Do you need to go to summer seminar?

<p>Do you need to go to the summer seminar to have a good chance at annapolis?</p>

<p>No. Many go to the summer seminar and don’t get into to the “real deal” and many don’t get into the summer seminar but do get into USNA. They don’t have that many slots at the summer seminar as the actual school, so it’s going to be more competitive. NASS is also considered to be a recruiting tool as well. I understand that the detailers at NASS do write up a little report (?) on NASS attendees but doubt this has a huge impact.</p>

<p>Our son was notified today that he has a slot at NASS this summer. What does he need to do to prepare? (He is pretty fired up.)</p>

<p>Prepare for his CFA. It may be step one of the real deal. For most, it “counts.” He should get serious immediately about preparing to perform in 3 1/2 short months. </p>

<p>Congratulations. The journey begins.</p>

<p>Just a note of clarification … there are more going to NASS than will be at I-Day 2014. I believe it’s about 1800 vs. 1200, traditionally.</p>

<p>However, in the event of sequester, all bets may be off or at least altered significantly. May be tough for USNA to justify NASS numbers when summer Mid cruises get whacked. Time will tell.</p>

<p>FS3900…no you don’t need to go to summer seminar. If you get a chance, I would think it would be a great opportunity to spend time at the academy and learn more about the admissions process. However, we’ve been told that it means nothing in terms of admissions to the academy. 2 kids we know did not get into ss last summer. Both have appointments for next fall.
T</p>

<p>This is a good illustration of the truth that the answer one gets always depends upon the question one asks.</p>

<p>Much of what has been offered would seem to be accurate and true.</p>

<p>But comments fail to recognize and/or acknowledge that over the NASS and USNA admissions seasons, there has been a notably, consistently high correlation of those attending NASS and the ensuing I Day. And saying that, contrarian anecdotes abound.</p>

<p>And those are fact.</p>

<p>What muddies the water in more recent summers is the big push on diversity. And when one spot is devoted to that effort, another candidate(s) must by definition be excluded. </p>

<p>The “good” news for those excluded from NASS participation is that to the degree this is the case, the correlation of those attending NASS to those inducted decreases. </p>

<p>One caveat on the geographic diversification. Mostly this is a function of targeted recruitment of priority groups and where they live, and not nearly so much a commitment to getting that academic all-American from Podunk, Alaska or Wonderwhereitis, Wyoming, although both’d be undoubtedly invited to NASS and possibly USNA if they were determined 3Qed.</p>

<p>In sum, most often USNA inductees have attended NASS. And thinking about it, wouldn’t we anticipate that correlation?</p>

<p>My advice… it they get in, make it a priority to send them. DS went last summer, and while I predict he is choosing a different path for his higher education at this point, it was a wonderful life experience whether or not he ends up at USNA.</p>

<p>My son was just accepted to summer seminar and will attend. I am looking for more information about what the purpose of NASS is. Is it primarily marketing/promotion to encourage an application or is the purpose of the week to help the candidate determine whether a service academy is the right choice for the applicant? Thank you posters for any information you can share.</p>

<p>Both…but mainly it’s to get people interested in applying.</p>

<p>familykCT…BGO told our kids that SS was like an open house on steroids. Interesting, fun, challenging to some degree and designed to give you a positive feel for the academy.
Other statements we have heard? If you go to SS and hate it, you probably will not like the SA in ‘real life’. If you go and love it, it does not mean you will love the SA, but it might encourage you to keep investigating and apply.
Congrats to your son!
T</p>

<p>My son was also invited to attend. Is this program considered selective?</p>

<p>Yes, it is very selective. As stated above, it’s mostly a recruiting program, so not every qualified applicant is offered a slot. If he decides to apply to USNA, make sure he’s aware that just because he got into the summer seminar, it doesn’t mean he’ll be appointed to USNA.</p>

<p>No…you don’t HAVE to go, but you SHOULD go if given the chance. Joining the military is a BIG decision and the more chances you get to experience USNA before deciding can only help. Other choices include attending a sports camp or CVW.</p>

<p>NASS is partly used as a recruiting tool so I wouldn’t read too much into who might get chosen and why. The only thing you can control is your own resume.</p>