USNA graduates willing to answer various questions about the Academy.

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Noahfr77

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Hello, everyone. I am currently a sophomore in high school, and have recently been informed about the USNA. I am intrigued by the Academy, however, would like to learn more about it beyond the research I have been conducting.

I was hoping to get in contact with a USNA graduate willing to answer many questions that I have about the academy. Some questions include: admissions and preparing in terms of high school academics and ECAs, plebe summer and plebe year, overall experience at the USNA, and many more.

Thank you in advance.
 
Your subject line sounds like you are a USNA grad willing to offer input to others, so you probably won't get as many replies as you expected.

There are hundreds of older threads that cover all of the general information about USNA. I would start there and also read the USNA website so you can ask more specific questions.
 
Noahfr77 said:
Hello, everyone. I am currently a sophomore in high school, and have recently been informed about the USNA. I am intrigued by the Academy, however, would like to learn more about it beyond the research I have been conducting.

I was hoping to get in contact with a USNA graduate willing to answer many questions that I have about the academy. Some questions include: admissions and preparing in terms of high school academics and ECAs, plebe summer and plebe year, overall experience at the USNA, and many more.

Thank you in advance.
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It never hurts to start early.

Just as there are thousands of USNA graduates, there will be thousands of perceptions and opinions in the very broad topics you mention. While talking with USNA grads will be helpful as additional perspectives, what is true for a grad of this year, 10 years ago, 20 years ago, may not be for someone who may be a grad 6-7 years from now.

The below note is my standard advice for someone just starting to explore service academies and ROTC, and thinking about becoming a commissioned officer.

The SA and NROTC Scholarship application process in itself is a test of YOUR perseverance, attention to detail, planning and execution skills. The traits of initiative and self-sufficiency are much valued in future junior officers. If you own the process, do the work, and are responsible for it, then you will understand more about the decision, ask informed questions and be well-placed to make the right choices along the way.

Researching primary sources is a critical first step. The SA websites are the place to start.

If you haven’t already, read every page, drop down and link on USNA.edu. Much of what you seek is there - the process, the expected coursework, the majors, the career paths, etc. Take notes, build a timeline and plan of action and milestones (Navy term: “POAM”).

Go to your elected representatives’ websites, research their SA nomination process. Attend SA info nights.

Research other SAs and Services to figure out whether they are in play for you or not.

Build parallel Plans B, Plan C, Plan D, or whatever meets your comfort level. Research NROTC. Research the senior military colleges (SMC), many of which have NROTC. Have a candid talk with your parents about money and what’s available for you if you end up going to civilian college.
https://m.goarmy.com/rotc/courses-and-colleges/military-colleges.m.html

If you are a HS junior, there are things you can do this spring, giving teachers heads-up on what you’ll be asking them to do, getting their contact info so you can reach them over the summer.

If you are in your first two years of high school, this is a great time to do research and build your resumé of achievements in all areas. Explore USNA sports camps and USNA STEM camp as options to get to know more about USNA first-hand.
http://m.navysports.com/m/camps/navy-camps.html
https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/STEM.php

Here on SAF, review the Acronym List over in Community Information. Read the Stickies at the top of the Nominations forum. Use the Search function with search strings “chances” and “stats” to get a feel for what other candidates bring to the table. Browse the USNA and ROTC forums.

Have a plan for HS rising senior summer - Naval Academy Summer Seminar, Boys/Girls State, or other activities that show continued growth.
https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/NASS.php


If you are currently taking meds for any ADHD or have an IEP, and certain other conditions, be aware there are “stopped taking medication no later than, diagnosed less than x years ago” dates. Browse the DODMERB forum.

You family can help, especially when it comes to medical records and medical history, and support you as needed.

Take the time to look past USNA and be absolutely sure there are Navy or Marine Corps Officer career paths that appeal to you, and that you are prepared to do for at least 5 years after graduation. That’s the entire point of this.

Continue to enjoy HS life and don’t do anything bone-headed that can derail your dreams!
 
Add to above: There are many USNA grads who post here who will generously share their insights and experience. The more specific questions you ask, the easier it is for them to answer - especially if you have clearly researched the primary sources first and gotten answers to basic questions.
 
Noahfr77 said:
I was hoping to get in contact with a USNA graduate willing to answer many questions that I have about the academy. Some questions include: admissions and preparing in terms of high school academics and ECAs, plebe summer and plebe year, overall experience at the USNA, and many more.
Click to expand...

Contact your local Blue & Gold Officer. Not all BGO's are graduates, but should be able to answer the types of questions you have. That being said, the BGO does not exist to spoon feed you or get you admitted. Follow CAPT MJ's advise...do your homework, then contact the BGO with questions.

Your school counselor should know who the local BGO is...if not, you can find the name and contact information of an Area Coordinator on the Admissions website, and he/she can put you in touch with a local BGO.
 
But if you ask specific questions here, there are grads here who will try to give you a good answer.
 
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