NASS Acceptance Help

<p>I'm a junior in a high school that is very different from a typical high school. I go to an internet high school - a school where everything as online and I teach myself my subjects. I still take the same classes everybody else does...AP English Lang., AP US History, AP Calculus, foreign language, and etc. I'm just not sure they would accept me because of the type of my high school. Also before I switched to internet schooling I went to an arts high school that emphasized arts education such as music, visual arts, drama, and dance. So I have had no chance to join a JV or Varsity because none of my schools have offered it. I know you have to be in athletic but I do work out on my own but I don't know if that is enough.</p>

<p>Is there anything that I can do to help me get excepted?</p>

<p>While I realize your question is about NASS acceptance, I am going to broaden it out a bit to application to USNA- as the information pertains to both, but the goal, I will assume, is an appointment to USNA, and not just NASS.</p>

<p>The following pertains, therefore, to your application to USNA:</p>

<p>I do not recall anything mentioned regarding how "internet" high schools get evaluated - although there was a lot of information regarding applicants from "small" and "home" schools, so my guess is that an internet school might fall into the same type of process. Keep in mind, on average less than 2% of applicants come from home or small school backgrounds.</p>

<p>For small school/home school, what is key is determining one's ability to perform well once at USNA. Factors that will be strongly considered are PSAT and SAT scores, your course work (is your program accredited), recommendation letters- and more importantly- the source of those recommendations, as well as your BGO interview. </p>

<p>My suggestion is to apply-
I would attach to that (mailed to admissions under separate cover) an explanation of your school- most schools have a "stats" sheet, or info sheet, or "profile" sheet, that describes the school- include accreditation information for the program you are in as that will be an important consideration.</p>

<p>I would then contact your BGO and explain your school structure. As with the small school applications, each is judged on their own merit.</p>

<p>What is recommended is to take a Chemistry and Calc class in a local community college- it will strengthen the academic profile you are submitting.</p>

<p>Athletics-
may not be offered in via your school, but look to your community to see if there is some organized program you can participate in (PALS, YMCA, travel leagues/teams, etc). Also look to your community for leadership opportunities (Scouts, Special Olympics, etc) and ECAs (community service, Habitat for Humanity, work, etc) What USNA is looking for is group participation so some kind and your leadership role in that group.</p>

<p>While arts education is great in rounding out your cultural side, USNA is focused on engineering- math, science- so the calculus is great, but make sure to add in chemistry and physics to your mix of classes (at a community college if at all possible). If your school offers band, orchestra, theater groups- get involved (there is a D&B corps at USNA, as well as theater groups and glee clubs). There are plenty of opportunities at USNA to express your more "artistic" side once you get there, but it will be your science/math that will be needed to get your foot in the door.</p>

<p>Again, applicants coming from this type of setting will be judged on an individual basis. </p>

<p>As for your NASS application-
I would list the information that is requested, and most importantly, your PSAT/SAT scores (whatever you have). In the comments section, state that you are attending an internet school and fall into the "small school" category for consideration. </p>

<p>Best of luck, and let us know how you make out.</p>