lana5candidate
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What do you think got you accepted for an appointment over the competition?
To those who are accepted. . .
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BlueLivesMatter
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I think you should just work on putting together the best possible application for yourself and try not to worry about the competition. If you read through the forums you will see that there are so many variables to getting accepted into one of the service academies. Try your hardest to always do your best and after that the decision is beyond your control. I wish you luck and always have alternative plans ready.
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Pretty sure it was a clerical error that got me in
While I appreciate all the just try your best and focus on you replies, I’ll answer your question. I think I was accepted because I demonstrated the ability to be successful in a rigorous curriculum through the courses I picked, my grades in them, and my math SAT scores. I checked enough of the other boxes to demonstrate a propensity for leadership and adaptability to their environment. Finally I explained clearly why I wanted to serve and what I envisioned for a career path after the Academy.
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In looking at my history I can honestly only put my acceptance in one of three categories
1. Clerical error
2. Determination
3. Luck
My HS GPA was 2.8, My SAT was less than 1100, I got D's in science classes my HS Senior year. I was denied my first application and ghosted my second. I went to community college for two years and had no real documented grades to show for it.
When I applied the third time, the Dir. of Admissions called me and asked me "we're looking at your record and we are wondering. What exactly have you been doing for the last two years?" ... totally true story and I can remember the moment like it was yesterday.
There probably was some luck involved in terms of who I was up against that year and some bonus points for determination.
In the end, after a less than stellar scholastic effort I managed to eventually graduate (6-year plan) and unlike many of my classmates I still work in the maritime industry, 20+ years later.
lana5candidate
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Wow that's quite a story. It sure is an inspiration. I have a feeling I'm lower on the NWL, and am most likely going for another go-around next year.
I gotta ask: what was your response to Admissions question?
He's a '97 grad, the admissions structure, technology, and people are 100% different than they were 23 years ago. Respond the best way you can that articulates your desire to attend and what you bring to the table as an individual and as part of a team.
I cant imagine going to CC for 2 years and then KP for 6 though. Cruel and unusual punishment.
I feel that it may have been the same for me, although I didn't have to try as many times as you. I got lucky on the first go 'round, but I was a very early alternate. . .
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Like Mr2020 said, things are very different today. I am fairly certain that today I would not even have gotten the courtesy of that phone call. Today I am fairly certain I would neither get admitted, nor graduate.
As for my answer, I just laid it out honestly. I have been doing this for this reason and not doing that for that reason. It is possible that my desire to attend KP and my desire to work in the industry long term swayed them. I had known since I was 15 exactly what I wanted to do and KP was the only school I applied to.
As for the cruel and unusual part ... KP is what you make of it both good and bad.
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Kings Point must have had the A team working in admissions when I applied and didn't get accepted... but at the end of a 34 year career at sea as a licensed deck officer I can say that rejection didn't stand in the way of where I wanted to go..