<p>Hi, </p>
<p>I attended a service academy this summer (only basic) and out-processed after realizing that I had attended for the wrong reasons and did NOT see myself there for 4 all years. I am now attending my state school with hopes of transferring to BrownU (or UPenn, Yale, Columbia). If anyone knows how hard it is to get into a service academy (I got in the hard way- no military members in my family and not a sport recruit), then they would know that my high school gpa, community service, and leadership (along with sports, character and other ECs) are above average and I don't want to bore you listing all the yaddas. </p>
<p>My essential question is this: How are my chances of getting accepted to the above schools? I read on one of the websites that Yale gives preference to those who served in the military and, technically, I was given "veteran" status when I was dismissed. I think it's silly, but would this give me a leg up with the other schools? I feel like my situation is different and my essay will be a tough one to write. And yes, I'm not going to lie, I am looking for a reputable school in the East Coast for the same reasons that most smart kids apply to Harvard and Yale- for the name. But I really want to go to Brown despite people saying that it is one of the "lower Ivys." I think the environment, research facilities, and distance from home are perfect for me.</p>
<p>Thank you for any advice.</p>
<p>My little sister out-processed after a few weeks of basic at USAF academy this summer and is currently attending UC Berkeley, but her admission to Berkeley had nothing to do with military service (or, in both your cases, not even service). I would discourage you from trying to sell yourself to Yale or any other school as a veteran, as it’s basically a lie. That said, I know that getting into the service academies is a rigorous process, having watched my sister, who has no military affiliations whatsoever, go through it. That said, without knowing your specific background, it’s hard to tell you much. All you’ve really said here is that you were good enough to get into a service academy which you then immediately dropped out of, which neither qualifies or disqualifies you from admission to a college. </p>
<p>Going through basic is a pretty different kind of experience, though, and that you went to an academy and then left suggests that you’ve had quite a mental turn around. To me that suggests two things: </p>
<p>1) Having come to the stark realization, after the all the fuss of getting into the academy, that you don’t want to go, think long and hard about what you do want. After having had that kind of epiphany, saying that you want to go to Harvard and Yale ‘for the name, just like everyone else’ seems flimsy. I was accepted for transfer to Brown this last spring and I think I owe it in large part to the fact that my desire to attend was based on specific interest in their programs and curriculum. In the end, I don’t think most people go to these these schools because they have The Name–they realize that the reason they’re prestigious is that they’ve got some really, really high quality resources. In your applications, it’s very important to convey how you would use those resources and why you need them in the first place. </p>
<p>2) Good writing material! I know that this entire year of applying to the academies, getting accepting, making the decision to attend and then the even harder one of leaving has really, really changed my sister. It was a unique experience that has produced unique results in her, and if she had to write college essays now I know that she’d have a lot to say. It sounds like you’ve learned some new things about yourself and what you want, and that gives you a very good platform to write some interesting essays. </p>
<p>What service academy did you attend?</p>
<p>As a technical veteran, you may now be eligible to be considered independent of your family for financial aid purposes. Please investigate this thoroughly. It may affect your options for higher education.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. I have researched the whole veteran thing, but like said before- I feel like a liar… taking advantage of the system. And I will tell you the academy through personal message since I don’t want to be singled out on this forum. </p>
<p>Also- I really didn’t want to sound snobby for saying I want to attend a “reputable” school, but seriously- in the field job I want to pursue after undergraduate school I need a name to back my resume. Isn’t that how the world works? Brown graduates have some of the best chances at it. This isn’t saying that with my current school I can’t do those things, but since I already want to transfer- why not aim as high as possible. (I really do not want to attend Harvard, Yale, Columbia or any of the others except Brown, but I’m if offered a space when Brown doesn’t- why not accept it).</p>
<p>If you want some statistics here are the basics:
4.12 weighted gpa, top ten in class/98th percentile of class, tons of AP classes, excellent grades. Three different sports, honor society community service, president of a language honor society.</p>
<p>The only things I falter at are SAT scores and AP scores. Let’s just say I often feel like a statistic when they say standardized testing is 99% fair) Luckily to transfer they don’t all ask for SATs or APs (except for Yale…which I’m most definitely not getting into for this reason).
This year in college I’m also going to be working part time when I’m not at school so my ECs are going to be less, but I will try to get community service in just because I love to help animal shelters. Maybe a few community activities also, who knows. Without attending the service academy I actually have to start paying for food and room (plus car, etc).</p>