So recently I was looking into the Naval Academy as my choice of college. I was quite surprised to see the low acceptance rate of only about 9 percent. I think that I may have a decent chance to get into the academy, I would just like some outside opinions for me. Here are my stats so far…
-I am a male, age 16 (will be 17 shortly)
-I am in my junior year of high school
-GPA weighted: 3.96
-GPA unweighted: 3.80 (please note my school uses weighted GPA and I don’t know if I calculated this correctly)
-I am in the top 3rd of my class, 128/461 (Try to say this humbly, but my school is above average in academics I believe)
-I have taken advanced math classes (honors & AP) such as Geometry, Algebra 1 + 2, precalculus (with trig.) and I am taking statistics this
year and plan to take Calculus AB next year (Senior year)
-I plan to take Physics next year
-I am taking two years of German (German I this year & German II next year)
-I have taken/plan to take engineering classes every year of high school
-I am involved in my school’s marching band and concert band
-I have regularly (excluding summers because band practice) volunteered at my church’s community dinner every week for
over 2 years
-I have gone on several mission trips with my church
-I have marched in several parades for a disabled veterans program
-My grandfather was in the NAVY (I don’t know if this means anything but I thought I’d include it)
*I am taking my SAT’s December 2nd and I can edit to include the score I got
Your grades are good. Your classes are on the right track. However, you have no athletics. Athletics are an absolute must for getting into USNA. 85-90% of successful applicants are varsity letter winners and many are team captains. You also do not have any leadership positions on your resume. USNA looks for well rounded applicants who excel in academics, athletics, and leadership. Other than your academics the rest of your record is lacking any outstanding items that would get the attention of the selection committee for USNA or the nomination committee of your MOC. There is still time to get these things, but you are behind the curve.
Varsity sports is absolutely desired but I don’t think the number of Mids with varsity sports is near 85-90% anymore. You do have to show leadership in some venue and you need to be in good physical condition. Contact your area Blue and Gold Officer for more details.
Thanks so much for the answers. By the way I forgot to add that I am part of my church’s youth synod leadership team. We plan events across our synod of 150 churches throughout the year. I also have been on a search committee for my church and help lead small youth events. I am applying for a leadership position in my my marching band, which I probably will get. So I think I have leadership, I just forgot to mention it. The althletics on the other hand I don’t have anything for and I’m not gonna be that nerd that says “marching band is a sport”. Thanks again for th answers!
You also need to secure a nomination to apply. In our area this is a very competitive process in itself. It’s a different process than for other colleges. There are pre-applications, nominations, the actual application, etc. Make sure you understand the process early on and have a back up plan in case you aren’t able to pass the physicals. https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Steps-for-Admission/index.php#panel44ApplyforNomination
MOC is Member of Congress. One of the nominating sources required for admission for USNA. As Buckeye said above, it is a different process than the actual application to USNA. Anyone interested in one of the Service Academies really needs to educate themselves on the process of admission. It is very different than applying to any other school. Once you start an application you will be assigned a Blue and Gold officer who will be your best resource for information. Most admitted students start the process during their Junior year of HS because of the length and complexity of the different steps required. You not only need to do the application and it’s related activities, you need to apply and interview with nomination sources, practice for and perform a physical test called the Candidate Fitness Assessment, have a medical review and physical for DoDMERB (Department of Defense Medical Exam Review Board), and do an interview with your B & G Officer.
Hey, I’m in the exact same boat as you! I’m also taking the SAT December 2nd, so good luck and wish me luck too!
My high school is a Catholic Prep school does anyone know if this will be a positive thing or a negative thing? I am meeting my counselor next week to go over test scores, GPA, extracurriculars, sports, classes. My school only allows us to take two AP’s Junior and Senior year so I feel really behind in AP’s but at least they get to see that. I also transferred halfway between my sophomore year so it has caused many disconnects in my extracurriculars and classes.
Yes, agree with previous posters. The admissions process to USNA is quite a process. My son is currently awaiting a nomination from member of congress and is taking the CFA this month. We went to a few admission forums put on by the naval academy that were helpful. Also, educate yourself of the physical requirements. There is quite a long list of things that disqualify you. I was surprised by some: eye issues, eczema, thyroid issues, to name a few. Good luck.