<p>I am currently a junior in high school, and was wondering if there was anything I could do or become involved in that would help me as a future applicant to USNA. </p>
<p>My "Profile" </p>
<p>Academics
-I am currently enrolled in AP U.S. History, Honors English, Chemistry, Finite Math, Chinese I, French IV, and Video Production
-Senior year, I plan on taking Statistics, another year of Chinese and French, Physics, and the other required core classes
-My GPA is around 3.5, most likely higher [my school uses an online system that does not properly calculate GPA according to the new state regulations for those graduating in 2010, nor does it send out report cards]</p>
<p>Extracurricular
-By the time I graduate, I will have been in Girl Scouts for 13 years
-My troop is currently a Sea Scout troop, a section of the Boy Scouts that specializes in mariner knowledge/competition.
-I have played the flute for 9 years, the bass for 4 years
-I have recently applied to CSF and am awaiting a response
-I volunteer every weekend with a local organization
-I am on the board of a club at my school that specializes in volunteering and scholarship opportunities</p>
<p>Sports
-On the track team [throw shot put and discus]
-Am about to start training for the Los Angeles marathon</p>
<p>If you haven't already, try to earn your Girl Scout Gold Award. It makes a big difference. Everyone who interviewed my D was very interested in her project. I'm sure it was a big factor her being offered everything she applied for. She is a plebe at USMMA, not USNA, so take this with a grain of salt, but she is really glad she took AP Calculus and AP Physics her senior year of high school. It has made things that much easier during her first trimester at KP.</p>
<p>My opinion: You have very promising qualifications. Keep challanging yourself academicly. GPA is one issue but your class rank is important. Target top 10% as your goal. In scouting or other activities go for leadership positions. You do not need to do a lot of activities. It's better to do a few well and show leadership roles.</p>
<p>Be prepared to do well on SAT/ACT tests going into the latter part of your junior year. Taking tests multiple times is OK.</p>
<p>Put together a bullet style resume that is no more than one page. Keep updating this as you progress. In January 2009 apply to the Naval Academy Summer seminar program. NASS is not a requirement to gain acceptance but it gives applicants a taste of Academy life and helps give you perspective if this is really the life you want.</p>
<p>If you have not done so find out who your BGO officer is and make contact with him/her. You are a bit early in the process but they are a great source for information.</p>
<p>Thanks for all of the suggestions!
I am currently working on my gold award, as well as rank advancement for Sea Scouts, and will be taking the SAT in March, as well as the ACT</p>
<p>What are your PSAT scores? Plan and prepare to take the SAT and ACT exams, as many times as you can (and may be necessary ...i.e. if you get a 2100 or a 34 the first time around, with notably high math scores, bank it and move on.) Start running, swimming, push ups, crunches and pull ups ...the latter gets more points than the others, especially for young women. Most cannot do any, so doing some will help.) Swimming is not needed to get in, but you'll not get out in its absence, and being a strong swimmer will enable you to exempt out of it at USNA, freeing some time and energy on your schedule.</p>
<p>Put your plan in writing, monitor it regularly and often, especially noting deadlines for NASS. Be prepared to get your NASS app in on 01 Feb 2009 ...and don't worry if you're somehow not accepted, although being a strong female candidate is a virtual lock with other aspects in line. Be in top notch physical condition when you attend NASS as your PRT result there will be entered into your application.</p>
<p>I'd add to the calc ...don't just pass it. Get an A or B.</p>
<p>Formally contact your MOC and US Senators soon and alert them to your interest and intent to pursue a nomination to USNA. Your official application will most likely be submissable in spring, '09.</p>
<p>Don't procrastinate. You may see this as WAAAAAY off beyond the horizon, but you'll be amazed at how quickly it'll roll around, especially once senior year hits. Now's the time to make hay. </p>
<p>If you're a praying person, ask the Almighty Appointer to bless and honor your calling and this process that you might in fact recieve a Divine Appointment. Worked for ours! :cool:</p>
<p>Would drop video production and add in calculus.<br>
Would take a higher level of chemestry and/or physics (emphasis on "and")
Try and get a leadership position on your track team, or lead a project in Girl Scouts. Complete the Gold Award and try to move up in your ranking in Sea Scouts.</p>
<p>SATs or ACTs- the higher the score the better, but aim at a minimum of 650 in both to be competetive. You can check out the percentiles for scores on USNA's admission page- use that as a guide. </p>
<p>GPA is important, but class rank will carry more weight. Top 10% is great- top 20% ok- aim for the top.</p>
<p>As already suggested, apply for NASS on Feb 1, 2009- this can be done through the USNA Admission site.</p>
<p>Suggest reading Smallwoods book "A candidates guide to the USNA"... available on amazon.com. Consider it "essential reading" for now- it will give you a good understanding of the admission process.... encourage your parents to read it as well, but remember this will be your application.</p>
<p>Download the USNA cataloge (on line) and read it. Get your parents to read that one as well. </p>
<p>Visit the USNA if you can and attend an information session. Watch the video in the Visitor Center. Take a tour of the yard. Ask a ton of questions. Don't be afraid to go up to a Midshipmen on the yard and ask them about the academy. </p>
<p>Contact your MOC and see if they offer a Service Academy Information Day- and attend.</p>
<p>Final word of advice:
as good as guidance councelors are, many do not understand the ins and outs of an academy admission. As you get closer, contact your BGO - they are an invaluable resource available to you. </p>