<p>My son is very interested in the USMMA, and we have begun the process for application. We are struggling with whether we should disclose his learning dissability or not. It is a slight Phonic Dyslexia, and since his freshman year, he has chosen to do all his classes on his own without being put in a special study every day. He chose this route because the other children in the special study were not as serious as he is about furthering his education, and proved to be distracting for him. He is a C+ B- student who has taken all the required college prep courses. His guidance councilor is not very clear on the Academies expectations of their prospective students and feels maybe he should not disclose it. His Vice Principal is all for disclosing it as that will show that he is a hard worker and has improved his GPA, and class ranking every year. He has chosen engineering as his career path, and math, science and physics are his strong points. His English and spelling are his weaknesses. </p>
<p>In speaking with the academy, they have assured me that there is plenty of help for students who need help in their classes, and I feel that would be more than enough for my son, as his disability is not that bad. I just feel that his grades do not represent him as an inteligent hard working young man. They look as if he is a slacker.</p>
<p>While grades are very important, the Academy loves candidates who are well-rounded people. Is your son in any sports or clubs? Community service?</p>
<p>I'd be lying if I said that a C+ / B- average is a shoe-in, but not everyone here was a a straight-A student in HS either. I got in with a 2.9. How does he do on the SAT/ACT? Has he visited the Academy? (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!)</p>
<p>As far as his learning disability, I honestly can't say either way. On the one hand, if it doesn't vastly effect his abilities and performance, it might stay under the radar. On the other hand, the Academy and Navy have a way of finding out about these types of things sooner or later and they generally don't like being left in the dark. I don't know what the policy is anyways.</p>
<p>And yes, there are PLENTY of resources here to help everyone with academics. The professors themselves are pretty accessible, there are tutors and of course other Mids who help each other constantly (Note for new parents/plebes - just wait until finals week to see the chaos).</p>
<p>a possible route to take is talk with a Navy recruiter. see what they say about the Navy's policy on Dyslexia. granted our standards are a little different than the enlisted Navy, i'm sure the same policy applies... that way you get some info without raising any eyebrows.</p>
<p>camview, during these early stages in gaining the info your son needs for the application process, I'd also check into the required DODMERB process. If he has been diagnosed with a form of dyslexia, DODMERB will be the first challenge to over come. I'd advise to be very honest about this as it could come back to bite him in the butt, so to speak.</p>
<p>GPA and class rank are important, as well as SAT and ACT scores. I am not trying to be offensive, but I am suprised to hear that KPMid09 got in with a 2.9 gpa. I was told I barely made the cut with a 3.2 and a 1430 SAT score which I thought was pretty good.</p>
<p>As far as having a learning disability, understand that getting into this school is obviously what you are focused on, but once you get in, it certaintly is not easy. The engineering courses require a lot of work just to get by. Your son should ask himself if he is willing to work even harder than everyone else for four years. I would actually say that getting in is the easiest part. The next easiest part of KP would be plebe year. The courses seem to get harder as time goes on, and it requires quite a lot of motivation to keep going. This school is no easy task, and having a learning disability wont make it any easier. I'm not trying to burst anyone's bubble, just being realistic...</p>
<p>Yep, 2.9 gpa, 1350 SAT (also different class year - '09 vs. '08). Not to give any "excuses", but my particular HS was known for tough grading (only 2 perfect 4.0s in the two years before I graduated). I also came from a less than average competitive state, had previous maritime work during my summers, was recruited for sailing and did other extra-curricular activities. So, yes grades are really important, but the Academy doesn't want brainiacs with no substance. Give them something that stands out and see what happens. Your motivation to succeed is also important. I should point out that my gpa here is actually HIGHER than my HS one (3.1 vs 2.9), for most people, it's the opposite, so it all depends on how much you set your mind on the goal. Frankly, I couldn't stand most of my HS classes, but love my professional classes here.</p>
<p>hey if USMMA doesn't work out, I dont think the other state schools would give him a hard time for his disability....SUNY, Mass Maritime, Maine, Cal Maritme, Texas A&M, and there's one in Michigan somewhere i think...?</p>
<p>Is that 1430 SAT based on the old or new scoring? It might be a case of semantics here. If your score is based on the new SAT scoring, then yes, what you were told about barely making the cut might be right. If it based on the old SAT system with just verbal and math, but no writing, then you should be good to go. It depends on what you made on the verbal, math and writing sections. Our son had a classmate who was excited when she found out she made a 1200 on her SAT, thinking that was good, until someone told her it was out of a possible 2400, not 1600.</p>
<p>My son was originally interested in Navy and then he was recruited by KP for football. He was a good student, 3.7 weighted GPA, (but not a star!), he did varsity sports and drama. He was well-rounded. His SAT was 1200-1300--I think?? It helps if you have something to offer the school--sports, band, etc. Make sure they know that. He was accepted 9 days after application! I think they are looking at the whole package. Also note, the academics are rough--so if he has so-so study habits it will be challenging. Good Luck!!! It's a great experience for them.</p>
<p>thats a 1430 out of the original 1600pt scale. the writing part of the exam came the very next year. I had varsity football and track on top of my academics, so i hav a feeling whoever told me i barely made the cut was probably lying.</p>
<p>My son had 4.20 weighted in HS, top 4% out of 600 graduates and 1400 on SAT from VA. Got accepted to KP. Don't forget you also have to get a nomination from the appropriate source, which could be a problem with lower grades, especially if you are from a very competative state such as CA, TX, VA, MD.....regarding the LD as Jamzmom stated that may pose a problem with DoDmerb. Good advice from Is2Day4Him...check with a Navy recruiter to see what their policy is. Also, a vist to the school is a MUST.</p>