But please don’t discount the officers NROTC produces. If service as an officer is your goal, discounting NROTC will not be a good look during interviews for nominations or BGO interviews.
Just a side note. The highest ranking military officer active duty today I believe is a product of an ROTC program.

 

[Dylan_Chamb7.62]

I would counter your thought about NROTC paling in comparison. No, it isn’t a SA. But it leads to the same outcome. A commissioned officer in the US Navy. Your choice of unit and school can directly affect the experience you may have there. But please don’t discount the officers NROTC produces. If service as an officer is your goal, discounting NROTC will not be a good look during interviews for nominations or BGO interviews.
Just a side note. The highest ranking military officer active duty today I believe is a product of an ROTC program.

Thats a good point that I hadn't considered, I'm glad you said that. All the advice I can get is greatly appreciated. I was in no way discrediting ROTC programs, I was just saying that if possible I would prefer to go to USNA. But I can definitely see how that came across wrong and I appreciate you pointing that out so I can avoid that mistake in the interviews.

 

[Heatherg21]

Thats a good point that I hadn't considered, I'm glad you said that. All the advice I can get is greatly appreciated. I was in no way discrediting ROTC programs, I was just saying that if possible I would prefer to go to USNA. But I can definitely see how that came across wrong and I appreciate you pointing that out so I can avoid that mistake in the interviews.

More than anything, not just interview fodder, but if your goal is to serve, have a solid plan B-Z. Literally. The SA may not be your end game. If service as an officer leading others is your goal, make it so. With whatever path you can achieve.

 

[MidCakePa]

Every year there are a lot of kids who get in without playing varsity sports. Those kids demonstrated very good leadership and athleticism in other ways. So doing fantastic on your CFA is probably the best way to demonstrate you are physically fit for USNA.

Need to clarify a couple points here.

First, the percentage of mids who didn’t play a varsity sport in high school is consistently about 10% per year. I don’t think I’d call that “a lot.” It’s clearly possible to win offer of appointment without varsity sports, but it’s unusual.

Second, playing varsity sports is more about leadership aspects than about physical fitness. USNA determines fitness via the CFA. On the other hand, varsity sports are valued because they impart traits such as leadership, teamwork, perseverance, discipline, grit, persistence and time management.

 

[Dylan_Chamb7.62]

On the other hand, varsity sports are valued because they impart traits such as leadership, teamwork, perseverance, discipline, grit, persistence and time management.

I hadn't made that connection before, thats really helpful to know. Im keeping notes on all of the advice yall are giving me and that really helps. Thank you so much

 

[usna1985]

To follow up on MIdCake's excellent post . . . yes, each year there are successful candidates who don't do VARSITY sports. However, it's a small number (~10%) and, I can promise you, that number won't go up significantly. Some of those candidates may not be able to do / good enough for varsity sports (or equivalent) but are active in JV sports or rec leagues. IOW, they do sports, just not varsity sports. A small number may not be able to do sports b/c they have to work to help support their family or they have to take care of siblings after school so their parent(s) can work. I think you'll find that the number who choose not to do any sports is quite small.

Keep in mind that you will need to pass the PRT each year at USNA. To do that, you need either to be a "natural athlete" or you need to work out regularly. Mids are expected to participate in sports (intramural, club, varsity) throughout their time at USNA. There are some exceptions, but to be one of those, you'd better be doing well on the PRT. Finally, all mids must take PE, which includes swimming, boxing, and wrestling.

Thus, USNA is concerned about candidates who don't do sports. Will the candidate like all of the physical activity at USNA? Are they prepared to succeed in the physical mission? Ask yourself . . . how do I answer these questions? If you've never done sports, how do you know if you'll like it? How will you prepare yourself to succeed?

As an FYI, band is not considered a sport. It's an ECA just like being editor of your school newspaper or officer in a club, etc. Nothing wrong with band but, in the eyes of USNA, not a sport.

 

[ders_dad]

This from my youngster DS: if you consider yourself a good swimmer and you’re not a competitive swimmer in high school, then you’re probably not a very good swimmer. Do yourself a big favor and take swimming seriously

 

[OldRetSWO]

To follow up on MIdCake's excellent post . . . yes, each year there are successful candidates who don't do VARSITY sports. However, it's a small number (~10%) and, I can promise you, that number won't go up significantly. Some of those candidates may not be able to do / good enough for varsity sports (or equivalent) but are active in JV sports or rec leagues. IOW, they do sports, just not varsity sports. A small number may not be able to do sports b/c they have to work to help support their family or they have to take care of siblings after school so their parent(s) can work. I think you'll find that the number who choose not to do any sports is quite small.

Keep in mind that you will need to pass the PRT each year at USNA. To do that, you need either to be a "natural athlete" or you need to work out regularly. Mids are expected to participate in sports (intramural, club, varsity) throughout their time at USNA. There are some exceptions, but to be one of those, you'd better be doing well on the PRT. Finally, all mids must take PE, which includes swimming, boxing, and wrestling.

Thus, USNA is concerned about candidates who don't do sports. Will the candidate like all of the physical activity at USNA? Are they prepared to succeed in the physical mission? Ask yourself . . . how do I answer these questions? If you've never done sports, how do you know if you'll like it? How will you prepare yourself to succeed?

As an FYI, band is not considered a sport. It's an ECA just like being editor of your school newspaper or officer in a club, etc. Nothing wrong with band but, in the eyes of USNA, not a sport.

I really don't want to pick on this potential candidate but after many commenters said sports are important AND the potential candidate knows the stats AND posted this:

I've never wanted something more in my life and I'm willing to work for this.

Yet they are still not planning to do a sport. This baffles me.

Again, I've seen this same situation and commentary crop up from many candidates on here and it mystifies me.
If you're willing to work for this or, as some candidates state "Willing to do anything" to get in I just don't get why not get into a sport NOW?

 

[penguin05]

This from my youngster DS: if you consider yourself a good swimmer and you’re not a competitive swimmer in high school, then you’re probably not a very good swimmer. Do yourself a big favor and take swimming seriously

... last fall DS announced he was switching his winter sport to the HS swim team. We questioned why he was pivoting his Jr year from a sport he previously lettered in and he said, if I am interested in Navy it's probably a good idea to improve my swim skills.

 

[A1Janitor]

This from my youngster DS: if you consider yourself a good swimmer and you’re not a competitive swimmer in high school, then you’re probably not a very good swimmer. Do yourself a big favor and take swimming seriously

On the opposite spectrum ... my son wasn’t a good swimmer and didn’t practice. He is a sufficient swimmer now - USNA did a good job.

 

[Dylan_Chamb7.62]

To follow up on MIdCake's excellent post . . . yes, each year there are successful candidates who don't do VARSITY sports. However, it's a small number (~10%) and, I can promise you, that number won't go up significantly. Some of those candidates may not be able to do / good enough for varsity sports (or equivalent) but are active in JV sports or rec leagues. IOW, they do sports, just not varsity sports. A small number may not be able to do sports b/c they have to work to help support their family or they have to take care of siblings after school so their parent(s) can work. I think you'll find that the number who choose not to do any sports is quite small.

Keep in mind that you will need to pass the PRT each year at USNA. To do that, you need either to be a "natural athlete" or you need to work out regularly. Mids are expected to participate in sports (intramural, club, varsity) throughout their time at USNA. There are some exceptions, but to be one of those, you'd better be doing well on the PRT. Finally, all mids must take PE, which includes swimming, boxing, and wrestling.

Thus, USNA is concerned about candidates who don't do sports. Will the candidate like all of the physical activity at USNA? Are they prepared to succeed in the physical mission? Ask yourself . . . how do I answer these questions? If you've never done sports, how do you know if you'll like it? How will you prepare yourself to succeed?

As an FYI, band is not considered a sport. It's an ECA just like being editor of your school newspaper or officer in a club, etc. Nothing wrong with band but, in the eyes of USNA, not a sport.

Great info, thank you. I do plan to return to the gym regularly in less than a month and continuing to do that throughout my senior year to prepare for the CFA and just overall fitness. Would that be viewed as an acceptable replacement to a sport?