<p>My son's application for the Naval Academy is 99% complete - He has one question about the application, and after talking to past and present candidates, he is still uncertain about how to proceed. So he has asked me for help and I, in turn, am turning to the "Navy Faithful" on the CC boards (You have all been very helpful and the information gained from this sight has been greatly appreciated).</p>
<p>The only items left on his entire application that he needs to complete are under the Additional Information section. He needs to answer the following questions -</p>
<p>"Have you ever experienced any exceptional adversity that we should know about?"</p>
<p>"Have you had a unique life experience of which we should be aware?"</p>
<p>The problem that he is encountering is the 255 CHARACTER limit (not words but characters) for each question. How can one possibly introduce the situation and then explain the outcome in only 255 characters?? </p>
<p>I have read past responses to this question on this board and each post stated that one should explain, explain and explain the answer. But how is this possible with the limit that is allowed? The response would be short and choppy as 255 characters is maybe only 3 sentences.</p>
<p>Is he over-analyzing these questions? It's just that anything that has ever been described as "unique" or "adverse" usually needs a detailed explanation for it. My son is becoming anxious because he is ready to submit the last portion of his application but he wants to make sure that he is answering everything accordingly.</p>
<p>Be as succinct as possible. Use bullets. Short sentences. 255 characters seems tough, but it can be done. I am a grad and former BGO trying to help, and I did it less than 255 characters. About 217, including spaces.</p>
<p>Well, if you look at the question, the answers are apparent and brief for each. Either “Yes” or “Not yet” for both.</p>
<p>More seriously, you should assume they are asked in precise ways in order to avoid 500-1000 word short stories. And as one said, takes alot more thought and effort to write a short letter than a long one. Also, it requires careful thought and lots of rewriting and winnowing. This is a multi-dimensional question …can the applicant read, respond to, and write about this specific question. Tells about adversity, perceptiveness, writing skills, comprehension of the real question(s). This is not a spill your guts about the event question. Tell them enough to answer. No more, no less.</p>
<p>Leave the readers wanting more, positively impressed that you’ve recognized and learned from your travails, and/or your extraordinary life experience. And obviously what might be extraordinary for one might be ho hum for others. So we see there’s another aspect being scored here …perspective and creativity in describing it as monumental or unique or adverse.</p>
<p>These are really great questions for uniquely, individually exposing much about a candidate.</p>