Homeschooled Candidates

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
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<p>I recently read the over the admissions information for USNA and noticed a glaring lack of detail on homeschooled candidates. I did find this page: Office</a> of Admissions | Home Schooled Candidates However, that doesn't seem to have much information. Seeing as I am a homeschooled candidate, I was hoping perhaps someone who maybe has been through this situation could elucidate what admissions at USNA is looking for?</p>

<p>Perhaps some background on me might help. I am homeschooled, but only have been for about one year. I dropped out from traditional school because of depression. I am currently a Junior. I am applying to NASS. (I know, I'm a bit late. Will that count against me?) I consider myself athletic, intelligent, and a good leader, but I have very few ways to show that objectively. I scored a 2260 on my SAT (770 CR, 750 M, 740 W) and 800s on both my subject tests, although from my understanding USNA does not take subject tests. (Math2, USH) I do not participate in any organized athletics; ironically, however, I am very athletic. I literally max everything on the CFA. I was a competitive swimmer when I was in school, but since then, I have not participated in any organized sports. As far as extracurriculars go, I have an internship at a research lab, and have in the past, gone to Ghana as part of a service trip. Unfortunately, however, that's it. </p>

<p>I realize that on paper I'm not a very good candidate. No sports, no real extracurricular activities, no class rank or any indicator of my academic strength except for SATs. I guess I'm asking if admissions ever has a chance to look beyond what's on paper. I feel like I would be a strong candidate if I had objective ways to show that, but I worry that there is no way for me to show that. I don't even think I'd be able to get a nomination. I don't mean for this to sound pessimistic, as I know so many kids on this site are pessimistic, but I am legitimately concerned. Any advice, ESPECIALLY if you have been through this before, is welcome. </p>

<p>By the way, I am aware there is a homeschool board. I thought, however, posting it here would be more appropriate. If however, that is not the case, I'll ask a moderator to move it.</p>

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<p>I think that you will need to use the flexibility of scheduling and time that homeschooling gives you to up your game on the areas you see are lacking. For instance:
Join a competitive community/local swim team since you have that background
Take up Martial Arts
Start a home school group for high schoolers…workout club, book club, tutoring group…something
Are you involved in church? If so, get more active</p>

<p>Secondly, if you suffer from depression you might have an issue on two fronts:

  1. If you are on medication, that will have to be reported
  2. The stress of the academy by all accounts is massive. Can you show that you will be able to handle that stress?</p>

<p>We have known homeschooled kids who got appointments for sure. It can be done. But what I remember about those students is that they were actually MORE well rounded and active than others because they had the time to commit to things like travel sports, church service groups and travel, Eagle Scout early on then ongoing leadership in scouts, etc. One boy we knew alter served every weekday morning, worked part time at a retirement home and volunteered at the same, played travel/club soccer, homeschooled all classes with help from his parents, was an Eagle Scout, went to summer leadership camps and helped teach a high school leadership course to homeschool students. That is an example of how a homeschooler could be at an advantage.</p>

<p>Your SAT scores are good. But the rest of the package probably needs some work. </p>

<p>Finally, NASS is a rolling admissions. If they have space for folks from your region you have as good of a chance now as you would have day one.
Good luck with this all!</p>

<p>T</p>

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<p>Excellent counsel, imo. The major red flag may be the depression, as noted. None here can provide much counsel on that. Great scores! Don’t quit until you know the answer to your question.</p>

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<p>I was homeschooled most of my life, took most of my technical courses at a local community college and ended up getting an AA by my senior year. I was able to compete on the speech and debate team and also participate in student government while I was there.</p>

<p>I also was involved in the Explorers Program through my local Sheriffs dept.</p>

<p>they sent me to NAPS for a year (620 M 700 V) but yeah its definitely a possibility. Let me know if you have more specific questions. There are several homeschooled students here!</p>