Going for the Right Reason

Colleges and Universities A-Z Service Academy Parents
41

<p>Back to the "topic" of "Going for the Right Reason" the attrition part is partially feed from the "Right Reason." Many select going for because mom or dad thought it was their best opportunity. I read almost heartbroken under the Air Force about her parents wanting her to go Ivy instead of the wonderful gift of serving her country. The advice was superb and I have copied for future reference. It even sounded that she was leaning toward the Air Force, then she "changed" her mind. I can only hope she is now happy with her decision and doing well.</p>

<p>So we get to the subject of the "Right Reason", what is it? A teenagers decision alone, probably not 100%. A parents decision, hopefully not, as most of us have already served our time in higher education. Fortunately with a Service Academy they tend to make the decision process easier by being ultra selective. I think the right reasons are a blend of influences 70-75% the student, 15-20% the parents and 10% of the influence from HS guidance, Peers, Adult Friends & Other Family.</p>

<p>There are many hurdles going down the road of application. It is easy to say I want to go but very difficult to complete each step to make the application. If the prosepective student is vested in the process they will understand the investment. So give them the work to do, give them time to complete and expect it to be completed on time. If they want to go it will be done. As a parent this were all the years of wiping noses and running to every practice under the sun gets rewarded. They must mature into a responsible young adult to get everything completed.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/classprofile.htm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/classprofile.htm&lt;/a>
The above link is the 2009 Class profile.<br>
11,259 "applications" 38% are considered get nominations, 4,320.
4,320 nominated 42% are qualified, 1,812
1,812 are qualified and 1,503 or 83% are offered admission
The 2009 incoming class was 1,220, so my guess is about 23% of kids declined their opportunity.</p>

<p>I fully expect if my son decides to go through with it over the next 15-20 months he will severly question whether it is going to be worthwhile. Campus visits, interviews, more interviews, essays, physical challenges, paperwork, DODMERB, more paperwork and red tape. I do not expect him to do this on his own, I wouldn't even want to face this on my own. If he asks for help I will be there. But all contact he has that would have impact on his bearing to get into an Academy he must do. </p>

<p>The right reason can not be soley because he wants a great education, to be an officer, to make friends to last a lifetime, or have a job after he graduates. It can't be because he wants his picture climbing Herndon or with the back drop of the Purple Mountains Majesty. It should not be for the adrenaline rush for gliding through the air, surviving in the wilderness, or tasting the salty brine of sea spray. No individual component will allow his success. </p>

<p>The only thing I think hinders a 100% commitment is seeing what is on TV. No one wants to contemplate death, especially at 15. If there is any fear of service this is the biggest one he faces. Hearing the country song "Arlington" puts a lump in my throught, let's just hope and pray that none of our young men and women are ever required to give the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.</p>

42

<p>hdhouse: Great post. As I said before, you don't need to worry, your kid has a good dad. Fruit doesn't fall far from the tree. Enjoy your son for the short time left you have with him. With my daughter out and on her own, I am realizing that this last year with my middle son needs to be cherished even with all of the academy/college frantic stuff.</p>

43

<p>On thing that jumps out from that profile is that 33% of the new mids have post-high school educations. That further cuts down the chances for a kid coming directly from h.s. My son made it to the 1,800 triple Q but did not get offered admission.</p>

44

<p>Hmmm... not sure if the math suggests that the % coming in w/post-high school education is really any disadvantage for a H.S. student.</p>

<p>Since the 1800 who are qualifed includes BOTH HS and post-H.S. then there is only a disadvantage to HS students if the appointment rate for post HS is greater than the percentage of post HS out of the 1800. In other words, there is no advantage or disadvantage if the percentage of fully qualified post HS applicants is also about 33%. </p>

<p>As far as I know there is no published breakdown of the qualified group, only for the incoming class. However, the post-HS group is not small. It includes NAPS & Foundation, NROTC college students, non-NROTC college students, those who are applying for a second & third time and those who received a previous appointments but were unable to attend for some reason. Might even include priors if they have had 6 months or more of college before enlisting (hard to tell from the profile.) Considering that, it isn't unreasonable to believe that fully 1/3 of the qualified applicants are post HS. If so, a fully qualified HS student would the same final chance as anyone: about 83%.</p>

<p>Of course, this is little consolation to the 17% who undoubtedly have what it takes to thrive at the Academy but don't get the opportunity in any given year.</p>

45

<p>Small thing - only 18 per cent turned down their appointments, not 23 percent. This is one of the highest "yield" rates in the country.</p>

46

<p>oiixxg - I agree. I can't find any published breakdowns other than for an incoming class. But from what my son's academy reports from last year, c/o 2008, 30% of the kids had done either a year of college, foundation, naps, or prior service. While attending paren'ts week-end, I'd asked the question if the kids thought having this year under their belts made academy life a bit easier. (Homesickness, study habits, order skills) Out of the three Mids I spoke with, all three said they considered it to have been more of a burden to them their first year as Plebes. They said it was harder to have given up their newly found freedoms that they'd had during that year. Having a Plebe straight out of high school, I was so surprised by their answers. I would have thought that this gave them the advantage. They added that the regimental lifestyle got them in some trouble at first. One Mid told me that he just couldn't seem to learn to keep his mouth shut. GRIN!</p>

47

<p>Sorry jamzmom- have to differ on this one....</p>

<p>I think it would depend on where that year is spent, and how. I can only speak to the official prep programs - I am not so sure you will hear the word "freedom" and "NAPS" or even "Foundation PG" with its "rules, regulations, mandidated study hours and curfews" uttered in the same sentance! </p>

<p>Our son sought out a lot of opinions on this as he weighed a foundation offer at USNA to direct admission offers at 2 other academies (USMA, USMMA).....can't tell you exactly how many mids/cadets he spoke to, but there were lots all in various years of their program - some even commissioned and out in the fleet (what I can tell you is that there were way more than 3...probably more like 100!) ...not a single one said they regretted the "extra year"...and at WP there were even cadets who told him they "wish" they had gone to prep for army "like their buddies" - that it would have helped with calc and chem...while their "buddies did much better" they struggled! We heard the same thing echoed at navy- and from navy parents with mids (many now officers) that went through the "formal" prep programs (naps, foundations)....the common thread of these comments indicated that the "initial dissapointment" of not getting a direct admit offer faded when they validated out of classes at the academy during plebe year....parents mentioned how much the kids were "better prepared" to handle the mental side (got a lot of those comments when we met with parents at the USNA parent dinners who's mids were now officers out in the fleet)....can't say we heard anything about having "more freedom...now taken away" from anyone we spoke to...but then again, we mostly spoke to mids from NAPS and foundation-sponsored PG years, as well as others who "roomed with" someone from those programs....didn't really come across any from the Jr Colleges or regular civilian colleges, where I would imagine the freedom arguement might present as an issue.</p>

<p>Another point: NAPS graduates get to enter their plebe year with 200+ others that have all spent an entire year together....nice to have friendly faces when facing the prospect of an unfriendly cadre! As for foundation- our son is there with 2 other kids for Navy- already they are establishing friendships- and how nice will it be for them to know someone else on the yard- and they will have an opportunity to meet the other foundation kids before next june at some point- will be nice to see a recognizabe face when they are lining up for those buzz cuts!</p>

<p>One other thing to consider....the attrition from academics runs high....from all the graduation stats we looked at (USNA Class of 2000-2004) the graduation rates for each class were significantly higher for those with a year of prep (includes NAPS, foundation, college, etc) as compared to direct admits....the foundation program reports a sustained graduation rate for its sponsored mids that is nearly 10% higher than direct admits....with several years reported. </p>

<p>Just something to think about for those not offered direct admission- don't be too quick about declining an offer of NAPS or Foundation - especially if you are "going for the right reason" ....if anything, this will test your motivation for how much you really want this - if you do, you will! </p>

<p>As for getting in trouble, it would stand to reason that there is an advantage to getting these lessions learned early on in NAPS and/or a foundation school as opposed to starting out plebe summer with foolish mistakes! But that would be my opinion, and I never did learn how to hold back my 2-cents worth!</p>

<p>Just don't want to scare potential mids away from a very viable option!</p>

48

<p>one small note: as to "facing the unfriendly cadre"...don't want to offend any of you upperclass out there...we all know you are doing your job and getting the plebes in shape :) Now don't be TOO hard on them!</p>

49

<p>Naw. I wasn't directing my comments about Naps or Foundation programs. I'd talked to kids who came directly from civilian colleges. Guess I should have made myself clear and up front. Sorry. Of course you would have an advantage coming from a regimented program. I've said many times that I know having four years of NJROTC helped my son out beyond belief. He already knew the basics. He knew what he was getting in to. Just think what the Naps/Foundation kids come out having under their belts! When they go to an academy, they are automatically asked to help with the new kids. Jamz was made squad leader on day 2 of Indoc due to his little bit of knowledge. When he'd first applied, he did so with the hopes of Foundation or Naps. He had no idea he'd get a direct appointment. And I still just don't quite understand why some folks would even think it not as good as direct appointment. Its not how you get in. Its that you do. I recall a post from a young man who'd gotten foundation and he said that they did nothing special for him what-so-ever. No news articles, no award at high school. It was just beyond sad. I told him to call up his newspaper and have THEM contact the school's principle. People just are not educated enough, outside of here, to understand that it is just as good. Period. Jamz BOG guy was a NAPS then USNA grad. He steered us in that direction & we were thrilled. No worries on my account Navy2010, if you look back at some of my previous post, you'll see that I'm a huge cheerleader for these programs. I'd never ever even think thoughts that are any different than you'd just voiced. You are right on the money and this topic hasn't been discussed in a long while. These kids need to know its another option to obtain an appointment. It is in the fine print in the applications. Makes me ask why. So, Navy you don't really have to differ or anything with me. I'm right there with ya! My posts from the past prove it. Although it did sound alittle like a dressing down... ;)</p>

50

<p>Just had to pipe in on the NAPS issue and freedom, and if this is a benefit or not during their plebe year. My daughter was at NAPS last year. Sometimes during plebe summer, it was a burden in that more was expected early on of them. The freedom issue has been one for some. NAPS gave these kids a lot of money and a lot of freedom. Pretty hard to give up. My daughter mostly, however, knew that the freedoms were going away and was prepared for them. I can only speak for her, but she is much more grounded and motivated this year than she was last year. I think the NAPS program gave her that mental clarity in her decision to come to the USNA and she is there because it is what SHE wants. It took a year for her to realize that, but it is invaluable. Anyway, that is just our experience.
Tricia (NAPS05mom)</p>

51

<p>Well one official visit done and 2 to go. Though WP and USMMA will be visited as tourist when we hit CGA. I was very happy with the tour of Navy and the meeting with admissions. My impression is that my son feels he has the right stuff to make it there. I think he would like to still lean towards AF, to be honest he might have a better chance, since being a Maryland resident makes getting into Navy more difficult.</p>

<p>But to my surprise he was also asking about NAPS and whether other academies offered similar programs. Which to me would be a double bonus if not accepted directly. Since he will be 17 when graduating, a year in NAPS or other prep program would put him at the same age as most freshly out of High School with the added benefit of experience. As a parent I think that would prepare him better for success. But I will let the prevailing wisdom of admissions and congress people to see if he warrants any consideration.</p>

<p>I think this visit opens many channels to discuss what he thinks and feels. I picked up a copy of Reef Points, I used the excuse if he was interested he would need to get familiar with it. To my surprise it was one of the first things out of the bag from the visit. He flipped through the pages, but there appears to be interest there.</p>

<p>Hopefully the visits to the remaining academies further inspire him.</p>

52

<p>jamzmom, my friend..... </p>

<p>I know exactly where your heart is- honestly, no offense meant, and i hope none taken- not a dressing down at all- please accept my apology if that is how it came across! I have a very bad habit of getting on my soapbox....it is just that I can't tell you how many people questioned our son as to "why in the world" turn down a sure-thing appointment, for a year of prep- one gudiance officer at his school even told him he was "crazy" for even considering it! The problem is that not enough people (including us in the beginning) know about this option- the BGO really educated us both - as did the foundation staff that met with us for over an hour answering all of our questions......and our son really did his homework on this asking tons of them.....and even though this year is just starting, we are so grateful......and me especially, because it just confirmed for me how much he really wants this, and how motivated he is......</p>

<p>I just did not want anyone "new" to this forum and the admission process reading that it was a waste of time without seriously considering it- while i will concede it might be for some, I can only say that with everything else in life you get out of it what you are willing to put in! But then you know that- look how great Jamz is doing! So we are in the same corner where we have been all along.....and to prove it I'll bring the chocolates so we can both bust with pride to think that these kids are related to us!!</p>

<p>On a positive note- we shipped our boy back to his school yesterday- no activity for 4 weeks (he is going nuts)- still a bit tired from the mono---but he is such a good kid- he actually worked so hard that he is ahead of his calc class by 2 sections- go figure! now he just has to gain back the 15 lbs he lost in this ordeal- sure wish I could lend him 50 of mine!</p>

<p>Rest easy jamzmom- you have pearls of wisdom to share with all of us, and this soon-to-be navy mom is especially grateful for each and every one of them!</p>

53

<p>navy2010 - WHEW and thanks! I was worried that "the mouth of the south" had struck again with stupidy! :) Our story is much like yours. Guidance at the high school saying, "Naps, whats that? Foundation? why would he do that?" Thank goodness for that BGO. He educated our son on these options. He actually recommened Naps/Foundation for USNA instead of direct admission & we were thrilled with the prospect. In the end, he got neither and is truly happy where he's at. He did put USMMA down as his first choice from the beginning. But at the time, it was a nerve wracking ordeal to go through. We had to research alot on our own to figure out what these programs were. At USMMA, they have nothing on their website telling you that they also offer Foundation let alone which one. We found out through an Alumni that they indeed do. We were told that they send most kids to the one in New Mexico for USMMA. Its a hard thing to find the information. Maybe we should post some of it here to save some applicants some leg work.....</p>

<p>hdhouse3rd -great post! Its helping others see what its truly like to be on this journey. We all have learned a great deal from each other here. I try to imagine what it must be like for your son too. It has to be overwhelming for a 16 year old to think about his future and try to focus clearly. He'll be glad to have you along for the ride on this one! Its tough! The best thing about Naps/Foundation is that even if he get offers of appointment from other academies of his second or third choice, getting the offer through any of these programs for the academy he truly wishes to be at, will be golden, albeit going a year long route through a prep school. Its a seat in the class he wishes. I'll bet you've got file folders all over. With you taking him on these visits, I wouldn't be a bit suprised if he doesn't leave one or two saying, "This is where I want to be! They have exactly what I was meant to do." </p>

<p>NAPS05mom - I used to be a huge lurker on the NAPS parents forum. The things I learned there from reading the Q&A's was amazing. Seems like years ago now but it was just this time last year that I'd found it. I'd forgotten all about the money issue. They do give them such a large responsibility with it. I would have liked having that option! HA! My kid is 30 dollaring me to death! USMMA kids don't get a stipend. They get paid a salary while they are on sea year directly from the companies who's ships they sail on. I await next year with a smile... The thing that had me most worried about Naps/Foundation was that the kids had a whole year in which they could pick up new injuries and the like, knocking them out of the running for an appointment. Its a scary thought to put in a year and not be able to go on with the rest of your class. I'd heard of two instances where it had happened. Glad your daughter made it through! Its a tough program. Now if I were running the show...GRIN....I'd let the kids coming from these programs off during Plebe Summer, Beast, Indoc, ect. Feel sorry for them to have to go through all of it twice. These are some tough kids! They really do have to want it in a bad way to prove themselves twice. And as far as mentally, it has to give them an edge. What is the saying? You gotta learn the ropes before you can tie the knots.</p>

54

<p>Another step completed. Last evening the Air Force ALO meet with my son and his parents at the local borders. I hope we did not breach edicate in that we stayed for the entire discussion. It was very informal providing the both my wife and I ample opportunity to ask questions regarding the process and the academy. We did clarify that future meetings our son and the ALO would be the sole participants.</p>

<p>Went as expected, some of my wife's fears were calmed. As the ALO did both USAFA and AFROTC he strongly encourage application to each program. He seemed a bit hesitant on the prep school route and suggested it was a way for them to get recruited atheletes up to par more than someone who might be lacking in one category or another.</p>

<p>I would say the only negative was the canned response my son gave when asked why do you want to go. I think it was a bit anxiety but the reply was basically "you have an excellent engineering program and I feel I should give something back to my country."</p>

<p>It was nice to get a paper catalogue to be able to thumb through.</p>

<p>When my son finally relaxed more he had some intelligent questions to ask. The ALO seemed very helpful and said he wished he had more kids doing this early so he gets a better chance to know them.</p>

55

<p>hdhouse3rd: </p>

<p>Once again, I feel compelled to comment re: a year of prep; the good news is that I am not a "lone voice" in the forest as I know Jamzmom knows where I am coming from, as does napsmom05.....I trust they will vouch for what it is I am about to say. </p>

<p>First, and most importantly, this may come across harsh. It is not my intention to be harsh, nor is it my intention to discourage anyone from this process- far be it from me to discourgage anyone...but what I will do is encourage you to keep the doors open- all of them. I have learned something of value in reading all if these academy posts... especially those from candidatemom and DocFranc on the Airforce site amongst so many others....sometimes, as much as it is uncomfortable to hear/read/speak, it is better to be frank and realistic....their posts are "on the money" more often than not, and it has given this parent food for thought on many an occassion....so having said that, I will be frank in this post- my apology in advance if it comes across the wrong way.</p>

<p>In short: tread lightly and keep all options open. With grades "weighted" at 3.0, and even if, over time, the "best" of a 3.4 range can be achieved, your son may still find himself with an offer of a prep program the only route offered to where he wants to go, if that route is a Federal Academy that is. You need to keep in mind the academy does not factor in weighted GPA's....they use non-weighted grades in the primary courses....an A+ in some feel-good course, while commendable, is just not going to help here- nor will it help at most of the schools that tout themselves as "highly selective." There will be lots of kids with unweighted GPA's in the >3.5 range that will be serious candidates for the academies....just as there will be candidates in the 3.0 range that offer some other "intangible" that is valued for that class. The competetion is tough, no matter how you slice it. </p>

<p>From whence I speak? Son with 2 direct appointments to academies, one offer of prep and nominations for each.....it was prep that he chose...why? because he wanted USNA above the others as the "best route" to what he wanted to study and what he wanted to do AFTER his 4 years of study were done....if that meant an extra year of prep, then so be it....he obviously thinks it is worth the effort. There will be 250+ others that feel the same joining the class of 2010, just as there have been for the many classes that have come before. 1/3 of admissions of ANY class year is nothing to discount.</p>

<p>Prep programs are offered for many reasons- there are kids there with 3.8 GPA's, SATs and EC's that would knock your socks off...but perhaps they were "down the list" on the MOC's nomination list...or not their MOC's "primary candidate," or perhaps their PAE's were not up to snuff....perhaps they are nursing a torn ACL and "not-quite-ready-for-plebe-summer-training," or who knows what else.....not all kids are athletes, not all kids had below-average GPA's or SATs for that matter....these are the same kids that get into other top-tier schools, inlcuding the other academies....with great GPA's, SATs, class ranks, ECs, leadership, sports, you name it.....the list of some of these candidates would read like a who's who....not all are jocks needing "extra instruction".....that is a huge misperception and a stereotype that serves you a great disservice....in fact, NAPS was intended for those already in the military, on active duty no less, that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the field (where one can rightfully argue is where it counts!) and were, in many cases, hand-selected for their officer potential! These are not "recruited athletes" that need to be brought up to par! </p>

<p>I think the airforce rep did you a disservice for discounting a very viable option, no matter how subtly it was presented, that may open a window for your son when other doors may be closed!!! In fact, they will ask your son on the application if he would consider a prep program if offered....I strongly suggest you encourage him to check it off if he is serious or at all selective about where wants to go! While I have no privy into what happens at those academy admissions board meetings, it is not hard to invision kids on the "cusp"...be it with GPA's of 3.4, or SATs, or leadership, or whatever other aspect gets measured, evaluated and factored into the "whole person score"....they will eventually be placed into one of 4 piles: 1. direct admitt, 2. defer, 3. reject, or 4. consider for prep. Considering the odds, why eliminate 25% of your options before you even get there?</p>

<p>What I can tell you is this....I have seen parents and candidates "turn off" to the whole idea of prep....yet I have heard nothing but positives from those going through the experience, and even some wishing they had done so themselves. Not all 17,18 and for that matter, 19-year-olds are ready to jump into college life- if they were, the attrition rate at ALL the colleges would be a lot less! In my opinion, England has it right with their "gap year"....and it is way too early in the process to discount any option- you may find it is the one option your son has in the end!</p>

<p>What you do have to your advantage is that you are starting early- with time left to get grades up and build that relationship with the officer rep.... and explore the many opportunities available-and be sure to do that...putting all your eggs in one basket (or in an "academy-only basket") would be a huge mistake, prep school or not.</p>

<p>Best of luck to you~ and I mean that sincerely~ we all want these kids to do well....not many consider a miltiary career at all...and far be it from me to discourage anyone....the process can be discouraging enough for anyone brave enough to try it.....but please, be realistic and please, encourage your son to explore all his options- make sure he has lots of them---and keep them all - doors/ windows/ vents/ crevices/ weasel holes - open until the final notification date on May 1st of his senior year..... until then, all is possible....</p>

56

<p>Navy2010 - Why should any offense be taken when the words are spoken honest and direct?</p>

<p>I would encourage my son to consider prep for any institution on his list. I think though an extra year of maturity would serve him well. Being from a non military family could also prove to be a culture shock.</p>

<p>When I reported what the ALO said I did not mean to suggest Prep was off the table in our book. In fact we asked about it, I think his discounting it was perhaps more of an impression he has formed than actual.</p>

<p>The GPA, I really hate to go into that. Regardless of weight is his hurdle. He has taken the difficult road for course load. Everything Honors or Advanced Placement if they were available. I would imagine other competitive candidates will have done the same thing but scored better.</p>

<p>The ALO statement "Well they are going to wonder why you are able to do so well now and not before." Factor in maturity as pointed above, but I also think he now has a goal to work towards. His willingness to give up playing on a top level club team to play on a local team so he has more time for studies. I almost feel off my seat at his interview when he said that. He was committing 9 hours a week on school nights to go to practice plus every weekend at least one day playing. The prioritizing that is expected of those within the academy he has been doing since he was a freshman in High School. </p>

<p>Being realistic about his approach he is spreading the eggs into different baskets. His option list currently reads USAFA, USNA and USCGA if offered direct of prep he will accept it. Next will be completing papers for AFROTC and possibly NROTC though not as sure about NROTC. Of course this will be done all at the same time. So he needs to garner a list of quality institutions that he likes that offer these programs. Following that would be a list of any institution he feels would provide a competitive education.</p>

<p>Next week he sits to take a statewide math test. Grand prize full ride scholarship to University of Maryland. I asked IF he won the scholarship what about the academies. He said he would still want to apply to each academy, but would only apply for ROTC at Maryland.</p>

<p>I am not sure what his response would be if offered Prep at his primary choice and direct admit into another. I think he is realistic about his chances and would be elated with any offers.</p>

57

<p>I feel like I'm the unofficial cheerleader for prep programs! So be it- someone has to do it! </p>

<p>Don't get me wrong- we would have been OVERJOYED had a direct admit to USNA been offered- it would have saved a lot of soul-searching for our son- but in the end, the outcome will be the same- and that he was able to see that for himself was a God-send.</p>

<p>Someone told me about 75 posts ago that I was pragmatic in my views on this whole process- and increasingly I am seeing how true that is. To repeat something I feel strongly is worth repeating, this is a process overwhich we (candidate, patent, concerned significant other, etc) has no control. All a candidate can do is bring their very best to the table- in every aspect of the "whole person." The rest is out of our (collective) hands~ to overly focus on "who, what, when , where and how" is to take time away from what is really important- grades, finding fulfillment in community service, exploring one's ability to lead others, ferreting out possible fields of study/majors/schools, etc.....and, as Oregon Mom pointed out, enjoying the time at highschool- God only knows, the opportunity only comes around once, and it's a short ride until 40+ years of a career gets underway. The best we can do is mentor, guide, expose, educate, support, facilitate, empower, pick up the occassional pieces, listen-listen-listen-listen and LISTEN to what they hope for their own future.</p>

<p>Having an opportunity to explore schools- academies, those that offer ROTC (there are lots), is a great advantage in helping to sort out one's options, and I am glad to hear he will be adding to his list of "possibilities." Just as the student needs to be a "good fit" for the school/academy, the school/academy needs to be a good "fit" for your son. </p>

<p>GPA: it is what it is...but it can change. Focusing on going forward is what is important and what can change the picture....better to have grades improve consistantly over 4 years than have great grades "slack off" senior year....so lots of time to work hard on those- and, again, bring your best to the table....if your son has what the academy wants, they will find it.....keep the communication open and ongoing with your admissions officer- our son's BGO was instrumental. THIS your son has control over!</p>

<p>As for sports: I can sympathize. I can only immagine how much better grades could have been without the distraction of games, practices, injuries, etc- then again, our son would not be who he is without the lessons learned on the field. It comes down to a question of balance, and it sounds like your son has come to realize this~ in the end, overwhelming odds are he will earn his living based on his academics, not on soccer. This is not to devalue soccer or committment to a sport and doing your best....sports can (and does) open doors....but the opportunity costs must be considered. 9 hours on a school night committed to non-academic activities seems a bit extreme...then again there are kids that are able to balance that kind of time committment and do well- it all depends on the kid- your son will have to decide what is in his own best interest over the long run. On a postive note, this is the very challenge the kids will face at any of the academies, where conflicting demands on their time will be intense- learning to manage time effectively is a lesson well learned in this regard.</p>

<p>There is lots of time to decide academy/no academy, academy/which academy, ROTC/no military route, college/university, private/public, prep/no prep....energy is better spent on getting your "best" the "very best" it can be! </p>

<p>Best of luck ~ it all somehow seems to work out in the end, despite our worry, sleepless nights, etc.... but then again, now that I think about it, I think those sleepless nights come with the parent job...its in
the fine print somewhere~</p>

58

<p>This is such an exciting time for everyone. I recall this time last year when we were wishing and hoping for offers from anywhere. I felt every bead of sweat on my kid's brow thinking he wasn't going to make it where he wanted to go. He'd spent alot of sleepless nights worried that his GPA (a BIG belly flop during his freshman year) wasn't high enough or that he didn't have a strong sport. Worried he couldn't do enough pull-ups. It was constant caos to live like that for months. He thankfully made it in by the skin of his teeth.</p>

<p>I don't want to be a party pooper, so to speak, but the facts are that alot of the applicants for this upcoming will not get the appointment they are working so very hard to get. Wish they could all go. My heart just breaks for all the hard work then ending up going to the back up plan. There was many a discussion held last year here on why some kids were chosen over academically stronger kids or kids who had more athletic abilities. Politics even comes in to mess with the game plans.</p>

<p>I direct my comments to folks who may be just reading and not posting here. If you have not looked into NAPS of Foundation programs, you need to explore that possibility. My son would have jumped on it in a heartbeat (if USMMA hadn't came knocking). There are so many routes for your child to consider. If Naps or Foundation is offered, you should NOT consider this a step down no matter what their school tells you. It is sadly beyond their realm of thinking. Here's what we were told... "The academy cannot possibly place everyone that is qualified in a seat for the upcoming year. But they want you and if you want them, take the offer." We went to bed each night, praying for that offer because we knew how bad our son wanted it. It surely depends on what your kid wants. And to think that Navy2010's son had to make such hard decisions! Her son wanted USNA point blank. That kids got it going on in the guts department. From this day hence, we shall refer to him as "Bulldog". :) He's gonna bite and scratch his way to where he wants to be. Wish we could all be so lucky with our kids knowing what they want. Boy, they are so young. When I was 18, 100 years ago, I was worried about who I was gonna go see in concert! hdhouse3rd, you have a step up to on that one too. He's lucky to have you watching his back. I'll add this to let you know just how lucky these kids are. At the parent's week-end, we were told that we would be surprised at how many kids that get to these academies and are promptly forgotten. Can you imagine? Sad.</p>

<p>uh oh... I had something else to add but my mind just went blank cause chinese take-out just walked through the door. More later!</p>

59

<p>Jamzmom- have no doubts your wisdom helped a lot of kids who might be reading these posts- it is so good when they can hear from many different voices! </p>

<p>As for "bulldog," just change that to "torpedo"...thats what they call him- the little angel :/ ...naw, he doesn't really bite and scratch...he just outruns them all! (he better be doing his homework and getting lots of rest like the doctor ordered....heard he bolted for an hour with his lax stick and a few balls- knew they would have their hands full keeping him down!) ...and to think there's still 3 more weeks to go! </p>

<p>You are right about working so hard and having what it takes, only the offer never comes- it is a heartbreak- but look at the many, many kids who tackle it all again for a second, and even a third time....those are the kids that really deserve the credit- the rest of "us" just catch a lucky break sometimes....like our son said, "one of the lucky few of the deserving many"....it has seared into my memory and will forever mark this whole admission experience. </p>

<p>I can only encourage all of you out there to keep at it- if it is your dream, then it has to be one worth fighting for- so work hard and put your best effort forth....your effort, not mom and dad's....your very best, no matter what hurdles....there will be lots of them- </p>

<p>Jamzmom, chinese food sounds wonderful- hope you got a winning lotto number in the fortune cookie! Hope Jamz has some warm coats and a wool hat- its getting cold here- in the 30's at night! Time to send him some hot chocolate!</p>

60

<p>Jamzmom: have been thinking about nothing else but moushu pork and fried rice...woke up and even thought I could smell it! Will have to talk my better-half into takeout tonight! but thought I'd let you know it is a picture-perfect SPECTACULAR crisp, sunny, warm day on LI...no doubt Jamz will have a beautiful view of all of Manhattan and the bridges all day...wish you were here! ;)</p>