<p>Really? I've never heard of a situation in current day where a student failed to get his choice of major. This is news ...</p>
<p>The process does not include any ceremonial occasion. Are their specific numbers for specific majors?</p>
<p>There is a stated desire to get to a 65/35 mix of technical/non-technical majors. The reason is that the USN, which takes about 77% of the grads, wants officers with a strong technical background (USMC doesn't care). Technical would include the engineering, math and science majors and non-technical things like Englilsh, history, economics, language.</p>
<p>USNA is looking for ways to admit more mids who want to major in technical subject and, once there, to encourage mids with aptitude in the technicals subjects actually to major in them. I do think they prefer to encourage/incentivize people to select a technical major rather than force people into one. But the latter certainly could happen at some point if enough people don't volunteer.</p>
<p>In my day, the mix was 80/20 -- pretty strictly enforced -- but it has slid over the years; not sure what it is now but I believe (and may be wrong), it's about 60/40.</p>
<p>One lesson here might include ... "Study hard."</p>
<p>Yes and no. I mean, everyone should always study and strive to do their best. But, last year, the "Sub Draft" was based off of MIDN who put subs in their top 6 choices, who majored in technical subjects and did well. Essentially, if you were a top performer in a technical area, you were drafted for subs. Another reason why everyone is at the needs of the Navy -- not just those that are at the rear of the class.</p>
<p>I know that I was initially confused about people being "volunTOLD" for subs and nuke SWO because I thought you had to volunteer. This is how it was explained to me: basically- as stated by jadler03, if you did well in your technical classes (the people I know who were voluntold weren't all technical majors) and you listed subs in your top 3-ish then they picked a certain number (I believe it was 26) out of the Brigade who were forced to go to a Nuke interview. Then what happens is, do well at your Nuke interview- you get Nuke. Do poorly and they could really ruin most other career choices. So you can't just say "well I'll fail the Nuke interview" because then you don't get anything good at all.</p>
<p>Not sure if that is all entirely true- but I think its pretty much the jist from what I've heard this year...</p>
<p>Happened in 1980 with Admiral Rickover, I know.</p>
<p>Needs of the Navy are first.</p>
<p>Noting the guidelines, preferences, admissions preferences, encouragement, stated desires, drifting % mix, etc. ... may I repose the question:</p>
<p>In choosing a major, does anyone know of any instances in recent history, or otherwise, in which a plebe has been directed by USNA that he/she must major in this vs. that, or a specific area?</p>
<p>Per a directive by the Chief of Naval Personnel - presented for picking majors. For Mids entering the fall of 2009, USNA WILL ensure a minimum of 65% will complete a technical degree. In the past it was pretty much you would get your first choice. We have heard that will not be the case, or put it this way the class of 2012 will not be guaranteed their first choice. When this class chooses their major they will have to select at least 1 Math, Science of Engineering major to be one of their top 2 selections.</p>
<p>Answer to your question - yes heard but do not know for fact -it had to do with department being full. Around here it could be rumor too...</p>
<p>Thanks for your clear, concise answer. It will be interesting to see how this "ensurance" interfaces with expectations for other USNA targets. For example, will a minority student who desires to major in English be allowed to do so if that quota's filled? If so, then others? Will academic strength or perhaps whole person scores come into play in determing who gets what? </p>
<p>This may get very interesting, particularly noting the enormous proclivity of minority students to pursue the humanities and non-science programs at virtually all institutions. This could substantially impact both admissions and retention rates. </p>
<p>Again thanks for sharing what you know. </p>
<p>P.S. Do you happen to know which dept. was deemed "full?"</p>