<p>I have searched through the forums and seen some post about people asking what naps is or why some get into and some don't etc...</p>
<p>Well I know what it is and I just got accepted! But now I would like to hear from some people who went to naps or from parents who midshipmen went to naps.</p>
<p>Any tips, stories etc..</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Congratulations, nautical! My son is an '07 NAPS grad and while I can't say he ever claimed to enjoy it, he gives it a lot of credit for making his first semester @ USNA successful. </p>
<p>He found it academically demanding, but did very well; he validated Chem 1 and was on USNA's dean's list. He arrived @ NAPS w/ pretty good time mgt/study skills but seemed to think that was an important lesson some of his peers took away from the experience. He's a modest guy, but has finally admitted to me that he thinks he could have done OK as a direct admit; I think the confidence NAPS gave him has been an advantage he doesn't yet recognize. </p>
<p>PT never overwhelmed him but he definitely lost a little weight (which he didn't particularly have to lose) and was a better runner by the time he graduated -- good prep for plebe summer. </p>
<p>If you ask what he valued most, I think it was friendships w/ prior enlisted NAPSters. He found their experiences inspiring. He was also dazzled by the academic skills of some priors who had held technical positions -- and I forget what they were. Nuclear power something-or-other? Those were the grad's who won the chemistry and physics prizes @ NAPS graduation. Overall, NAPS peers are pretty impressive. NAPSters also get fantastic exposure to a host of military specializations w/ briefings from experts, vets, etc. Son also has great (non-prior) friends from NAPS. I'm pretty sure his NAPS roommate is a friend for life. </p>
<p>Plebe summer is pretty overwhelming, and while this may sound superficial, if you arrive knowing how to fold your clothes, stow your stuff, shine your brass and shoes, march/salute/stand, you are miles ahead. NAPS also teaches a lot of military knowledge that's a leg up. </p>
<p>When I visited (several times) I loved Newport, but some NAPSters seem to tire of it after a while -- not a big town. Cold wind and weather can wear you down, depending on what you're used to. NAPS is on a Naval station, so you're exposed to other USN folks -- that's good and bad news. </p>
<p>What else can I relay to you? Maybe you have questions? </p>
<p>Congratulations again. And good luck!</p>
<p>My daughter went to NAPS and I think it was the best year in terms of investment for her future. Academically she was fine. She was able to validate chem 1 and 2 at USNA as well as physics I think (it's been a while). Anyway, like the other poster said, I completely agree. But, the biggest thing for my daughter was just being away from home for a year in a somewhat kinder, gentler environment than USNA. She was able to go through homesickness etc. along with learning all the military stuff and mature a year more before arriving at USNA. Don't get me wrong. NAPS doesn't make USNA a cake walk. But, having friends when you walk in the door, a year under your belt of being away, familiarity with military ways etc. makes life so much easier. To an 18 year old a year seems like an eternity. But in life, it flies by and it is a great great investment for you. I also wanted to echo the previous poster at how impressed my daughter was with some of the priors that were in her physics class. Wow. She is still friends with many and thank God for them because I think they continue to help her in her Electrical Engineering classes. :) Congratulations on your appointment.<br>
And, remember, you Can't ever be in good enough shape for that indoctrination summer, so get exercising. LOL :)</p>