USNA Summer STEM

CrewDad

CrewDad

Annapolis 22 / Naval Aviation / NROTC 25
5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2018
Messages
750
Anyone heard from Admissions on Summer STEM Decisions? DD is a first time applicant to this wonderful program. Like to get more insight on the program takeaway from past participants, what your children walked away from the program and how the program impacted your children. Any experience you can share on timing of admissions decisions would be helpful. Thank you.
 
My DD loved Summer STEM. She’d been targeting USNA since 7th grade and applied unsuccessfully to STEM twice before finally getting in before 11th grade. She’s glad she persevered because it helped cement her desire to attend USNA.

Funny thing is, while she enjoyed the STEM stuff, she mainly loved just being on the Yard among mids. NASS was going on at the same time, and whenever she heard or saw or passed by that bunch, she wished she was with them instead. So this also reinforced her desire to attend NASS the following year, which she did.

One way or another, it seems like a win-win. You may decide USNA isn’t for you but realize how much you enjoy STEM. Or vice-versa. Or neither. Or both. But just learning that will pay off in the coming college-application process. And as long as you remember that going to STEM — or not — has zero bearing on your chance of receiving offer of appointment, all should be good.
 
Thank you @MidCakePa. It seems Summer STEM was a two prong win win for your DD. My DD is in 9th grade. Don’t have much passion in STEM but she’s an all around strong student including STEM. So thought the experience at USNA STEM can inspire her and enrich her in areas otherwise may not get on her radar. I believe in what you said that once on the Yard with her own purpose things may change. Do date she’s been on the Yard to see her brother so her visits had different purpose. If she is accepted perhaps she may take a different view on STEM. Thank you for sharing your family’s experience. Sounds wonderful!
 
MidCakePa said:
My DD loved Summer STEM. She’d been targeting USNA since 7th grade and applied unsuccessfully to STEM twice before finally getting in before 11th grade. She’s glad she persevered because it helped cement her desire to attend USNA.

Funny thing is, while she enjoyed the STEM stuff, she mainly loved just being on the Yard among mids. NASS was going on at the same time, and whenever she heard or saw or passed by that bunch, she wished she was with them instead. So this also reinforced her desire to attend NASS the following year, which she did.

One way or another, it seems like a win-win. You may decide USNA isn’t for you but realize how much you enjoy STEM. Or vice-versa. Or neither. Or both. But just learning that will pay off in the coming college-application process. And as long as you remember that going to STEM — or not — has zero bearing on your chance of receiving offer of appointment, all should be good.
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Very encouraging. My DD is on her 3rd attempt for entry now.
 
CrewDad said:
Thank you @MidCakePa. It seems Summer STEM was a two prong win win for your DD. My DD is in 9th grade. Don’t have much passion in STEM but she’s an all around strong student including STEM. So thought the experience at USNA STEM can inspire her and enrich her in areas otherwise may not get on her radar. I believe in what you said that once on the Yard with her own purpose things may change. Do date she’s been on the Yard to see her brother so her visits had different purpose. If she is accepted perhaps she may take a different view on STEM. Thank you for sharing your family’s experience. Sounds wonderful!
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This resonated with me from a MidSib perspective. I get what you are saying about being on the yard, but with a different purpose. Our junior is attending SS, and as a parent, my biggest reason for wanting him to attend is so that he can have his OWN unique USNA experiences. Every other visit has been in support of big bro. I’m looking forward to seeing what he comes away from his experience with!!
 
I went to STEM back in 2017 and loved it! I already knew from a young age I wanted USNA, so first and foremost it was an awesome experience staying on the Yard for the first time. My favorite parts of STEM were exploring the unique academic facilities, meeting new friends from all over the country, and connecting with and asking questions of midshipmen. It was an extremely valuable experience for me because it was the first time I was able to meet midshipmen and explore my academic interests in a fun, experimental way. No matter what DD decides to do, this program will help her to start exploring areas of study if she goes to a 4-year institution.
 
@Justdoit19. You hit the nail. I, too, am looking forward to finding out what DD would walk away from the program if enrolled. The desire to pursue STEM or the Academy is not in the DNA, rather conditioned by discovery, influence, and positive experience. Exciting journey for DD and the family. Her DB has signed up for both SS and STEM, but will be selected for only one, as part of his rising 3/C Summer Leadership. Either one would be great!
 
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@USNAismayplace. I really like the way you have prepared your path. I read your posts. You seem very mature, have a clear compass, and have strong mission management control over your aspirations. With your preparedness and attitude, you can excel at USNA and anywhere else the good Lord has plans for you. I am cheering for you along with others who are ready.
 
Congratulations! We’re still waiting to hear. Does anyone know if they send out notifications in different blocks for the sessions?
 
CrewDad said:
Anyone heard from Admissions on Summer STEM Decisions? DD is a first time applicant to this wonderful program. Like to get more insight on the program takeaway from past participants, what your children walked away from the program and how the program impacted your children. Any experience you can share on timing of admissions decisions would be helpful. Thank you.
Click to expand...

My daughter is currently a junior and attended STEM as a rising sophmore and she loved it. She applied in March and received an invite sometime in April and came back with stars in her eyes and said she wanted to go to USNA. She made some friends and they still send a group text every now and then. It was great experience for her! While she was there she came down with strep throat and didn't tell anyone including me. She said she knew if she told me then I would contact someone to make sure she saw a doctor and she wasn't about to miss any of it being sick. So she took ibuprofen and ignored it until she got home. I think that showed she was having a great time! :) As far as impact, I would say it made a huge impact on her. We are not a military family and I am embarrassed to admit I didn't really know USNA existed so it's not like she was raised learning about it. Right now her current ranking allows her to have automatic admission to any public university in the state if Texas and USNA is still her first choice...and it began with their STEM program. She did attend a CVW last month which just reinforced her desire to go and will be attending NASS this summer. Good luck to your DD!
 
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