What To Do in Middle School (USNA)

[FutureAVIATOR_USNA]

I am going to assume that FutureAviator_USNA understands all the academic requirements for USNA. Sports, PT score, and activities are things to work on.

I highly recommend U.S. Navy Sea Cadets, as it is more military focused than Boy Scouts. Sea Cadets is also individual focused, so the cadets can attend summer and winter trainings that appeal to them. My son loves Sea Cadets, and wishes he joined earlier (HS class 2025). Work out on own to max the PRT standards, and will easily max standards. I am not sure about USNA, but NROTC is 75 push ups, 3:25 minute plank, and 5:20 mile.

For sports, four year high school team sport is important, and captain in senior year is preferred. Individual sports can show excellence but not leadership. My son attends a charter school and is on track to be captain of basketball team junior and senior years. We are happy he is in a charter school, as our local public high school has 3000 kids and basketball is filled by AAU all-stars, so most kids can't start in basketball (football and baseball as well).

Scholar, Athlete, Leader!

Thank You for the help! My friend mentioned Sea Cadets to me after I told him about civil air service so now I am working on my sea cadets application. My sports are lax and sailing and I am a straight A student so I hope to be the captain of either teams in HS can't wait for my 13th b-day in a month when I can submit my application. Thanks!

 

[MD dd Dad]

If I recall my DDs application I don’t think anything she did in middle school could be used in the actual app. At this age spend more time on deciding if the Military life is what you want as opposed to putting all your efforts into a single school. I’d give that advise to anyone in middle school who is pinning everything on a single institution.

Sea Cadets is good for your age as well as many other also mentioned.

 

[Don't Give Up the Ship]

If I recall my DDs application I don’t think anything she did in middle school could be used in the actual app.

Perhaps...but: If a student takes some "Pre-AP" or other courses that count towards high school....these are considerations in the application (although not check list items). I know one successful USNA Appointee who took Physics with a Lab and Algebra I (both HS level courses) during the 8th grade (middle school). These credits counted and were used by his high school and therefore were part of his class rank etc.. He went on to take more advanced math and chemistry courses in HS. This same Appointee also played lots of baseball with his PONY level team (summer between 8th and 9th Grade) and went on to the World Series. He successfully used this experience in nomination and BGO interviews. The baseball continued during high school and the World Series experience was used as a demonstration of what he learned about hard work, defeat, winning, work ethic and persistence. He was able to articulate and connect the dots of some activity pre-high school. Not necessary, but if a candidate has that experience-he/she can show case it. A key to applications is to tell your unique story.

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

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Our daughter took Latin 1-3 in MS (6th-8th grade) … and took Algebra 1 & Geometry in MS too …

That’s fairly normal these days where we live …

 

[A1Janitor]

My son learned basic body functions around middle school.

Actually - we look back at it - he was the captain on a science team that won first place in an international science competition - astronomy. An English teacher lead it. His passion for stem was born - and he is now loving his life as an aero engineer major.

That teacher - more than any coach or high school teacher - is a key part to his success. She wrote the most amazing letter of recommendation. When he was offered an appointment, she hugged him and started crying. Said she has written many recommendations to service academies and none got appointed, and she was fearful he wouldn’t either. She told him she wants to be at his graduation.

There is a ticket available for her.

 

[FutureAVIATOR_USNA]

Perhaps...but: If a student takes some "Pre-AP" or other courses that count towards high school....these are considerations in the application (although not check list items). I know one successful USNA Appointee who took Physics with a Lab and Algebra I (both HS level courses) during the 8th grade (middle school). These credits counted and were used by his high school and therefore were part of his class rank etc.. He went on to take more advanced math and chemistry courses in HS. This same Appointee also played lots of baseball with his PONY level team (summer between 8th and 9th Grade) and went on to the World Series. He successfully used this experience in nomination and BGO interviews. The baseball continued during high school and the World Series experience was used as a demonstration of what he learned about hard work, defeat, winning, work ethic and persistence. He was able to articulate and connect the dots of some activity pre-high school. Not necessary, but if a candidate has that experience-he/she can show case it. A key to applications is to tell your unique story.

In 8th grade I will be taking 2 HS classes which are spanish 1b and Algebra 1 (I wish physics was an option that sounds fun). Thanks!