NASS session 3

<p>Is it just me, or is anybody else freaking out here? I been reading all the threads about past NASS experiences, and I most say that I am terrified. I'm mostly scared about the physical stuff. Is anybody in the same boat with me? I mean, I may not be the most fit person by the navy's standards, but I get my butt up and workout at the gym 3 days a week. It's not the most intense workout, but I have to start somewhere. And sea trials, oh my god, I just pray that I don't pass out. What are everyone's fears and expectations?</p>

<p>Hahaha...don't worry you will be fine as long as you give it everything you have. You will be exhausted, but that's pretty much the point. Sea Trials is hard, but you are so busy thinking during most of the evolutions that you can't really think about how tired you are. I'm sure you'll do fine.</p>

<p>man I'm so excited, I just want to get wasted during sea-trials. I don't even care how tired I get. I will enjoy every minute of it. I simply can't wait to see the place in general.</p>

<p>hey yo i went to nass last year, it wasnt bad you'll get exhausted but dont worry about it, drink water cuz you'll get dehydrated really easy just because of the heat. have fun, do your best on the cfa's cuz you'll need those for your application (not that you can't do them again, its just easier if you do it once and get done with it) if you have any other questions about anything admissions, nass, whatever im me at gbllr04</p>

<p>NAVY '10 you know</p>

<p>Yea I'm kinda scared too.. mostly nervous. And I get up and Run everyday and have been doing push-ups and sit-ups a whole lot... but I have a feeling I'll be better mentally about this stuff than physically. But my brother said to just keep going and try to put my all into it... I'm sure it's going to be great expirence... but yea I'm still scared.</p>

<p>And you are only going for a week this year!</p>

<p>I must be going crazy</p>

<p>My son is applying to 2 Academies this fall. He was told to submit a recommendation letter from his math & english teachers. What about sports or band teachers? We have several family friends currently serving as high level officers in different branches of the military. Would their recommendations benefit our son's admission?</p>

<p>There was a lot of discussion on this topic - with a bit of searching, you should be able to locate several threads on it-</p>

<p>it all boiled down to this:
-submitt the letters requested as directed
-add in "one"- "two" extra letters IF THAT PERSON KNOWS YOU WELL -FIRST HAND-AND CAN ADD VALUABLE INFORMATION. That can include a letter from a coach, boss, JNROTC, etc.
-forget the family friends, uncles, grandfathers, etc who are "high ranking officers in different branches of the military"..... UNLESS they have been involved with your kid in some TANGIBLE way and can SPEAK FIRST HAND as to their abilities.....otherwise, it can backfire.</p>

<p>Some MOC strictly limit the LOR.... so don' t exceed that.
The USNA will "consider" one or 2...... but they really need to be "outstanding" and from someone who can really speak to your kid- otherwise, it's "same old-same old" and you will run the risk of "not being able to follow directions." To much of a "good thing" is no good. So if they are saying "more of the same," then there is no need. If they are adding "a new dimension" to what is already there, then consider it- carefully, and in very limited quantities (absolutely no more than 2).....</p>

<p>moderation- discretion- all come to mind.</p>

<p>Best of luck to your son!</p>

<p>Just yesterday while I still have the joy of my mid home for a few more days we talked about her experiences as a NASS 07 Cadre this summer. She informed me that each evaluation is taken incredibly seriously by Admissions - and that the Squad Leaders ( the mids like my kiddo) rate the candidate on a 5 point scale. Typically only 1 or 2 candidates are given alot of '5's or 'outstandings' on their evals.</p>

<p>What are the Squad Leaders looking for?</p>

<p>who shows leadership skills?
who gives everything 100%?
who works with teamwork first, self second?
who tries and doesn't gripe even if they don't do well in the CFT or anything esle?
who asks questions?
who pays attention and shows a genuine interest in being at USNA?
who is HUMBLE and not showy about their previous achievements be it JROTC, or CAP or Scouts, etc?</p>

<p>She said to be ranked 'outstanding' on your eval by your Squad Leader really makes a difference in your consideration by the Admin board.</p>

<p>for those who do not get selected to NASS, don't panic - USNA has other ways to get a true 'feel' for the candidates - and only 600 of the 1800 NASS attendees typically recieve Appointment offers - out of the 1500 or so given each year.</p>

<p>Navy2010: Thank you so much for your terrific advice on 'Letters of Recommendation'. This is truly appreciated! I think we'll 're-evaluate' the letters people have offered to write on his behalf!</p>