<p>I'm a still in 10th grade but would still like to start my application to the naval academy soon, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice for applying? Thanks
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<p>You can’t start your formal application process until the end of your junior year. For now, you should work on those things that will improve your chances of obtaining an appointment. Those include: (1) taking high level math, science, English, and language courses and doing well in them; (2) participating in varsity sports or the equivalent community sports, and (3) taking on leadership roles in and/or out of school.</p>
<p>Try to use this summer productively. If you choose or need to work (and are of age to work), that is a great opportunity to demonstrate leadership in whatever job you take. If you don’t work, consider academic or sports camps or other programs that improve your mentally and physically, community activities where you can demonstrate leadership, etc. Whatever you do, don’t just sit around all summer playing video games.</p>
<p>Finally, if you have questions, you may want to reach out to your BGO. Your school counselor should know who that person is.</p>
<p>Ok thanks usna1985. That really helps a lot.</p>
<p>As usual, USNA1985 gives great advice. </p>
<p>In case you’ve missed it in other threads, your first opportunity to apply to USNA will be to apply for the Naval Academy Summer Seminar (NASS) starting on or about 1 February of your junior year of HS. The NASS application takes the place of the “preliminary application” for those who are eligible and who apply.</p>
<p>so when feb. of next year comes around I can ask how to appy in the school office, or do I have to revive an application or something?</p>
<p>just go to the USNA web site and go to the NASS page. the link for the app should be there.</p>
<p>Ok, thanks.</p>
<p>one thing I would add to USNA1985’s advice is to purchase the following book- it is a great guide to the admissions process. </p>
<p>[Amazon.com:</a> The Naval Academy Candidate Book: How to Prepare, How to Get In, How to Survive: Sue Ross: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Naval-Academy-Candidate-Book-Prepare/dp/0979794315/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239398603&sr=1-4]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Naval-Academy-Candidate-Book-Prepare/dp/0979794315/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239398603&sr=1-4)</p>
<p>not to negatively buzz that book - I HAVE NOT READ IT so I’m speaking from complete ignorance here… But, it’s written from a retired Air Force officer who went to the Air Force Academy many, many years ago. (Yes, it’s on it’s 3rd edition.)</p>
<p>Now, I know family members who graduated from both the Naval Academy and Air Force Academy. (They had VERY DIFFERENT experiences in the admission process and once in.) I have a current family member at the Naval Academy, who had a very different process for admmissions than our other relatives. Even the application process at the Academies were quite different.</p>
<p>So - does anyone know if the writer of this book has some inside scoop specific to the Naval Academy that the rest of us don’t have? Or, is this book recommended simply because it’s the only book out there? (I noticed one other book written by Smallwood - but it has absolutely no mention of his qualifications to write his book.)</p>
<p>I should probably go read these books before responding. I’m just curious if any current Mids read this book and thought it gave them any advantage to the process.</p>
<p>I just feel sometimes people are out there to make a dime. (I have worked in college admissions counseling - for multiple schools - and I always cringe at the so-called expert books out there that sell 1000s and really don’t have much more than selected gossip in them and very little realism. One of the most popular “Get into an Ivy College” book out there… is written by a non-college grad.)</p>
<p>I haven’t read the book – like you, I probably should so I can see if it’s accurate. </p>
<p>That said, there is no mystery to applying to USNA. Lots of steps to go through, but no super-secret info that will make the difference. </p>
<p>Everyone should start out by going to usna.edu and scroll down to “Admissions.” That is info straight from the source. If you are confused or have a situation that doesn’t seem to be addressed, your BGO is a great source as he/she typically can answer most questions and can explain the process. If you have a really unique situation that your BGO hasn’t confronted (it does happen), your or your BGO can consult CGO. </p>
<p>You should never let your lack of understanding of the process stand in your way. There are folks ready and willing to assist you. Each year, thousands of candidates (many with no military background) navigate the process successfully – so can you.</p>
<p>For understanding the basics of how to apply, the USNA web page gives the simplest, step-by-step info, as USNA1985 posted.</p>
<p>The next most important info source, IMO, is to find your MOCs’ web pages, and on them, who their “Academy appointments coordinator” is, and what their deadlines are.</p>
<p>My soon-to-be Youngster and I both read an earlier edition of The USNA Candidates Book mentioned in an earlier post. We found it to be very useful. It contained info from interviews with USNA professors about how candidates should prepare themselves academically. It also had info from interviews the author had with a large number of (then) current Mids about preparation, and about “what it’s like” in the “how to survive” section. Along with her various visits to USNA, reading this book helped my Mid to have the best possible understanding of what she was getting into, short of experiencing I-day and Plebe Summer. Some may not need such a reference, but for us, it served its purpose.</p>
<p>We also found The USNA Workout Book to be very useful for physical preparation.</p>
<p>If you have not read the Smallwood book (latest edition is edited by Ross) you might want to take a look at it- it is quite accurate and very helpful. In addition to the USNA admission website, it offers a great overview of the admission process, in addition to points on the nomination process. Additionally, there are great points on the nomination process, interview tips, essays, etc, …all useful. Will it give one an advantage? I think there are points raised in the book- specifically pointers on interviewing skills- that can help a candidate prepare. </p>
<p>At the time our Mid was interested in applying, he, and we, read it, and referred to it several times throughout the admission process, along with the USNA admission site and his BGO. Personally, I found it very helpful, enough so that I recommend it to my applicants/candidates/parents, and even bring a copy of it to put on my USNA/BGO table at college info nights.</p>
<p>As I am sure many BGO’s do, the handouts I give to prospective applicants include a list of several resources, including the USNA admission website, the “Candidate Guide” by Smallwook/Ross, and my contact number if they are from a school assigned to me. My advice to them is to consider the Smallwood book a “must read.” </p>
<p>For parents, if your son or daughter does get that appointment, another good read is “Brief Points”- it will give you some great insights into life on the yard- IMO, a “must read” for parents!! Somehow makes understanding p-ways, p’rades, racks, blue magnets, dive school, geekers, BCG’s, ladders, zoomies, Princess Lea’s, boheka’s, come arounds, and all the other terms that are unique to USNA and Mother B… that much easier, including communication with your Mid! </p>
<p>Both books- available at Amazon, and if you are on the yard and have access to the Midstore, you can even pick them up there! Guess USNA sees the value of each as well!</p>