<p>Hello. I am currently a Sophomore in High School. I've dreamed about being in the USMC since I was 8 years old. After several talks with people who told me I'm too intelligent to go enlisted, I decided I'd like to be an Officer in the USMC. I'd like to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. However I know it's hard to get in and I was wondering how can one improve his chances? I am in the top 10% of my school with a 3.6 GPA. I take as many advanced and hard courses as I can. I am also in Cross Country, and should be on Varsity next year. I have joined the Sea Cadets and also do Martial Arts. How else can one improve there chances? This could be useful for others who want to get into the USNA. </p>
<p>P.S. Is there a chance that you won't be able to go to the branch you choose at the end of your four years in the USNA? I don't know if I'd be able to be in the Navy(No offense, but my dream is the USMC).</p>
<p>As far as improving your chances I would suggest keeping up what you have been doing mostly. Keep your grades up and stay involved with your activities. If you are going to do anything else you could do things like planning service projects around your community or anything like that. Just be involved and show that you can get things accomplished.</p>
<p>There is a chance that you won't get the branch you desire, but from what i've heard as long as you keep your grades up at the Academy and do your best you should be able to be a Marine.</p>
<p>Work on standardized test scores, you sound a lot like me last year(except I'm all navy), as for the branch ?, yes there is a chance you won't be able to. Depends on class rank @ the academy, they take 150 to USMC. Best of luck to you in getting a 2013 appointment!</p>
<p>I'll leave the "how to improve" answers to the BGO's, who can help you more than can, but I will comment on this:</p>
<p>
[quote]
After several talks with people who told me I'm too intelligent to go enlisted
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I recommend you start by seeking advice from someone else. That kind of attitude is poisonous to anyone in a leadership position. </p>
<p>As an Officer, you will have the privelege and the incredible responsibility of leading some of the brightest people you'll ever know, many of whom will have decades more experience in your chosen profession than you do. </p>
<p>Never, EVER look down on your people. They will make you or break you no matter how smart you think you are.</p>
<p>Haha, Go tell some Gunny that you are too smart to enlist. I also want to be a Marine, but I am not brave enough to enlist, Intelligence has nothing to do with it.</p>
<p>Ditto what Z said. There are enlisted folks who, quite frankly, are more intelligent than the officers leading them. Not to mention that many enlisted personnel have college degrees -- and occasionally graduate degrees. People don't enlist b/c they aren't "intelligent enough" to be officers. And, in battle, a 1600 SAT and 4.0 GPA doesn't get you nearly as far as someone who barely graduated high school but has successfully completed 2 combat tours.</p>
<p>
[quote]
And, in battle, a 1600 SAT and 4.0 GPA doesn't get you nearly as far as someone who barely graduated high school but has successfully completed 2 combat tours.
<p>We often leave out PART TIME JOBS and VOLUNTEERING! Both very important! :) And it doesn't hurt to be a member of Church, Church Youth Group, Church Choir. Good Luck!</p>
<p>Wow. I didn't expect to get flamed. I fully understand that there are intelligent people who are simply enlisted and not officers in the military. My cousin who told me that "...I'm too intelligent to go enlisted." is an enlisted member in the USMC, and he graduated Valedictiorian of his school. I didn't mean to offend anyone.</p>
<p>WingedHussar.. it is pretty hard to offend us around here :)
(unless we are discussing tattoos.. ha.. love to bring that up)
We all live and learn every day!
Best of luck to you on your journey!</p>
<p>oh yeah.. and if you get a tatt.. make sure it is on a covered spot..</p>
<p>no one's offended, but yea i do get sick of some people saying that, its offensive to some people who want to serve their country by enlisting when people look down on them because they're not going to college right after high school</p>
<p>Don't think there was any flaming. Unfortunately, there are a lot of ignorant people in this country who do think that enlisted men and women are not very intelligent. Those of us who've worked with enlisted personnel and know differently simply want to ensure that no one reading this board has an inaccurate impression.</p>
<p>My son is a class of 2013 hopeful too -- and you'll find the info here is top-notch. I'm really just repeating what others have already said.</p>
<p>Remember that academics is key -- so get those grades even higher -- especially all your math and science classes, which all the academies really take a hard look at. Practice for the SAT/ACT's. And, your EC's -- get something you like and stick with it, including team sports. And leadership -- and that can come in many different places. A senior in my son's HS is going to USNA this summer (class of 2011) and they even commented that his being promoted in an after-school job from ticket-taker to shift leader of ticket-takers at the CinePlex showed "leadership!" </p>
<p>As the AFA website says: "Start Young." You've got what a lot of others here wish they had: time to improve. Good luck.</p>
<p>If I go, I will also be in the class of 2013. Right now I am 23rd in my class of 451. I have a 4.25 GPA and am a member of the choral ensemble at my school. I am also a regionally qualified swimmer for my school's swim team. I am a leader in the Junior Civitan and I am a member of the student council. I am also active in my youth group. What else can I do to improve my chances??</p>
<p>
[quote]
My cousin who told me that "...I'm too intelligent to go enlisted." is an enlisted member in the USMC, and he graduated Valedictiorian of his school. I didn't mean to offend anyone.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Offended? Nah. We were just offering some sage advice. ;)</p>
<p>Tell your cousin that I dare him to say that in front of his platoon and Gunny. :D</p>