<p>dont just give the easy answer (a lot). but HOW Bad do you want it?</p>
<p>I stay awake in bed thinking about my chances, what it will be like to find out im going, actually going. Sometimes i get one of those shudders that you get when your done peeing (guys know what im talking about) because i get so excited. I talk with God every night. I've made a deal with him that i will stop doing everything that seems remotely bad in my life. I'm going to be a perfect person. I've stopped going more than 5 miles over the speed limit, i dont throw my gum on the ground, even if it is in a place that no one will step on it. I've dreamt about being there 4 times. Every time i go for a run I wear my USNA shirt, and when i see someone looking at it I say to them (not out loud) "yah *****, I'm going there." </p>
<p>as someone put it at ServiceAcademyForums.com. its oozing out of my pores.</p>
<p>Then you will fail before you start. The last person on this pathetic rock we live on that was even remotely perfect (depending on your view) got nailed to a tree for His troubles. Don't try to follow Him.</p>
<p>Instead of trying to be perfect, simply demand from yourself that you will be the very best you are capable of being, and then let the chips fall.</p>
<p>Also, always remember that, no matter how hard you try or how hard you prepare or how good your grades are, Murphy is still an optimist. There is always a chance you will not get an appointment. Sadly, those chances are much higher than the chances that you WILL get one. Don't pour yourself so far into it that if it blows up in your face you will be left with nothing.</p>
<p>Leave yourself options, cover your flanks, and then CHARGE.</p>
<p>Oh, and one last thing......... I know exactly how you feel. Wait until you get your appointment letter or (even better) your diploma. Sex has NOTHING on those rushes! ;)</p>
<p>out of all that all you can tell me is I'm going to fail?. (just kidding*) i know I'm probably putting too much of myself into this, but oh well. I can't help it. I'll be mad and sad if i dont get in but theres always ROTC. (i make it sound like such a lame alternative)</p>
<p>BTW i was being halfway sarcastic about being a "perfect person". sometimes roads are too open to go the speed limit and sometimes theres just no paper to wrap your gum in. I just believe that if you want something, you have to give a little something in return.</p>
<p>
[quote]
but theres always ROTC. (i make it sound like such a lame alternative)
[/quote]
Because it is. :D</p>
<p>
[quote]
I just believe that if you want something, you have to give a little something in return.
[/quote]
You do.</p>
<p>It's just that in order to get through USNA (or any SA, for that matter), what you give will be much, much more than just following regulations or not littering. :)</p>
<p>Also understand that it will require something very deep within you to survive at a service academy. It's not just wanting it and being excited to get it, it's something deep in the depths of your soul that commits you to following that dream.</p>
<p>And if you get there, never forget the dream.</p>
<p>Now Z......
ROTC is NOT a lame alternative. </p>
<p>I'll arm wrestle with you on this.</p>
<p>USNA only produces about 20% of all Commissioned Officers for the Fleet/Corps - so don't just ringknock on those who get to the same destination another way.</p>
<p>Of course I am immensely proud of both my husband AND daughter who have chosen the Service Academy. </p>
<p>Of course I think the level of discipline and training is higher.</p>
<p>AND I know that retention is highest in the Services if you are an Academy grad....</p>
<p>However - remember that the overwhelming MAJORITY of Officers our kids will ever salute in any branch of the service did NOT go to USNA/USAFA/USMA....they went to a civilian college and then were trained and commissioned as Officers who serve, lead, fight too.</p>
<p>You know
I do have those numbers in some old paperwork from last year....once I look them up I'll post them.</p>
<p>Also if I'm not responding immediately - my computer died last night - needs a new hard drive, is in the shop, am using my dad's office site to access email....</p>
<p>
[quote]
However - remember that the overwhelming MAJORITY of Officers our kids will ever salute in any branch of the service did NOT go to USNA/USAFA/USMA....they went to a civilian college and then were trained and commissioned as Officers who serve, lead, fight too.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Uh, yeah, I know that. I served with them, remember?</p>
<p>Do you or others know what the initial re-enlistment figure is among UsNA grads? i.e., following the first 5 years, what % re-up?</p>
<p>Hmm? I know of one who didnt re-up. Probably due to one or more (quote on quote, maybe at the risk of plagiarism, I didnt say this he did) puke nrotc officers who made the promotion board before he did.</p>
<p>I tell you what, and this is NO lie, I'm serious. I had a dream last night that I was in Plebe Summer talking with some of my squad mates from Summer Seminar about how we made it. Basically EVERY day is the same for me now. I go to work, I come home and think about the Naval Academy, then my dad gets home from work, we eat, and I talk about the Naval Academy with him, then think about what I can do right now to help my chances, then go to sleep and dream of the Naval Academy.</p>
<p>Good gawd folks...I can't wait for school to start, I need to be busy on something else or else I'm gonna explode, lol.</p>
<p>you've only dreamt about it 4 times? that's nothing, just because of that, you won't get in ;) you need to dream about it at least 5 times I've heard.</p>
<p>I still have the dream where I have a final exam and have not attended a single class, so not only am I going to fail and get hACk-boarded, I'm going to get fried bigtime for UA. </p>
<p>I don't even know where the classroom is or what the professor's name is! :D</p>
<p>I've had it more than once. Gives me the everlovin' creeps every time.</p>
<p>5 huh? i would say im pretty well on my way then. I've got until April to have that last one. of course if i want that ever so sought after LOA, i better start sleeping more.</p>
<p>one more thing. where are the smilies on this board?</p>
<p>Yea right Z! Thanks but I am an old gray haired lady! Actually my husband is a bit older than I......when I married him, the package included stepchildren.</p>
<p>Z...
I saw your smiley face on the ROTC comment you made....but internet sites are funny - one can't always tell the tone, regardless of the symbol.</p>
<p>Anyway - I felt like arm wrestling with ya, that's all.</p>
<p>No one I live with, including my amazing husband - enjoys jostling - so I'm stuck staring at a screen with a keyboard looking for catfights! Must come from my New York genes.</p>