<p>I've been interested in the Marine Corps for 4 years and the Naval Academy for 2 years. I will be a Juniour, and I have a 3.93 GPA. The sports I am involved with are soccer (JV co-captain Fall '07), boxing, and track. As far as clubs and extracurricular activites go I am the class treasurer, I attend a Protestant church, I have performed various community service activities for Key Club and for Student Government, I am in the drum line for marching band, pep band, and I play percussion for the concert band. I was also nominated to be on Youth As Resources of United Way, which is a board that screens people who apply for grants to perform community service. I am not trying to be negative, but the fact is that I am not the best standardized test taker, so I don't know if my SAT/ACT scores will look incredibly impressive. So basically I would like a midshipman to tell me a little bit about what they did to get into the Naval Academy, and I would also like them to let me know where I stand. Thank You!</p>
<p>I also neglected to mention that I am in the National Honor Society.</p>
<p>There's a lot of BGO's, parents, and former mids that can give you great advice as well. Some of the best advice I received when I made a thread like this over a year ago was from USNA1985 (a BGO), navy2010 (a mom), USNA69 (a BGO), Whistle Pig (a dad), Time2 (a dad), and others. None were mids, and without these guys I doubt my application would be as strong as it was.</p>
<p>i am not a midshipman (ive got 4 years to go) but i have heard form lots of pepole, including my dad-who was in the navy (not a real good test taker eather :) )- to TAKE PRACTICE TESTS ON THE INTERNET!! i heard it helps A TON especally for the writing part of the tests because you can research what they are looking for and how they are normaly graded, hope this helps!! :)</p>
<p>The best thing to do is continue what you are doing. I was in the same position as you entering your Junior year. Put in your prelim application on the usna admissions website and apply for summer seminar. Another good thing to do is to look into attending the American Legion Boy's State for your state. This program is looked highly upon by the admissions board. I took the SATs and kept taking them till I got the score I wanted. Make sure that your BG officer knows that you want to go to the academy and will take any route to get there. I ended up going to a year of prep school sponsored by the Naval Academy Foundation and reported for plebe summer the following year. </p>
<p>Just keep working hard in school, athletics and ECAs. Try to obtain and succeed in leadership positions.</p>
<p>I was a horrible test taker but still managed to get in and graduated with no problem.</p>
<p>There is more, much more, to a USNA appointment than test scores. That said, USNA still looks at them. You generally (there are exceptions) need a 600/600 to become an official candidate. Those scores usually aren't strong enough to get you an appointment, although some students with these or lower scores will qualify for NAPS/Foundation and some even an appointment. USNA likes to see math SATs well into the 600s, although again not all candidates will have these scores.</p>
<p>The good news is that USNA accepts the highest math and highest verbal score on either the SAT or ACT. Thus, other than your time and the cost of the test, there is no disadvantage to taking the test(s) multiple times. I would heed the advice of those above and practice on your own and, if you are financially able to do so, consider a prep course.</p>
<p>As for your other areas, with the limited basis this forum provides, you look strong. Be sure to take the "hard" courses in h.s., -- calculus, chemistry, biology, English, history, physics (if offered) -- to the extent you can. USNA also looks at your class rank -- top 20% is best. Stay with your sports and your ECAs. Stay out of trouble. :)</p>
<p>I am ranked in the top 10% in my class and next year I am taking AP chemistry, AP history, pre-calculus, and accelerated english. My senior year I will be taking AP caluculus, AP government, hopefully AP english, and physics. I hope these are challenging enough, I am sure they are.</p>
<p>While there is no "magic formula," it sounds like you are on a good path for USNA. Having said that, your plans going forward should also include NROTC opportunities, which can open other civilian opportunities for you as well, and still get you to your goal of becoming a Marine.</p>
<p>Suggest reading Smallwooks book: "A Candidates Guide to USNA".... it is a good starting point for anyone seeking the academy. </p>
<p>SATs: they count, that's the bad news. The good news is that you have a lot of time to work on those. Take practice tests (that alone can increase your scores), and if you have the resources, consider a math tutor to raise that score (it is the easiest of the 2 to raise). The best way to prep for the verbal section is old-fashioned reading.... with a dictonary at your side for any word you are unfamiliar with. The more you read, the better the verbal score...that is, as long as the books you select are solid literary/college level ones. Again, practicing critical reading skills and the SAT verbal tests will help. </p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
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<p>This continues to trouble me deeply. One of the problems with forums such as this is the authenticity and validity of those who post. Also, with public posts, while there may be controversy that might never be solved, the reader will at least be able to ascertain what they will from the various posters offering advice. </p>
<p>With that said, one should be extremely critical of unsolicited private messages. One who implies that they are something that they are not and does not have the strength of conviction to throw their ideas out for public scrutiny should be avoided.</p>
<p>I have privately ask Time2 on several occasions his association with the academies and, from his responses, feel that there are none. Frankly, some of the few pieces of advice he has publicly posted, troubles me. Be forewarned.</p>
<p>And in other news........ People choose to participate in public forums such as these for a wide variety of reasons. Everyone is entitled to their opinion whether or not you happen to agree with it. Some people seem to be on some personal crusade to go around trying to discredit others for reasons that are apparently only obvious to them.</p>
<p>No on has to justify to anyone else why they choose to participate. </p>
<p>You are welcome to accept/ignore advice from others that you don't find of value. ........That is certainly what I do and suggest others do the same. :)</p>
<p>Oh USNA69, this forum cracks me up sometimes. :)</p>
<p>One of your best sources of information is YOUR BGO. Although many candidates look upon the BGO as merely an "interview hurdle," in fact, we're here to help our candidates with questions, concerns, etc. Please do NOT feel that, if you discuss your perceived weaknesses with the BGO that this will reflect poorly on any type of recommendation. Quite the contrary. The interview has its purpose but this isn't a police interrogation ("everything you say can and will be used against you . . .").</p>
<p>The benefit of your BGO is several fold. First, you know that this person is an actual BGO assigned to YOU. Thus, if the BGO is doing his/her job, the advice you get is accurate and tailored to you. Second, you can talk live with this person -- on the phone, in email, in person. Third, you can share details about yourself that you may not want to (and, in some cases, probably shouldn't) share on a public forum. </p>
<p>I realize not all BGOs are created equal and some are more responsive than others. But please do consider seeking out yours. If you are a current candidate, it should be indicated in CIS. If you're an underclassman, ask your college guidance counselor (BGOs are typically assigned to a school), contact CGO, or contact your Area Coordinator (who can be found in the catalog which is available online at usna.edu). </p>
<p>Not saying you can't get good advice here or on other forums. But please don't make any lasting/permanent decisions based solely on what you read on a public forum, whether public or PM. Consider the advice, but be sure to confirm it with someone who is "official," such as your BGO.</p>
<p>USNA1985 is right on. The BGO is a valuable source of information and should be a viable part of each candidate's game plan. </p>
<p>With that said, one word of caution. The BGO is looking for both initiative and the will to succeed at the Academy. Therefore, asking him questions to which the answers are readily available on CIS, the catalog, USNA website, etc., can possibly raise a red flag. So a question of "What date do I have to have my application package completed" implies handholding, while a "I know that the catalog states that applications must be completed by March 1. Is this acceptable, or should my goal be an earlier date?" shows that you have done your homework and that you are asking for his opinion. </p>
<p>It is extremely difficult to give a "top 5%" interview grade to a candidate for whom you have walked through the entire application process by pointing out chapter and verse of where the information is available. Be totally familiar with the CIS and the Admissions section of the website. Read the catalog. Jot down questions. Then call the BGO.</p>
<p>The B&GO may be very helpful but they also may not be. My Mids' was extremely busy with his professional life, after all they are volunteers. He had little, if no, time to answer any questions when they arose and never returned any e-mails or phone calls. Luckily my Mid had done the homework needed and found other sources for information. In the end my Mid talked to him on the phone one time, met him once for the interview and has never seen him since. </p>
<p>Be respectful that they are volunteers. And in as much, some will be very helpful and others may not be as helpful as you would like.</p>
<p>^^^^You are correct. They ARE volunteers and while, officially, their only job in the candidate selection process is the interview, I cannot imagine one continuing to remain in the position if they are unwilling to answer legitimate questions and concerns. Again, be aware of the possibility that he could construe some of it as 'handholding' and is responding accordingly. And they come in all shapes and forms; parents, grads, grad/dads, and last, but not least, those who are only doing it for Reserve drill points.</p>
<p>BGOs are a mixed bag. I am one and have been for 15 years. Some of us have more time to devote than others. If your BGO is not particularly responsive, contact the CGO or the Area Coordinator for your region. Many BGOs will fill in for each other to help work out our schedules. BTW, the official duties of a BGO extend well beyond the interview process. We are the face of the academy to our assigned schools and the community in general. We attend college fairs, do presentations to community groups and those schools that invite college representatives in to make presentations. We also participate in the entire candidate education process from Summer Seminar, visits to the academy, educator visits, etc. Our 'official' title is Information Liaison Offircer -- the BGO 'Blue and Gold Officer' name is the unofficial, but common one.</p>
<p>You should also remember that your BGO is not there to push you. Part of the long application process is for you to demonstrate your ability to keep your commitments and handle difficult tasks. Good BGOs will be a very good resource for you, they will point you in the right direction, but getting where you want to go is up to you. It is you, and no one else, who will be spending four years by the Severn.</p>
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<p>Exactly. My comment was that the interview was the only official requirement in the "candidate selection process." I was referring only to the actual candidate application. If you will note in the CIS and other literature, any questions about the process are to be directed to the CGO. And yes, college fairs and other group presentations are a very important part of the BGO mission. One comment though, I would love to get involved in the NASS process; however, unless they are candidates with which I am personally working, I only find out about NASS after the fact.</p>