USNA summer seminar and stats

N

Navyaddict

Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2024
Messages
36
I am a high school junior and just recently started looking into USNA around mid-February. I know it's kind of late now to be improving my stats to even have a chance of getting in, but looking into the academy and seeing everything they offer lit something inside of me and it's making me a little crazy lol. It isn't a short-term infatuation either, I'm not completely sure why but I just want to do everything I can to be able to get into this academy and into the summer program. From all my research I understand that the summer seminar doesn't decide whether you have a good chance of getting into the academy or not but getting in would be a huge motivation and a step toward my goal.

Because I just recently have come to decide that USNA was where I wanted to go in the future my stats aren't the best compared to many others but they are not the worst either

My school has no rank system but it is an extremely competitive school

Weighted GPA: 3.5
Unweight GPA: 3.7
APs: AP World, AP Seminar, AP Composition, AP Calculus AB
In my senior year, I am planning to take AP Photography, AP French, AP Physics, and AP Statistics or AP Precalc

Some current classes I have taken or am taking now I would like to mention are Earth Science, Living Environment w lab, Chemistry w lab, Regent Physics w Lab, Intro to Engineering, and Civil Engineering and Architecture
I have also taken all the required math classes before AP Calculus AB because I am in the double Excel program

My PSAT score: 1360
630 Reading and Writing 730 Math

My ACT score: 31
30 Math 29 Science 28 English 35 Reading
I plan to retake this and try to get a 34-35 score

For School Clubs:
I am a candidate for NAHS
I am a member of the Engineering Club (Just Started going)

For my sports:
I have been on the Varsity Swim Team for 3 years so far (and hope to get captain my senior year)
I swam a lot outside school too until the end of Freshman year when I had to get jaw surgery so I stopped but I still swim in school
I was awarded MIP by my coach
I have received Divison and County awards throughout my three years
I also do boxing outside of school (no competitions though)

For my extracurricular:
Before I decided to choose the NAVY, a lot of my focus went toward art so I have many years of art experience
I have won 2 gold keys in Scholastic Arts, and a couple of silvers too
I attended a pre-college at SVA for interior design
I attended a pre-college at RISD for architecture
I attended a pre-college for Debate called VBI
I think I am part of the Debate Honor Society (Not sure of this yet)

Community service:
A lot of this I just recently started because I understood how important this was for the academy and how important it was to help the community
Graphic designer for a non-profit organization (I had been doing this for a while before I even decided on USNA)
Volunteer at my local library (only about 3 hours)
A volunteer tutor (I tutor about 2-3 hours a week) (8 hours currently)
A volunteer at my local food bank (about ten hours now)
A volunteer at a local teaching place (about twelve hours now) (I do 6 hours a week and just started two weeks ago lol)

Extra stuff:
I have my lifeguarding certificate and a swim instructor certificate

Any tips on improving my stats would be greatly appreciated.
Also, What are my chances of getting into NASS?
 
I should probably include some more stuff about my summer application lol
I applied as soon as I could after I found out about it so around the end of February
I only applied for session 1 ( I didn't realize we could apply for more than one session)
I have A's and B's so that's not the best
I wrote a pretty banger 1000 character paragraph, but it uses a lot of complex words and I'm a little afraid it sounds too much like a robot wrote it
I wrote in the extra remarks category how my cousin who has been enlisted in the navy for 5 years and is an E-5 is one of my inspirations

I really do hope I get into the summer seminar I check my email for it almost every hour of my day, it would motivate me a lot, but if I don't I also applied for Westpoint SLE and I plan to possibly get a lifegaurding job over the summer

What do you guys think of my chances and when do you think I will get a reply?
 
From what I've been told by some USNA admissions officers, your chance of getting into NASS can be influenced a lot by where you live (you don't need to share that specific information btw). If you live in an area that's pretty close to the naval academy or live in an area with a large naval presence, then your chances (generally) aren't as high as someone who comes from an area that doesn't get as many USNA applicants. The same USNA admissions officers told me that this is mainly due to NASS being a "marketing program" that tries to attract students from across the nation. In my opinion, your stats seem good enough to get in. My two recommendations would be to try to get your GPA up a little higher, and try to get strong leadership positions (which you seem to be trying to do). As for when you will get a reply, I can't say. Just know that USNA is a little swamped at the moment with applications for the class of 2028, so just be patient and you will eventually get your decision.

Also, I would recommend applying to AIM at the Coast Guard Academy. I did it virtually, but I know some people who did it in-person and they said that it was a lot closer to the "academy experience" than NASS.
 
One key point is that the majority of cadets and midshipmen at the SAs did not attend the summer seminars at their respective schools. The programs are fairly small. As you noted, it would be 'nice' to attend. I advise my students, however, that the one big benefit is that they have started the application process and will be able to achieve candidate status in a timely manner.

I think your credentials looks good. Continue your nice work and use the summer to expand your résumé. I think the lifeguard position would be a great addition. Add in some other leadership engagements as you can. Prepare now for the CFA and line-up the different recommendations and evaluations that you will need for nominations and the USNA application.

I'm sure others will make some additional comments. Good luck!
 
Aviation Nation 1 said:
From what I've been told by some USNA admissions officers, your chance of getting into NASS can be influenced a lot by where you live (you don't need to share that specific information btw). If you live in an area that's pretty close to the naval academy or live in an area with a large naval presence, then your chances (generally) aren't as high as someone who comes from an area that doesn't get as many USNA applicants. The same USNA admissions officers told me that this is mainly due to NASS being a "marketing program" that tries to attract students from across the nation. In my opinion, your stats seem good enough to get in. My two recommendations would be to try to get your GPA up a little higher, and try to get strong leadership positions (which you seem to be trying to do). As for when you will get a reply, I can't say. Just know that USNA is a little swamped at the moment with applications for the class of 2028, so just be patient and you will eventually get your decision.

Also, I would recommend applying to AIM at the Coast Guard Academy. I did it virtually, but I know some people who did it in-person and they said that it was a lot closer to the "academy experience" than NASS.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for your input!! I will take a look at AIM and probably apply to that too, the more the merrier. Im also in New york, not the city though, specifically Long Island. Im not sure if it is considered one of those areas that are influnced naval wise or near the naval academy, but I know westpoint is in new york.
 
Academician said:
One key point is that the majority of cadets and midshipmen at the SAs did not attend the summer seminars at their respective schools. The programs are fairly small. As you noted, it would be 'nice' to attend. I advise my students, however, that the one big benefit is that they have started the application process and will be able to achieve candidate status in a timely manner.

I think your credentials looks good. Continue your nice work and use the summer to expand your résumé. I think the lifeguard position would be a great addition. Add in some other leadership engagements as you can. Prepare now for the CFA and line-up the different recommendations and evaluations that you will need for nominations and the USNA application.

I'm sure others will make some additional comments. Good luck!
Click to expand...
I plan to work as hard as I can to try and get in
I also got a personal trainer to help me prepare for the CFA so im going to destroy that test when Im ready
Getting into the summer seminar would be awesome but what you said is also correct, Im glad I started the application process now and showed that I am intrested
Not getting in will only motivate me to continue working hard and becoming the best

Thank you for your advice!!
 
Have you applied to Boys State? Or Girls State? Unclear if you are a male or female candidate and no need to tell me.

Keep focused. You are on the right track.
 
Heatherg21 said:
Have you applied to Boys State? Or Girls State? Unclear if you are a male or female candidate and no need to tell me.

Keep focused. You are on the right track.
Click to expand...
No I haven’t applied to Girls State but this is my first time hearing about it! I will take a look at it and probably apply for it too :)
 
Navyaddict said:
No I haven’t applied to Girls State but this is my first time hearing about it! I will take a look at it and probably apply for it too :)
Click to expand...
If applications haven’t closed they will asap. Fill out the app and then immediately reach out to your local American Legion post to express your interest.

Excellent Leadership experience and laboratory. Memories to last a lifetime and friendships and mentors that extend long beyond the end of the week. At least that has been our DS’s experience.
 
Navyaddict said:
I am a high school junior and just recently started looking into USNA around mid-February. I know it's kind of late now to be improving my stats to even have a chance of getting in, but looking into the academy and seeing everything they offer lit something inside of me and it's making me a little crazy lol. It isn't a short-term infatuation either, I'm not completely sure why but I just want to do everything I can to be able to get into this academy and into the summer program. From all my research I understand that the summer seminar doesn't decide whether you have a good chance of getting into the academy or not but getting in would be a huge motivation and a step toward my goal.

Because I just recently have come to decide that USNA was where I wanted to go in the future my stats aren't the best compared to many others but they are not the worst either

My school has no rank system but it is an extremely competitive school

Weighted GPA: 3.5
Unweight GPA: 3.7
APs: AP World, AP Seminar, AP Composition, AP Calculus AB
In my senior year, I am planning to take AP Photography, AP French, AP Physics, and AP Statistics or AP Precalc

Some current classes I have taken or am taking now I would like to mention are Earth Science, Living Environment w lab, Chemistry w lab, Regent Physics w Lab, Intro to Engineering, and Civil Engineering and Architecture
I have also taken all the required math classes before AP Calculus AB because I am in the double Excel program

My PSAT score: 1360
630 Reading and Writing 730 Math

My ACT score: 31
30 Math 29 Science 28 English 35 Reading
I plan to retake this and try to get a 34-35 score

For School Clubs:
I am a candidate for NAHS
I am a member of the Engineering Club (Just Started going)

For my sports:
I have been on the Varsity Swim Team for 3 years so far (and hope to get captain my senior year)
I swam a lot outside school too until the end of Freshman year when I had to get jaw surgery so I stopped but I still swim in school
I was awarded MIP by my coach
I have received Divison and County awards throughout my three years
I also do boxing outside of school (no competitions though)

For my extracurricular:
Before I decided to choose the NAVY, a lot of my focus went toward art so I have many years of art experience
I have won 2 gold keys in Scholastic Arts, and a couple of silvers too
I attended a pre-college at SVA for interior design
I attended a pre-college at RISD for architecture
I attended a pre-college for Debate called VBI
I think I am part of the Debate Honor Society (Not sure of this yet)

Community service:
A lot of this I just recently started because I understood how important this was for the academy and how important it was to help the community
Graphic designer for a non-profit organization (I had been doing this for a while before I even decided on USNA)
Volunteer at my local library (only about 3 hours)
A volunteer tutor (I tutor about 2-3 hours a week) (8 hours currently)
A volunteer at my local food bank (about ten hours now)
A volunteer at a local teaching place (about twelve hours now) (I do 6 hours a week and just started two weeks ago lol)

Extra stuff:
I have my lifeguarding certificate and a swim instructor certificate

Any tips on improving my stats would be greatly appreciated.
Also, What are my chances of getting into NASS?
Click to expand...
You look fine...as competitive as most. Keep your head up and keep pushing forward! Two things stand out as typos/just don't make sense. Your UW GPA is higher than your weighted score....believe those are backwards as never seen that! Also...why AP Precalc senior year after already completing AP Calc AB? I would do AP Calc BC or just the AP Stats if you're not up for BC.
 
Heatherg21 said:
If applications haven’t closed they will asap. Fill out the app and then immediately reach out to your local American Legion post to express your interest.

Excellent Leadership experience and laboratory. Memories to last a lifetime and friendships and mentors that extend long beyond the end of the week. At least that has been our DS’s experience.
Click to expand...

Georgia Hokie said:
You look fine...as competitive as most. Keep your head up and keep pushing forward! Two things stand out as typos/just don't make sense. Your UW GPA is higher than your weighted score....believe those are backwards as never seen that! Also...why AP Precalc senior year after already completing AP Calc AB? I would do AP Calc BC or just the AP Stats if you're not up for BC.
Click to expand...
Yea I switched my gpa’s up by accident, weighted and unweighted always confuse me loll

and thats why Im not sure if I should do Ap pre calc or not. I was considering AP Calc BC, but I am not the best at math and feel that class would be hard for me. Additionally, in my school AP calc BC is a double period every other day and I dont have space in my schedule to fit it anyways. I was thinking that I’m already ahead in math so if I took AP precalc that would look better for my pre calc stuff, but now that im thinking about it, it is a little silly to go back a math level. I will probably end up taking AP Stats. Thank you!
 
Navyaddict said:
I am a high school junior and just recently started looking into USNA around mid-February. I know it's kind of late now to be improving my stats to even have a chance of getting in, but looking into the academy and seeing everything they offer lit something inside of me and it's making me a little crazy lol. It isn't a short-term infatuation either, I'm not completely sure why but I just want to do everything I can to be able to get into this academy and into the summer program. From all my research I understand that the summer seminar doesn't decide whether you have a good chance of getting into the academy or not but getting in would be a huge motivation and a step toward my goal.

Because I just recently have come to decide that USNA was where I wanted to go in the future my stats aren't the best compared to many others but they are not the worst either

My school has no rank system but it is an extremely competitive school

Weighted GPA: 3.5
Unweight GPA: 3.7
APs: AP World, AP Seminar, AP Composition, AP Calculus AB
In my senior year, I am planning to take AP Photography, AP French, AP Physics, and AP Statistics or AP Precalc

Some current classes I have taken or am taking now I would like to mention are Earth Science, Living Environment w lab, Chemistry w lab, Regent Physics w Lab, Intro to Engineering, and Civil Engineering and Architecture
I have also taken all the required math classes before AP Calculus AB because I am in the double Excel program

My PSAT score: 1360
630 Reading and Writing 730 Math

My ACT score: 31
30 Math 29 Science 28 English 35 Reading
I plan to retake this and try to get a 34-35 score

For School Clubs:
I am a candidate for NAHS
I am a member of the Engineering Club (Just Started going)

For my sports:
I have been on the Varsity Swim Team for 3 years so far (and hope to get captain my senior year)
I swam a lot outside school too until the end of Freshman year when I had to get jaw surgery so I stopped but I still swim in school
I was awarded MIP by my coach
I have received Divison and County awards throughout my three years
I also do boxing outside of school (no competitions though)

For my extracurricular:
Before I decided to choose the NAVY, a lot of my focus went toward art so I have many years of art experience
I have won 2 gold keys in Scholastic Arts, and a couple of silvers too
I attended a pre-college at SVA for interior design
I attended a pre-college at RISD for architecture
I attended a pre-college for Debate called VBI
I think I am part of the Debate Honor Society (Not sure of this yet)

Community service:
A lot of this I just recently started because I understood how important this was for the academy and how important it was to help the community
Graphic designer for a non-profit organization (I had been doing this for a while before I even decided on USNA)
Volunteer at my local library (only about 3 hours)
A volunteer tutor (I tutor about 2-3 hours a week) (8 hours currently)
A volunteer at my local food bank (about ten hours now)
A volunteer at a local teaching place (about twelve hours now) (I do 6 hours a week and just started two weeks ago lol)

Extra stuff:
I have my lifeguarding certificate and a swim instructor certificate

Any tips on improving my stats would be greatly appreciated.
Also, What are my chances of getting into NASS?
Click to expand...
Ur chillin I got in last year and I didnt have all of this stuff.
 
Navyaddict said:
I am a high school junior and just recently started looking into USNA around mid-February. I know it's kind of late now to be improving my stats to even have a chance of getting in, but looking into the academy and seeing everything they offer lit something inside of me and it's making me a little crazy lol. It isn't a short-term infatuation either, I'm not completely sure why but I just want to do everything I can to be able to get into this academy and into the summer program. From all my research I understand that the summer seminar doesn't decide whether you have a good chance of getting into the academy or not but getting in would be a huge motivation and a step toward my goal.

Because I just recently have come to decide that USNA was where I wanted to go in the future my stats aren't the best compared to many others but they are not the worst either

My school has no rank system but it is an extremely competitive school

Weighted GPA: 3.5
Unweight GPA: 3.7
APs: AP World, AP Seminar, AP Composition, AP Calculus AB
In my senior year, I am planning to take AP Photography, AP French, AP Physics, and AP Statistics or AP Precalc

Some current classes I have taken or am taking now I would like to mention are Earth Science, Living Environment w lab, Chemistry w lab, Regent Physics w Lab, Intro to Engineering, and Civil Engineering and Architecture
I have also taken all the required math classes before AP Calculus AB because I am in the double Excel program

My PSAT score: 1360
630 Reading and Writing 730 Math

My ACT score: 31
30 Math 29 Science 28 English 35 Reading
I plan to retake this and try to get a 34-35 score

For School Clubs:
I am a candidate for NAHS
I am a member of the Engineering Club (Just Started going)

For my sports:
I have been on the Varsity Swim Team for 3 years so far (and hope to get captain my senior year)
I swam a lot outside school too until the end of Freshman year when I had to get jaw surgery so I stopped but I still swim in school
I was awarded MIP by my coach
I have received Divison and County awards throughout my three years
I also do boxing outside of school (no competitions though)

For my extracurricular:
Before I decided to choose the NAVY, a lot of my focus went toward art so I have many years of art experience
I have won 2 gold keys in Scholastic Arts, and a couple of silvers too
I attended a pre-college at SVA for interior design
I attended a pre-college at RISD for architecture
I attended a pre-college for Debate called VBI
I think I am part of the Debate Honor Society (Not sure of this yet)

Community service:
A lot of this I just recently started because I understood how important this was for the academy and how important it was to help the community
Graphic designer for a non-profit organization (I had been doing this for a while before I even decided on USNA)
Volunteer at my local library (only about 3 hours)
A volunteer tutor (I tutor about 2-3 hours a week) (8 hours currently)
A volunteer at my local food bank (about ten hours now)
A volunteer at a local teaching place (about twelve hours now) (I do 6 hours a week and just started two weeks ago lol)

Extra stuff:
I have my lifeguarding certificate and a swim instructor certificate

Any tips on improving my stats would be greatly appreciated.
Also, What are my chances of getting into NASS?
Click to expand...
Try to go to Boys State
 
Navyaddict said:
Community service:
A lot of this I just recently started because I understood how important this was for the academy and how important it was to help the community
Click to expand...
Community Service is nice to help the community but it is NOT IMPORTANT to the Academy. If your position has some leadership then it counts just like any other leadership position but Community Service itself does not give any admissions "points" for USNA. Now there are some
congresspeople (including my own) who do consider it when applying for a nomination and lots of high schools require some just to graduate but it does not take hundreds and hundreds of hours for this.
 
NASS is a recruiting tool. Acceptance does not always go to the "most competitive" candidates. Yes, there has to be some level of achievement, but USNA also looks for schools and areas and students who have historically been underrepresented at USNA. Thus, many excellent candidates are turned down b/c USNA doesn't need to promote itself in their area.

I didn't decide to apply to USNA until Memorial Day of my junior year, so it's okay to make the decision later than others.

Biggest thing I see is math as a senior. Statistics doesn't "count" as "math" for USNA the same way Calc does. If you've already taken A/B Calc (it wasn't entirely clear from your post), DO NOT take Pre-Calc now. It looks like you're trying to earn an "easy A" by taking a course that you've already mastered. Don't shy away from Calc B/C b/c it's "hard" because you will need to take or validate 3 semesters of Calc at USNA. Thus, if you go to USNA, you'll have to take it eventually. Now, if you think you'll get a low C to an F, then maybe don't take it.

Photography is ok as a 5th or 6th course, but it seems to be your 4th. You need a writing course -- English or history. AP French is ok if it is at an advanced level (4th year of h.s. French) which I assume it is. Stats is ok, but the overall schedule seems a bit thin/weak.

Other than that, you're on the right track. Do something productive with your summer -- work, camps, summer school, etc. Don't just sit around and "work on applications."

Best of luck!
 
OldRetSWO said:
Community Service is nice to help the community but it is NOT IMPORTANT to the Academy. If your position has some leadership then it counts just like any other leadership position but Community Service itself does not give any admissions "points" for USNA. Now there are some
congresspeople (including my own) who do consider it when applying for a nomination and lots of high schools require some just to graduate but it does not take hundreds and hundreds of hours for this.
Click to expand...
I am definitely trying to get a leadership position somewhere, though it is a bit difficult because a lot of my leadership positions in my school is based on popularity, and also I haven't participated enough in school clubs or activities to be a leader.

I do enjoy helping the community however, not just for the academy but because it just makes me feel good. I think I will try to get a position for one of the volunteer activities I do. I am also hoping for swim team captain, knowing any varsity sport captain looks super good.

Thank you!
 
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