<p>When the academy is reviewing a candidate's eca's and sports, do they give any slack to candidates who have work after school? Having to work during the week makes it nearly impossible to play varsity sports that have you practicing daily. Does my playing intermural basketball and working as a lifeguard (w/ strong academics), make me just as competitive for an appointment as a varsity basketball player w/o a job and who is just as academically qualified as me? The 85% varsity sport stat for incoming mids is very troubling for one in my position.</p>
<p>The Naval Academy wants to find out if you are involved in activities in addition to your academics. If you are a 4.0 student but don't participate in any ECA's that won't look good. The Admissions Board wants to know that you can manage your time with multiple activities AND also be a 4.0 student. If you are just a book worm geek, you won't survive at a service academy.</p>
<p>
[quote]
When the academy is reviewing a candidate's eca's and sports, do they give any slack to candidates who have work after school?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Yes. This is something you should definitely mention in your BGO interview. Also, if you can (legitimately and naturally) work it into other parts of your application, that would help.</p>
<p>BTW, I note you say you "have" to work as opposed to choose to work. To me, it makes somewhat of a difference. People who want to work during the school year to earn extra money -- fine. However, if doing so takes away from your ability to play sports or participate in ECAs, that's a decision you have to make and have to live with.</p>
<p>However, if you need to work in order to support your family, to pay for lessons or college, etc., that's a different -- and more compelling -- story. You needn't explain your situation here -- I just want to suggest how different scenarios may come across.</p>
<p>
[quote]
The 85% varsity sport stat for incoming mids is very troubling for one in my position.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>USNA likes varsity athletes for 3 main reasons. First, it generally shows a level of physical fitness. Second, it generally shows the ability to work in a team environment. Third, it generally shows leadership. Also, people who want to attend a SA and people who are varsity athletes tend to be the same people. Thus, the high correlation. It's not simply that USNA is looking for varsity athletes, although this is true as well.</p>
<p>You can demonstrate the same qualities in other ways. Again, I would use your interview, personal statement, etc. to do so.</p>
<p>IMHO- work, and holding down a job 5 days a week after class, is, in and of itself, valuable experience. Responsibility, accountability, being prompt, taking orders, getting satisfactory reviews- all play an important role in demonstrating who you are. I would most definately make sure this aspect of your application is well noted- and in addition, I would have your employeer write you a letter of recommendation- just be sure it is a good one!</p>
<p>As for the "athletic" side of things, playing an organized sport is important- while you don't necessarily have to be a varsity-level athlete (many at the academy are not), playing at the intramural level still carries home not only the physical benefits of sports, but the intangables as well- leadership, team goals over personal triumphs, etc... all important to the academy, and to life in general. Having lifeguard experience on top of that can only help to demonstate that you are physically fit.</p>
<p>I would not give up your job in order to play sports....but I would urge you to continue with some type of physical activity/sports as best you can- including the intramurals you are doing now. Do try and work out/train for any upcoming CFA assessment that is part of the application- that will help dispell any doubts.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>