<p>I had my application completed 17 August, with exception to my DODMERB; I just became qualified last week.</p>
<p>well lets see, my jrotc teacher has yet to submit my cfa, my english teacher has yet to do her recommendation, so ya im not all done, but i do have the rest of it finished so thats good.</p>
<p>Interestingly enough, the Napsters are doing CVWs this weekend. It seemed odd to me, as if you were at Naps, you'd be planning on USNA, wouldn't you????</p>
<p>Heartcross, I was surprised to learn not too long ago that napsters have to apply like everyone else for the year they want to attend USNA, and it's not a 'sure bet' they'll get an appointment! A fairly large percent do go USNA, but not all. Hence I guess the CVW option for them, too.</p>
<p>I thought that if they kept a certain gpa and didn't get into trouble, they had an assured spot! Wow--that's a big gamble then--to put in an extra year that may be for naught.</p>
<p>GreatAmerican,
Which SAs did your son apply to? Did you say that he has an LOA to USMA, but is waiting to hear from USNA? Hey, you know that Navy will offer him an appointment!</p>
<p>usna09mom,</p>
<p>"Junior" applied to USNA, USAFA, and USMA. He has an LOA from West Point. He is also applying to civilian universities under the ROTC program.</p>
<p>Re: Napsters</p>
<p>Those attending NAPS "have a seat" in the upcoming class; it is "their's to lose" should they opt out, fail out, or be seperated for some grevious offense. The same holds true for those candidates sponsored by the USNA Alumni Association attending the foundation program. They do not have to reapply to the academy for the upcoming class year; their candidate files will go before the admissions board again, along with their grades from NAPs or the foundation schools. What they will need to do is reapply for a nomination, although having already demonstrated their committment to attending the USNA by their acceptance of NAPs/foundation, this is an easier process the second go-around. </p>
<p>Most Napsters will make the cut, as will the foundation candidates. Some will decide this is just not for them.</p>
<p>CVW is but one way to keep them on track for the USNA, and gives them the same opportunity to visit as other candidates, so that they may make an informed choice. </p>
<p>Either way you slice it, while it may appear to be a "gamble" for some, the candidate has a seat in the upcoming class, unlike a rejection letter in their hand. If the USNA is what you want, and if the only offer on the table is NAPs or the foundation program, run, don't walk, to the post office with your acceptance. It is a year well spent.</p>
<p>We need someone who really knows to weigh in...
my information came from a BGO regional person when I specifically asked about my assumption that all Napsters have a 'sure bet' to get into USNA...he told me that actually wasn't true...so now I'm a bit confused.</p>
<p>
[quote]
We need someone who really knows to weigh in...
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Unfortunately, many BGOs are not as aquainted with these progams as they should be.</p>
<p>The candidates offered these programs do, in fact, "have a seat in the incoming class, that is theirs to lose." Direct quote from those in charge of the programs.</p>
<p>Nothing is quarenteed. They will need to maintain good grades (A's and B's, with courses in Chemesty and Calculus and History and English Literature, and if at NAPS, a minimum GPA of 2.0), they will need to explain any "C's", and they will need to stay physically healthy and out of mischief. If you think about it, it is the same requirements for those reporting directly from HS. They do not have to "reapply," but they will have to secure another nomination (all did- and much easier, as the "extra year" clearly demonstrates the committment most MOC's want to see). Their admission folder to the USNA, along with their NAPS/PG year grades, will be brought forward to the Admissions Board in April for a final review, by advocates of both programs.</p>
<p>All but 2 of the 60+ foundation-sponsored candidates kept their seats and reported in to the Class of 2010. Over 90% of the Naps candidates did the same. Keep in mind, at NAPS the candidates are exposed to more of the military side of things as compared to some of the foundation schools, thus some decide the military is not all what they expected it to be, and decide to opt out. Then again, there are candidates that report in on I-Day directly out of HS that come to the same conclusion over Plebe summer. Go figure. </p>
<p>Advantage of NAPS/Foundation: another year of maturity and academics under your belt before facing the rigors of plebe summer and plebe chemestry and calculus. An entire group of ready-made friends that have gone through the program with you. Another year of physical growth and development if playing a D-1 sport.</p>
<p>Down side: screw up, and you will lose that seat you have worked so hard to get. Then again, the same holds true for that final semester of HS.</p>
<p>If offered, do your homework. Speak directly to the program directors- at both NAPS in RI, and the Foundation folks on Maryland Avenue in Annapolis. With all due respect for those hard-working, dedicated and wonderful BGO's, get the facts directly from the source before making your decision.</p>
<p>If USNA is your first choice, and if the only option for getting in offered you is NAPS or the foundation program, this is a no-brainer.</p>
<p>Moral of the story: do your homework. Get the facts. Attend the information sessions. Make an informed decision. Then have no regrets.</p>
<p>Personal experience:
Son offered direct appointments to USMA and USMMA, and direct admission into 2 civilian universities (both with athletic scholarships). An offer of the foundation progam for USNA. Nominations for all 3 academies. </p>
<p>USNA was his clear first choice school, enough so that he declined his other appointments and admission offers to attend a PG year of school. To him, the "USNA is worth the extra year."</p>
<p>Like peskemom's daughter, abet with a successful PG year behind him, he is a member of the Class of 2010, and we are his very proud parents! Regrets: NONE. </p>
<p>Best of luck to all!</p>
<p>My son will need a waiver from USNA to get past the DQ that DODMERB hit him with last month. Seems that if you have ever had surgery on your knees (like he did 2 yrs ago) it's an automatic DQ, regardless of current status. However, we've been told that USNA can waive this if everything else pans out (MOB nom, grades, etc). And since he's currently on the HS tennis team and the cross country team (he's run 250 miles just in the past month or so) we're hopeful they will recognize that his knees are just dandy!</p>
<p>He attended NASS (as well as AIM and AFSS but Annapolis is his dream) but he'd still like to attend CVW to get the full effect. He's recieved no CVW invite yet like the rest of you - do you think the DQ is holding this up? Or worse, eliminating him?</p>
<p>Dan</p>
<p>Dknightfam,</p>
<p>My son received a DQ from DoDMERB because he has braces on his teeth. Some of these DQs are really stupid. My son's braces will be coming off in the next two to four months which is several months before I-day. Regardless, USNA does allow inductees to wear braces but they do need a waiver.</p>
<p>To answer your question, my son was invited to participate in CVW even though his medical status is DQ.</p>
<p>
[quote]
do you think the DQ is holding this up? Or worse, eliminating him?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Unfortunatly, anything is possible-</p>
<p>And as you probably know, the CVW's are limited and not offered to every candidate to start with, thus it would seem a reasonable assumption they would be offered to candidates that are triple q'd before others who are not. The good news is that your son had a chance to visit the academy during NASS, so at least he has some idea as to what to expect.</p>
<p>As for his knees, if your son is able to run 250+ miles, God bless him (I don't think I can even walk that far!)....No doubt you are persuing everything possible to resolve this with DoDMERB, and it might pay to have an independent orthopaedic evaluation done.....before incurring the time and expense, however, check with DoDMERB first.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, even the most minor of athroscopic procedures can cause arthritic changes down the road- thus, it is understandable how a DQ can be automatically issued, especially when knees or other major joints are concerned. Persistance is key to resolving these kind of issues, and it can pay off- but just in case it doesn't, please encourage your son to have a plan B, C and D in place just in case things don't fall in his favor. Should he be granted a waiver, then by all means have him contact his BGO regarding his interest in attending a CVW - USNA offers 3 sessions in the early spring, so there is still time.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>My son was disqualified by DODMERB last year in early October and a few days later received his letter inviting him to CVW. That same week he recevied a letter he was academically qualified. My son attended NASS so he wasn't going to attend CVW. His admission's counselor told him it was in his best interest to attend CVW and she set up an appointment with a Captain that was in charge of the medical examinations. My son was disqualified because of his speech and the Captain cleared him and cleared his way for the waiver. I suggest calling your son's admission counselor and asking her about CVW and if his file had gone before the board.</p>
<p>what kind of act/sat scores, class ranking and the rest of the jazz do you need to have to be academically qualified?</p>
<p>I don't think there is an exact ACT/Sat score, GPA, and class rank that they are looking for. They look at the total package. We were told that they like a high GPA, difficult classes which focus in strong math and science classes, above average ACT/SAT scores and varisity letters or other activities that show leadership. My son had a 3.9 unweighted GPA with a class rank of 20 out of 365 and had a 34 in Math and 25 in English on ACT and a 780 in math and 550 in English on the SAT. His senior year he took AP Physics, AP Chem, and AP Government. He also lettered in Football(2), Skiing(3) and Lacrosse(2) and was captain of these teams. Typically the academy likes the English scores to be at least 600 on SAT and 26 on ACT. My son scores were less than that and he was found academically eligible in early October.</p>
<p>I have met the requirements for the academics, but they are barely there. I would like to say I'm academically eligible, however, I don't believe I'm academically competative enough.</p>
<p>We saw our BGO last night and although I didn't talk to him personally some info was communicated to me regarding CVW invites.</p>
<p>USNA is offering fewer CVW invites this year than in the past. </p>
<p>The invites largely are being offered to candidates who may have (or get) appealing opportunities elsewhere or who are targeted categories. </p>
<p>It was easier to get a NASS invite than a CVW invite this year.</p>
<p>Sounds like good news to me for those who are waiting to hear from USNA for a CVW. But it sure would be nice to have a CVW invite anyway.</p>
<p>Don't be overly concerned if you do not get an invite to CVW. I know many Mids that did not get one and received appointments. I would certainly let my BGO know if you feel like you need a visit for decision-making purposes. If you are an athlete that has been in contact with a coach, perhaps you can pursue a recruiting visit. My son did a recruiting visit and it is longer than the CVW, typically both a Friday and Saturday night.</p>
<p>My understanding is that, for the first time, CVWs will begin on Thu evening and end on Saturday. The idea being that applicant gets exposure to a full day of classes on Friday.</p>