What things should I improve on?

BryceBryceBaby

BryceBryceBaby

USMA 2022
Joined
Oct 21, 2016
Messages
28
I am currently a junior and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for things to me to improve upon to increase my chances of getting into the US Naval Academy. I also want to have a solid resume by January when the Summer Seminar application opens. I am more than happy to hear any suggestions for additional things I need to do.

Here's my resume as of now: 4.4 GPA, 5s on AP Human Geography, AP US Government, and AP Psychology, Outstanding Performance Award for AP Human Geography, top 10 in my class, 28 on ACT (as of now; I plan to improve), 45 hours community service, Junior Class President, National Honors Society, Beta Club (Secretary), Beta Club Leadership Conference, Beta Club Nationals Qualifier next summer, varsity Scholars Bowl, Junior State of America (Representative), National Student Leadership Conference for Intelligence and National Security attendee, Directors' Student Advisory Council member, National Art Honors Society, National Speech and Debate Association Honors Society, Debate Team, Spanish Club, Key Club, participant for a regional geometry competition, Cross Country all throughout high school and next year, Varsity Wrestling my freshman year, Rookie of the Year for that, and Varsity Swimming since last year and throughout the rest of high school, and summer club Swimming the past two summers. I am currently taking or will be taking AP US History, AP English, AP Calculus AB and BC, and AP World History this year. I am hoping to get a higher ACT score and get nominated for Boys State (which I think I have a good shot at) in the near future. I will also take the PSAT this year. As for the CFT, I am working on improving all the events and I do not think failing will be a problem.

I am open to all suggestions of things to boost my resume for the USNA. Thank you in advance. I'm very glad I found this website, and I know it will be very helpful.
 
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I think there are more hours in your day... How do you have time for all those clubs?
 
Be sure to take chem and physics, if you've not already done so. It is more important to have leadership roles in a small number of activities than to be a member of many, many clubs.

Also, NASS is a recruiting tool. Where you live and attend school can be more important than your "resume." IOW, highly qualified candidates may be turned down b/c they live or attend school in a place where USNA is already well known. Obviously, you should try for it, but don't be too disappointed if it doesn't come through -- not being accepted to NASS is not necessarily an indication of your level of competitiveness for USNA.
 
Attend boys state. It adds a huge bump to your leadership scoring. It is one week during the summer between your junior and senior year. It is run by the American Legion http://www.legion.org/boysnation/stateabout
Investigate how to get a spot through your local legion.
 
Thanks for replying. I have two questions. How competitive is TN district 1 (east TN)? I can't find any website saying the competitiveness of each district. Also, when I start my preliminary application, can I list classes that I plan to take? I have already taken chemistry, but I will take physics my senior year.
 
I'm really hoping to get nominated for my school. I believe I have the qualifications, and when it gets closer to time for the teachers to nominate and vote, I will let just about every teacher in the building how bad I want to go. Do you know if there is a way to get a spot outside of being nominated from your school?
 
What are your ACT subscores? USNA only counts math and English, so disregard the others. A 28 ACT isn't horrible, but compared to the rest of your resume it looks below average, so that is, for sure, what I would focus on. Also should work to get high CFA scores.
 
I actually just took the ACT right now. I feel much better about it. But before, I had a 28 math and 32 English
 
BryceBryceBaby said:
I actually just took the ACT right now. I feel much better about it. But before, I had a 28 math and 32 English
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Try to focus on improving that Math ACT score. Remember that USNA is basically a STEM school and all Mids are required to take Calculus 1, 2 and 3.
 
OP. Very impressive resume. Keep up the good work.

My only suggestion is to start thinking about how you have used your skills and leadership abilities to make a difference in your school or community and be ready to communicate this to adults. Do you have any unique stories that demonstrate your leadership skills? I'm sure you do, but if not think about using one of your ECA leadership positions to make positive change.
 
BryceBryceBaby said:
Thanks for replying. I have two questions. How competitive is TN district 1 (east TN)? I can't find any website saying the competitiveness of each district. Also, when I start my preliminary application, can I list classes that I plan to take? I have already taken chemistry, but I will take physics my senior year.
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Hey, Bryce. I don't have an answer for you regarding the competiveness of District 1. I just wanted to say that I grew up in East Tennessee, in Cocke County. I still love going back there to visit my folks. Good luck in your application next year.
 
You asked for advice so here is mine:
Take ACT as many times as you can and prep for it and take SAT also. Get it as high as you can.
Try to be a captain in a team sport if possible.
Prep for your CFA so you can have a good showing on that. Some have certain areas that give them trouble (pull ups, the mile run...)
Go to boys state.
When is your state beta convention? Could you run for state officer?
You seem very well rounded. Just striving to improve.
Good luck
 
BryceBryceBaby said:
I'm really hoping to get nominated for my school. I believe I have the qualifications, and when it gets closer to time for the teachers to nominate and vote, I will let just about every teacher in the building how bad I want to go. Do you know if there is a way to get a spot outside of being nominated from your school?
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If you are asking about the Boy States nomination, each American Legion Post is different- but in our area- our high school had the ability to nominate more than one girl and boy, the students were given the application to fill out and they were interviewed by the American Legion Post. Do you have any volunteer experience with the American Legion? (so they see you and get to know you before the nomination/interview) Although your schedule sounds full, it is a very rewarding -volunteering with them (my DD and her fellow classmates tell me) - they met a lot of veterans and hear a lot of different views of military service.
 
In my area you can get a nomination from the HS or just pay to attend. It is not difficult to go. But it will be different for each area. Reach out to your local lodge or your guidance counselor and just ask.
 
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