<p>
[quote]
Most who are offered NAPS accept.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>yes, I would agree. One has to wonder if the "no tuition" at NAPS (as opposed to tuition for foundation) is the deciding factor. Wonder if any work has been done as to the "whys".....</p>
<p>
[quote]
I would not be one of the 5% who drop out during the Foundation Program
[/quote]
</p>
<p>not sure it is a matter of electively dropping out, in so much as it is a matter of academics... remember, at NAPS you need to have a 2.0, at foundation the expectation is much higher (A's and B's... perhaps a C..but that needs to come with a strong teacher recommendation- and D's and F's are not looked upon well).... while I have no "stats" to support this, seems like there is always one kid each year that does not make the cut.... </p>
<p>on the other hand, what does not get talked about much are the kids that do both... a year of foundation, then a year at NAPS. The numbers are small, but they happen. </p>
<p>Again, there is nothing bad I can say about the foundation program- do not have much experience with NAPS, but I think it falls into the same arena- the extra year of "prep" goes a long way in dealing with several things once you get to USNA- academics for sure, maturity, getting over homesickness, getting study skills cemented down, more physical development... just a few of the benefits of both programs!!! IMO- its a "win-win"... as long as you do the work and work hard!!! "You have a seat.... it's yours to lose!!!"</p>
<p>
[quote]
A lot turn it down, for whatever reason. Only half will return the application. More will drop out down the road. CFAs and DodMERB get a few. By the end, about 90%+ of those that want it, will get it.</p>
<p>It is a fantastic program. Not sure why so many reject it. I have a feeling that it is mostly $$$$$ and the fact that some are athletes and USNA is competing with a full ride elsewhere.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Is that a fact? If it is, wow, that is really exciting!</p>
<p>what are the requirements for Foundation? how does a candidate get selected?</p>
<p>is the 90%+ of those who get selected who also want to do it, or 90%+ people who just want to do it? (for example, can a candidate who doesn't get accepted just ask USNA to recommend them for Foundation? or does USNA have to decide themselves? how does USNA decide who to recommend for Foundation?)</p>
<p>When a candidate goes before the Admissions Board he may be accepted to USNA, rejected from USNA, or deferred. Deferred merely means that the package will be presented again in the future. Accepted is self-explainatory. Rejected has follow-on action. At that time, the board may additionally either recommend the candidate for NAPS or Foundation. I have never personally experienced a second look by the board for NAPS or Foundation, but I will not deny the possibility.</p>
<p>There are exceptions, but the general rule is that Prep candidates do not convince the Board that they are highly capable of accomplishing college-level academics, especially Calculus and Chemistry. Additionally, my personal experience has been that these Prep candidates have outstanding, well above average, packages, otherwise. Also, keep in mind that the minimum SATs for direct admission without a waiver, are 600V/600M. A waiver would require a much more stringent look at the remainder of the package. By simply being aware of the fact that NAPS SATs are generally in the 1140 combined range and Foundation is around 1200, you can see that the majority of Prep candidates would have required a waiver. Example: With a 590M score, who would get a direct appointment? Probably an outstanding otherwise EC/Sports package with a solid foundation in math. Not an outstanding EC/Sports package, probably a reject. Outstanding EC/Sports with no precalc or a ‘C’ or so. Probably NAPS or Foundation. Just an example which I think valid.</p>
<p>Should you lobby for NAPS/Foundation? I honestly don’t think so. You have seen enough disparity on these boards to know that you really do not know the ‘system’. Should you talk to your BGO and allow him to help you make a lobbying decision. Absolutely. And I would suggest that you allow him to do the lobbying.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>would agree that letting your BGO 1. know you are interested in NAPS or foundation, 2. that you would accept such an offer if it were offered and 3. letting your BGO lobby for you is the way to go.</p>
<p>The other thing one can do is to indicate that on the admissions forms from the get-go... meaning, at the time you apply, indicate up front that you would "gladly accept" an offer of NAPS or foundation if offered. (that suggestion actually came from Smallwood's book: A candidates guide to ....)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I think I would only agree to this if the candidate KNEW they had a weak package. And how many candidates can truly make that assessment? Hence my advice to wait and turn it over to the BGO.</p>
<p>My BGO already knew I would accept NAPS or Foundation, he told the Academy I would accept, and he knows I was recommended. The regional director of my application also asked if I would accept NAPS or Foundation, and I said yes to that as well.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I'm assuming you mean Northwestern Prep, since it is the only Northwestern on the list. My daughter went to NWP (Northwestern Prep) last fall and is currently attending our local college and waiting to hear if she got an appointment on her second try.</p>
<p>I would highly recommend NWP. My daughter learned a lot, improved her SAT score a ton and made friends she'll have for life. The Durbecks who run the school are really great people. I'd even recommend the school to those using their own funds, since it's not that much more expensive than a semester at a good college.</p>
<p>If this works out for you send me a message and my daughter or I can answer any other questions about NWP.</p>
<p>I was asked by my Regional Admissions Director if I would except NAPS/Foundation while I was there for the Candidate Visit Weekend. Of course I said yes and when I got home I had an offer to NAPS. Then I did something kind of unusual I converted my NAPS offer into a Foundation offer. (Here comes criticisim, I can feel it) I want to attend Greystone Prep School (#1 Choice) or Northwestern Prep (#2 Choice).</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Maybe not criticism but could you explain in a bit more detail why you would turn down NAPS for Foundation.</p>
<p>zrmvrhs08, the offer applies to you also. If you want more info on NWP let me know. Great place, great location, great people. I'm only a little bit biased.</p>
<p>Dittoes on 69's inquiry? We're learning all the time ...</p>
<p>No criticism here. How did the Foundation handle your choice? NAPS is a free ride and it is my understanding that the Foundation helps with tuition at the Foundation schools. Unless you turned down NAPS and agreed to pay the full frieght at one of the prep schools I can't see the logic.</p>
<p>Both programs are great- I suppose one factor, however, might location, especially for canidates from the west coast, where some foundation programs might be a little closer to home than Newport RI. Just a thought.</p>
<p>I can understand distance and location all things being equal. What I don't understand is that NAPS is a free ride and some of these prep schools are big bucks. Would the Foundation give tuition assistance to a kid who had just turned down NAPS? Remember, their budget is limited (like any other scholarship program) and they can only accept 60 to 70 of the 300 recommended.</p>
<p>there is a formula that the foundation program uses in offering financial assistance. It varies widely and, depending on your reportable income, parental contributions can hit the 90% mark easily.</p>
<p>I understand that parent contributions are dependent upon family income. Believe me I have been through the drill. I just want to know if the Foundation would grant tuition assistance to a candidate that turned down a free ride at NAPS. It doesn't seem logical.</p>
<p>Why wouldnt they? Theoretically they have a target number for both NAPS and Foundation. If you don't take NAPS then they would move someone into the position you vacated. On the same token, if you select NAPS, then someone else would get the Foundation spot</p>
<p>I did it based on research. I didn't do it because I wanted to be closer to home or anything. Yes, understand that NAPS is free but, I asked a lot of Plebes what their expereience was at NAPS. I asked people at the academy, who attended the academy via NAPS, and attended via Foundation. I am perfectly capable of making that kind of decision. My family and I are willing to undertake tuition costs, because Foundation won't cover all of it. And the money takes the back seat when it comes to education, it really shouldn't be a big factor between making a decision between NAPS and Foundation, I looked more at what would better prepare me in ways that I need it. The thing I heard most about NAPS is that the curriculum is more of a "where they want you to be at when you graduate high school" so they try to get everyone up to par academically. Some teachers there are newly graduated ensigns or high school level teachers. I believe that I am at par academically and feel that it would better suit me to go to a college level Foundation Prep School. Admissions handled it great! They thought it was odd too, but I explained and they felt that it was a big decision but I handled it maturely. They made sure that I knew that Foundation is not a shoe in, but I don't want to go to a year of prep and be a shoe in. Greystone is a part of a University, therefore taking Plebe level classes rather than high school- to advanced high school level classes. I don't need a grade 13. I talk to Cpt. Wallace, the head of Foundation, and see he would love to pick me and would see what he could do to turn NAPS into Foundation and he did it. They don't take it as an insult or anything. I also spoke to some plebes about the environment at NAPS and said it very relaxed, once you get through the first month or so, because before that they yell at you from dusk til dawn. I'm sure it would help me a lot in the military aspect and knowing how things go, but I'm more worried about being academically sound through the year, because most plebes who go there don't have military experience so we are all on the same boat.</p>