FY13 STA-21 Applicants

[Popo Jijo]

I didn't include my actual diploma on last years package. I guess it couldn't hurt anything. Just make sure that your degree is on your smart transcripts, It's the only way that you'll get the points for it.

Ok. I am going to put it in the college transcripts section. Hopefully that is a good spot. And as soon as I got the diploma in Jan. I submitted it and had it put on my smart transcripts. So that part is good to go.

Another question. Has anybody been selected using only ACT scores?
My ACT scores are better than my SAT, however, my ACT composite score due to the science portion. I know that this should not matter, but the composite score is the first thing you see when you look at the ACT score sheet. Just wondering.

 

[wlawr005]

I didn't even take the SAT.

 

[Popo Jijo]

I didn't even take the SAT.

That answers that question. Thanks.

 

[KevBot510]

So what is everyone's thought on mentioning previous applications in your personal statement. I had my watch officer read my first draft and he told me that when people read that you have applied before, it strikes the question "why didn't you get selected before?" How do you all feel about this and what advice have you all received?

I got picked up on my fourth try. I made it very clear in my personal statement AND the boards that I had applied so many times. Each time adding something more to my package. They want to see that determination and quantity of packages. The board knows that the numbers are continuing to go down every year and that not everyone is gonna get picked up on their first try, (unless you're baby nuke still at a training command). So it won't hurt you. My board liked it so it helped me.

 

[Popo Jijo]

When it comes to submitting High School/ College transcripts, should I submit the actual transcript itself, or make a copy and have Admin certify it to be a true copy?
Last year I submitted a certified copy. I am just wondering what everybody else is doing.

 

[sonarforce]

When it comes to submitting High School/ College transcripts, should I submit the actual transcript itself, or make a copy and have Admin certify it to be a true copy?
Last year I submitted a certified copy. I am just wondering what everybody else is doing.

Somewhere I read that the board said submit certified copies and to hold on to your officials.

 

[wlawr005]

Every question you have asked so far can be answered here.

 

[Popo Jijo]

Every question you have asked so far can be answered here.

I agree and understand that. But the instruction does not match. This is why I ask.

"Certified academic transcripts from every college attended (if applicable). For those who possess an accredited Associates Degree are strongly encouraged to verify that their degree is documented in their SMART and/or college transcript, otherwise, points will not be awarded." Sta-21 Website.

" (7) Certified copies of academic transcripts from each secondary (high) school, technical school, and college attended. A transcript combining credits from several schools is not sufficient. Transcripts must be legible and not altered in any way. Failure to disclose all academic records will result in disqualification. Final grade reports for courses in which the applicant is enrolled at the time of application will be accepted by mail or FAX transmission until 30 July, if the application package was postmarked by 1 July. NSTC’s FAX number for STA-21 is commercial (850) 452-2486/DSN 922. Note: if service record includes copies of these documents, the applicant’s administrative office may certify them to be true copies. The applicant should include their transcripts with the application and forward directly to NSTC (OD2/STA-21). No requirement exists for submission of official transcripts directly from the educational institution to NSTC. Transcripts received by the applicant should be removed from their envelopes and labeled as enclosures to the application." 1420.1B 8-9

I am just trying to clarify and put it at there to everybody who reads this forum, that is all. I am sure that I am not the only one who has wondered this.

 

[sonarforce]

I agree and understand that. But the instruction does not match. This is why I ask.

"Certified academic transcripts from every college attended (if applicable). For those who possess an accredited Associates Degree are strongly encouraged to verify that their degree is documented in their SMART and/or college transcript, otherwise, points will not be awarded." Sta-21 Website.

" (7) Certified copies of academic transcripts from each secondary (high) school, technical school, and college attended. A transcript combining credits from several schools is not sufficient. Transcripts must be legible and not altered in any way. Failure to disclose all academic records will result in disqualification. Final grade reports for courses in which the applicant is enrolled at the time of application will be accepted by mail or FAX transmission until 30 July, if the application package was postmarked by 1 July. NSTC’s FAX number for STA-21 is commercial (850) 452-2486/DSN 922. Note: if service record includes copies of these documents, the applicant’s administrative office may certify them to be true copies. The applicant should include their transcripts with the application and forward directly to NSTC (OD2/STA-21). No requirement exists for submission of official transcripts directly from the educational institution to NSTC. Transcripts received by the applicant should be removed from their envelopes and labeled as enclosures to the application." 1420.1B 8-9

I am just trying to clarify and put it at there to everybody who reads this forum, that is all. I am sure that I am not the only one who has wondered this.

I still have my official transcripts for high school and college that I ordered last year. I had my admin office certify them to be true copies; on the STA-21 application check list it shows that they can be certified to be true fwiw. I was selected as an alternate last year, so I think you should be good if you have them certified. Although, when in doubt, just send the originals.

 

[wlawr005]

Instead of trying to be clever, click the sample link next to STA-21 Applicant Checklist on the link I provided. It clearly states that certified copies are expected, not the originals. FWIW, you NEVER submit original copies of anything to anyone in any type of package...you aren't going to get them back.

Generally the website supercedes the instruction in this case. STA-21 can update the website faster than the instruction, so if something conflicts, go with the website.

You're welcome, and good luck.

 

[Keith Delgado]

I agree and understand that. But the instruction does not match. This is why I ask.

"Certified academic transcripts from every college attended (if applicable). For those who possess an accredited Associates Degree are strongly encouraged to verify that their degree is documented in their SMART and/or college transcript, otherwise, points will not be awarded." Sta-21 Website.

" (7) Certified copies of academic transcripts from each secondary (high) school, technical school, and college attended. A transcript combining credits from several schools is not sufficient. Transcripts must be legible and not altered in any way. Failure to disclose all academic records will result in disqualification. Final grade reports for courses in which the applicant is enrolled at the time of application will be accepted by mail or FAX transmission until 30 July, if the application package was postmarked by 1 July. NSTC’s FAX number for STA-21 is commercial (850) 452-2486/DSN 922. Note: if service record includes copies of these documents, the applicant’s administrative office may certify them to be true copies. The applicant should include their transcripts with the application and forward directly to NSTC (OD2/STA-21). No requirement exists for submission of official transcripts directly from the educational institution to NSTC. Transcripts received by the applicant should be removed from their envelopes and labeled as enclosures to the application." 1420.1B 8-9

I am just trying to clarify and put it at there to everybody who reads this forum, that is all. I am sure that I am not the only one who has wondered this.

Last year I submitted official transcripts and had them stamped certified true by my admin dept (prob overkill) and was selected as an alternate. It's not hard to get extra copies sent to you from your school so why not go the extra mile..

 

[jeeplovindad]

Last year I submitted official transcripts and had them stamped certified true by my admin dept (prob overkill) and was selected as an alternate. It's not hard to get extra copies sent to you from your school so why not go the extra mile..

Ultimately, it's your package. As a rule of thumb, you cannot go wrong if you present yourself IAW the instruction. I thought it mattered last year that I "went extra mile" and put all of the colorful documents into my package. After having had the opportunity to see a package a that was selected as 1 of 3 selectees (60+ applicants), I realized that your merits are all that they're looking for. Said package had hand-written enclosure marks and looked like it had been thrown together in a weekend. But there was no doubt, by looking at it that he was way more deserving of the selection that I was at the time. So, if it makes you feel better to submit originals, than do so. If not than don't. Both are on par with the instruction.

 

[Kristen Bates]

Hey everyone, this is random. But I occassionally would check the forum out last year when my husband applied for FY'12... he applied for the Nuclear option, but wasn't selected. I believe this is the last year he can apply for it since he'll be 24 in July. He seems to think his college transcripts (only his freshman and sophomore year) is what set him back. He had horrible grades in college due to personal reasons in which he explained in his personal statement. I think he averaged out about a 3.5ish during Nuclear Power school. Had great PFA scores since he's athletic. But I guess I always wonder more than him on why he wasn't selected. He's done with his schooling/training and he's been in the fleet in Groton for about 3 months already..with a couple underways done. He's currently in the process of trying to qualify on the sub! He's re-taking his ACTs in a couple of weeks to see if he can get a higher score and improve. While he is at work every day, I'm constantly trying to do my research and trying to help him in any way possible, so I broke down and decided to finally post on here after a year! If anyone has any tips or suggestions, they'd be much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[exNavyOffRec]

Hey everyone, this is random. But I occassionally would check the forum out last year when my husband applied for FY'12... he applied for the Nuclear option, but wasn't selected. I believe this is the last year he can apply for it since he'll be 24 in July. He seems to think his college transcripts (only his freshman and sophomore year) is what set him back. He had horrible grades in college due to personal reasons in which he explained in his personal statement. I think he averaged out about a 3.5ish during Nuclear Power school. Had great PFA scores since he's athletic. But I guess I always wonder more than him on why he wasn't selected. He's done with his schooling/training and he's been in the fleet in Groton for about 3 months already..with a couple underways done. He's currently in the process of trying to qualify on the sub! He's re-taking his ACTs in a couple of weeks to see if he can get a higher score and improve. While he is at work every day, I'm constantly trying to do my research and trying to help him in any way possible, so I broke down and decided to finally post on here after a year! If anyone has any tips or suggestions, they'd be much appreciated! Thanks!

Nukes have a strict screening process, if when he did bad his first 2 years that included calc and physics with grades of "C" or less him applying for NUKE option is a waist of time, even then the screening is very strict

 

[wlawr005]

If he's only 24, he still has time to apply. He can get a waiver up to 29 on a month-for-month basis for his enlisted time.