what is meant by "rigor" of high school re: USNA

[CrewDad]

I know this thread is a week old and this is a little off topic but a question concerning class rank. It was mentioned multiple times in this thread that USNA puts most weight on test scores and class rank. Our DS is from small town USA, he is currently ranked 7 out 30, (GPA 3.8 and ACT 31). Not a great class rank at all. But it doesn't reflect fairly as most of the students ranked above him are not taking 'rigorous' classes schedules. Lots of students with shop, art, etc.. Nothing against these classes but you get what I am saying. DS started taking HS classes in MS and now supplements his schedule with online classes at the local community college. He is worried about this negatively affecting his chances. I told him he can not control it and to work on what he can control.

Am I correct in telling him not to worry? I know he does not attend a rigorous school by most standards but DS has made the best of what was available to him.

Midge. I think your DS will be just fine. I wouldn’t worry about it. Just have him keep doing well in his area of focus. Be sure to add Leadership ECs that are meaningful to him and to his community. Volunteering to lead is also leadership. Through his experience he will be able to articulate in his essays. That will be his moment to share his experience with Admissions and mature during the App process. By the end of the Appointment journey, you will be surprised the transformation your DS has taken. Both Appointment or ROTC National Scholarship are equally important to pursue in parallel. You are his personal chief of staff - his personal assistant, and he is the commander in charge of his destiny, to his personal success. You will enjoy the journey as his father. I certainly did! It’s not over yet until the I-Day or R-Day.