I know that the academies are very difficult to gain admission to, and that competition for an appointment is very high, but for all of you that go there or went there, or just know a lot about what they are looking for, I would greatly appreciate it. I am currently a sophomore in highschool, so I need to start preparing myself. Thanks.
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Getting In
- Thread starter Horseshoe
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FormerRecruitingGuru
Making Recruiting Great Again
Apply for the Summer Seminar your junior year of high school.
BlackBearHockey
go blue...
It will more tell you how competitive you are than anything. If you want sound advice for getting in, cover your bases by getting a nomination, getting good grades/test scores, and play a sport. The Academy isn't neccessarily about getting the best students, but the best well-rounded people.
Get a cram book. Get two. Go through them, and familiarize yourself with the kinds of questions that occur and how they will be asked.
Test taking is all about confidence.
At my school, classes are divided into 5 types. Phase 1 being the lowest, and Phase 4 being the highest. Phase 5 is AP.
My strongest subject is literature, which I am in phase 4. In science and math I am in phase 2s, but I do good. Will this hurt me that my strong subject is english/literature?
My strongest subject is literature, which I am in phase 4. In science and math I am in phase 2s, but I do good. Will this hurt me that my strong subject is english/literature?
JMMH
Ugh.
If your SAT scores aren't so hot consider taking one of the SAT prep classes some companies offer, I have had friends who thought they helped, but I've never taken one myself. Opt to take more advanced (honors and AP) classes if they are available rather than coasting in the easy ones. Extracurriculars definitely count more here than most schools, get involved in stuff, whether it be an athletic team, a community service organization, or a church group, get involved with something. Demonstrated leadership ability on the athletic field or within some organization means a lot here. Definitely talk to your blue and gold officer, and prepare well for your interview for a nomination with your congressman, be ready to answer the question "Why do you want to come to the Naval Academy?" don't make a prepared statement, just give it a lot of thought so you can give a good answer. Start thinking about which teachers and members of the community you can get references from. A good reference letter will really help when the admissions board is trying to decide which of two very similar candidates to accept. The competition is steep here, and there is certainly a lot of emphasis placed on SATs, but not having a 1500 doesn't mean you don't have a chance. The academies do tend to take a more whole person approach than other schools, because they are looking to develop you as a whole person, not just academically.
If your strong subject is english, make sure to use excellent grammar when you're writing your letters. Also, the interview is important. When I had my interview for the USNA, I had a former colonel come to my house; frankly, I was nervous as hell.
The thing I can't stress enough is be honest with him and with yourself. I almost decided to go to the Academy, but I finally realized it wasn't what I wanted to do. I gave him the answers I knew he wanted to hear, but not all of them were truthful, such as my motives for wanting to go.
But if you do get this far, just relax and be honest. The academy may or may not be for you.
Thisguy
Pain-in-the-dick
It won't hurt that your strongest subject is literature, but with any college that's extremely competitive, know that you're going up against students (who under your school's system) have taken classes in the 4-5 range in all subjects.
BlackBearHockey
go blue...
I know it's been touched upon, but I couldn't resist.
I've spoken with people very intimate with the selection of candidates, and I can tell you they want to see strong science and math. Even been told liberal arts majors aren't "real" (my backup is to work at McDonalds with my history degree). Bump up your math and science if you want any shot. When you sit there and try to rationalize or pump your tires, not saying you do but everyone does at some point, just remember there are 300 other people exactly like you, and chances are they're in better classes with better grades, so you need to do something to make yourself more appealing.
www.usna.edu is your best friend. Take a gander at the site, read, and ask for an admission packet. Basically, get on their radar now.
Just to give you an idea...
I have a friend who was accepted to the USNA this year.
She had a 4.something with all of the possible advanced / AP classes. Including Calculus, AP Us History / English / Psychology, etc... She got a 1220 on her SAT if I recall correctly (which isn't outstanding). Her PFT scores weren't the greatest either. But, she was on varsity softball 4 years and was in tons of extracurriculars and really involved in the school.
She wasn't phenomenal in anything, but she was pretty good in it all. The whole rounded person concept really is what they are looking for.
I also know another guy who applied and got denied. He had a 4.0 with a 780 (I think) SAT math score and had taken a lot of AP classes. However, he had almost no extracurriculars and only an average PFT score.
I have a friend who was accepted to the USNA this year.
She had a 4.something with all of the possible advanced / AP classes. Including Calculus, AP Us History / English / Psychology, etc... She got a 1220 on her SAT if I recall correctly (which isn't outstanding). Her PFT scores weren't the greatest either. But, she was on varsity softball 4 years and was in tons of extracurriculars and really involved in the school.
She wasn't phenomenal in anything, but she was pretty good in it all. The whole rounded person concept really is what they are looking for.
I also know another guy who applied and got denied. He had a 4.0 with a 780 (I think) SAT math score and had taken a lot of AP classes. However, he had almost no extracurriculars and only an average PFT score.