<p>Now that the class of 2011 has taken their Oath and are already in their second week of Plebe Summer, questions will soon shift to those applying for the Class of 2012. While it may seem like a “long way off,” time really does fly- so thought I would post a few things to add to your “To-Do” list for USNA that you can get underway while you are enjoying your summer before senior year!</p>
<p>Top-20 Summer To-Do List</p>
<li><p>By now you should have already completed your peliminary application on-line, applied for (and, if selected, attended) NASS, and received your candidate number. The remaining application paperwork will be arriving this summer- attend to it as it comes in.</p></li>
<li><p>The above paperwork will include information re: DoDMERB screening and the exam process: make the appointment as soon as the paperwork is received, and well before the start of your Sept classes. Get the process behind you as soon as you can, so as to allow sufficient time to address any concerns that may pop up and require additional work/information on your part. By mid-August, all exams should be completed.</p></li>
<li><p>Contact your nomination sources, if you have not already done so this past Spring. Many MOC’s hold their own “information sessions” within their districts- if they do so, you want to be on that mailing list and attend. Make sure you have requested (or downloaded) any paperwork required by each of the MOCs to which you will be applying to (apply to ALL applicable sources) and get the paperwork started.</p></li>
<li><p>Work on your personal statement/essay. The instructions call for “500 words” so keep it to that…keep in mind that with all aspects of the application process, following directions is key. Distribute your essay to people that will give you a solid, and honest critique- and adjust as necessary. This is your chance to show who you are outside of the identical forms 12,000+ others will be sending in…so make it a good insight as to who you are!</p></li>
<li><p>“Prep the Packets”
Purchase a pocket folder for each MOC and teacher reference, as well as your BGO (you want everyone on the “same page”). If applicable, include your athetic coach- or employer- but limit this “additional reference” to ONE and ONLY if it will impact POSITIVLY on your application in a way NOT ADDRESSED by your teacher references.
Include the following:
-required paperwork (for MOC or if your HS guidance has a form or release that must be completed)
-a cover letter addressing your request- for nomination or reference
-a copy of your personal statement
-a copy of your athletic CV and/or activity CV*
-for your references, information as to WHERE and WHEN to send in the required information (can be done on-line or mailed in)…if the latter, include an addressed-and stamped- envelope.
(* for activity CV: consider adding a second “description page” that offers a bit more information as to the activity you have listed on your first page… for example, if you were a member of student government, describe BRIEFLY and SUCCINCTLY what you did in that role and what you learned from the experience)
*one other thought…if you have been particuarly active over your 4+ years (9th-12th plus prep or college) then consider putting together a “summary CV” with just the major highlights of what you have done… you can still send the full CV, but the summary sheet will serve as a quick reference for those initially screening your application…this was recommend by a coach for our mid, and it was a great piece of advice)</p></li>
<li><p>Practice your interviewing skills. Prepare a list of questions and have “others” interview you. Get an honest critique of how you did. Practice your handshake (ladies- this is especially recommended for you…) …the last thing you want is a “limp” grasp- so practice with everyone you meet…now is the time to work out any nervous gestures, eye-twitches, etc… get all the “ummms” out of your responses…get it natural…work on your posture when seated…all the “little things” that get noticed…</p></li>
<li><p>Contact your BGO and arrange your formal interview. While some may know you well enough by now, most will still want a final interview on which to write their evaluation and recommendation. Dress neatly- this is a day for shined shoes, tie and jacket (*if you have one). Get a neat haircut. Ladies, dress conservatively.</p></li>
<li><p>Continue to prep for SATs if you are taking them again. Register for Sept/Oct exam date, and if necessary, Nov/Dec dates. Substitute ACT for SATs if you have scored better on that test. You want to get your math/verbal scores as high as possible. Take as many “practice tests” as you can. </p></li>
<li><p>Now is a good time to read something Navy-related… so many great books out there on courage, honor, etc…(you can research this thread for past lists)… a good way to not only get some additional reading skills done, but having a pocket dictionary (and looking up any words that are unfamiliar to you) serves to enrich your vocabulary as well as writing… reading “great writing” is one good way to “learn good writing”.</p></li>
<li><p>Incude in the above list some newspapers… read at least 3 articles a day and discuss them at dinner. (this will be great practice for when you have to do this under “pressure” at USNA)</p></li>
<li><p>If you have not already visited the schools on your list, do so- consider revisiting your top 3 a second time if necessary.</p></li>
<li><p>Stay active - and involved- this summer. Work (as in “job”). Join a gym (if you can)- or work out on your own- if you have not already done so, start a running program- start preping for your CFA. </p></li>
<li><p>Include in the above “staying active” section some swimming. If you don’t know how, now is the time to take some lessons and learn. Work on endurance. If you belong to a pool, and they have a high board, practice jumping off it (work your way up by jumping off the lower boards if you have to). While this is not an “absolute necessity,” it will help you out in the long run, so if you can, do!</p></li>
<li><p>By the start of school, distribute your teacher recommendation packets to your 11th grade teachers (math and english are preferred)…</p></li>
<li><p>By Sept, send in your MOC packets- however as this varies from MOC to MOC as to “when” they want this information, adjust accordingly- just make sure to get it in several WEEKS before thier stated deadline!</p></li>
<li><p>Arrange for your CFA with your athletic coach/dept. Take several practice tests ahead of time (on your own) before “testing” for real. Follow the same sequence of events in the allotted time (including defined rest periods between events)…keep in mind these events are “stacked” so taking them under testing conditions is key.</p></li>
<li><p>Write your “thank you letters”… to your MOC, BGO, teachers and anyone else (coach, boss) that you asked for assistance or that you interviewed with (practice or otherwise)… don’t forget this step… if someone was particuarly helpful in your MOC’s office, send a word of thanks to them as well.</p></li>
<li><p>Get your other school applications done this summer as well. Have them ready to go- by Sept for ED or EA, and before the holiday rush for all the others… getting this started in the summer will put a good dent on things.</p></li>
<li><p>Apply for a US Passport, if you do not already have one. While not required at USNA, having one will be useful for summer training if you are offered an opportunity to train over-seas. You will need one anyway, so might as well get one while you have a full head of hair! ;)</p></li>
<li><p>Make a “master chart” of all your deadlines… not only for USNA, but for your other college applications as well. Include every item that needs to get done, if you have the required paperwork, and any due dates. Keep it posted where you will see it- and review it- weekly. Keep up with the activities you have listed.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Hopefully others can add some additional recommendations to this list, but it should be enough to at least get you started!
Best of luck!</p>