<p>Parents want me to join this program since I got the letter and it seems like an interesting/prestigious program, but I'm not sure what kind of stats from a student they would be looking for like GPA, SAT etc.</p>
<p>Probably similar to what admissions requirements are. The summer programs may even be slightly more competitive. However, it is a great way to find out if you would want to spend four years in that environment.</p>
<p>It’s basically a recruiting gig, so just because you get into the summer seminar doesn’t mean you’ll get into USNA, and vice versa…basically, they do “target” certain kids (e.g., from areas where they don’t get as many USNA apps, etc.). Like MD Mom stated, it’s even more competitive. </p>
<p>It’s definitely more fun than what you’ll actually experience as a student at USNA, but it’ll give you a good look at if you like USNA or not.</p>
<p>Apply and see if you get in. That would be the first step… and the applicaiton period is running out. Most kids have an academic record of challenging classes and high GPAs, leadership, a varsity letter and service. That is a typical package.
BUT, once you pass that ‘bar’ and are ‘qualified’ then it seems as though whether you get in depends upon space (of course…especially since many have been accepted already) and other factors such as your home state and Congressional District, gender, ethnicity/race, high school’s relationship to USNA, etc. By all accounts, going is a good thing as it tend to mean:
- You love it and become seriously driven to apply to USNA
- You don’t like it and find that academy life in general is not for you
- Regardless of 1 or 2, it is a once in a lifetime experience and chance to do something new and different for a week of your summer and something to add to your student resume.</p>
<p>Our daughter just found out that she was accepted and is glad to have a chance to go.
T</p>
<p>I think the application period for Summer of '13 just closed.</p>
<p>Yeah, I was wondering if you know what makes the USNA SS reject some people? I was rejected even though I’m first in my prep school (a naval honors school)class, I play a varsity sport, I travel a lot, I sail at my school, and I have a fairly unique leadership background? Everyone told me, oh, of course you’ll get in! That’s not a problem!
But then I didn’t.
If someone appears undecided about the Naval Academy, are they less likely to get in? The whole reason I applied was because I’m really not sure if I want to enter the navy and the seminar is the one way I can think of to actually make a decision. Now I don’t know what to do.
Thank you for your help.</p>
<p>The answer is simple. And it’s nothing personal, so I’d encourage you not to take it as such. The NASS program is a marketing/selling/recruitment program. And it is increasingly used to introduce, attract, entice a narrowly defined diversity of students, in hope they will, like you presumably will, pursue appointment to USNA in the coming year. What they know is that outstanding candidates like you will in all likelihood pursue appointment regardless of whether you are provided a spot in NASS or otherwise. And at the end of the day, you will likely be far, far more competitive than a great many of the students invited to NASS. And it will not necessarily follow that because those lesser qualified candidates were invited to NASS that they will be invited to attend USNA “ahead” of you. At one time there was a much higher correlation of NASS attendees becoming USNA appointees than now when there many thousands more initial candidates. But remember this … and this is what counts … when the competition is head to head, you vs. others, your whole person score, BGO interview, teacher recs, 3 Q status, PRT score, medical status, standardized tests, HS performance, geographic locale, and nomination status will drive the process … NONE of which drives (ok, geog, scores, racial “diversity” are issues for NASS) the appointment process. </p>
<p>What’s the “bottom-line?” You should be understandably disappointed in not getting a spot @ NASS. But in many respects, it’s because your preliminary application was either too good or too weak or too something else to trump the much tougher task of getting those otherwise marginal candidates to come. Frankly, my guess is that it’s because you’re strong, fit the profile, come from perhaps an already well represented area, are too white, etc. they saw no need to use a NASS spot on you. Correct us if I’ve missed the mark. Wouldn’t be the first time. </p>
<p>But DO NOT be discouraged. It is NOT a program where the best are invited at the expense of lesser candidates. It has little or nothing to do with that.</p>
<p>Lastly, re: your “uncertainty” … USNA will help viable candidates deal with that later in the CVWs. But how would they factor in your “uncertainty?” Cmon, think this thru dude. Pull up your trunks and get with applying. Sounds like you are a strong candidate. </p>
<p>And one word of caution … many, make that MANY candidates no doubt similarly strong and will have good WP scores as you might, will NOT receive appointments. So do not succumb to what “everyone” or “they” might tell you. Why? They don’t know. Not a clue, and you cannot scoop this process. Don’t waste time trying. Determine if you’re interested (btw, a week of NASS helps, but it’s no magic 5 days, especially for one like you who already has substantial acclimation to this stuff, far more than most.) and apply or don’t But there are very few slam dunks in this game, and you’ll not likely be among the first. A strong candidate, for sure? I’d bet on it. But only if you apply and give the process your best effort. What are your PSAT/SAT/ACT scores, btw?</p>
<p>As always Whistle Pig hit the nail on the head with this issue. A ton of qualified kids don’t get into NASS. They don’t NEED to expose the kids to USNA when their school, disctirct, parents, etc. are doing so and when the kid already clearly ‘gets’ what he/she needs to be doing to head toward an appointment. It already is happening.
BUT…DO look over your record. As WP asked, what are your scores? What are your sports (any varsity letters in the sport you play…or team cpt.), are you in AP/Honors math and science courses (BGO said this is a must)? If you are ANYONE from a competitive district you will need all of the above.
Don’t be discouraged, just keep working.
T
By the way BGO said getting into NASS means nothing, getting rejected means nothing.</p>
<p>That reply was more helpful than anything I’ve heard so far from my friends who are going to the Naval Academy, my college counselor, and my parents combined. Thank you for taking the time to explain it so well.</p>
<p>My SAT scores: Math 730, Writing 750, CR 800
GPA 96 at the moment with 4 APs/Honors (of 6 majors/1 minor)
I’m on a varsity sport – squash – that I started this year(I moved up from jv to varsity halfway through the season). I also sail on a 92ft schooner as my sport for the two other seasons which is an incredibly unique leadership experience (there is only one professional adult – the captain – and the rest of the positions are all filled by students). Being apart of the crew on this vessel really drove me to even consider Annapolis. </p>
<p>Don’t worry, I would never take college admissions for granted. I know there are so many people who are better than I am and deserve an appointment even more so, but despite that, of course I won’t give up!</p>
<p>Again, thank you both for your replies. They definitely change how I am thinking about the summer seminar in relation to an appointment to the USNA.</p>
<p>You, young man, look to be an exceptional candidate! You give no indication of your whereabouts, but in any case, I believe you’ve answered the question of “why no NASS for me?” And it’s likely because you look to be, superficially of course, to be an outstanding, strong candidate with some real exceptional experience(s). Be assured of this … your “rejection” for this summer program is NOT because you don’t look to be a strong, very viable candidate! Keep working and go after this! You can do it. Set your sail and get your app in by early fall/late summer. Begin to work out physically for the PRT and also, begin to develop ideas and outlines for your essays. Get some coaching from a pro on interviewing skills. Use this time to tee up your titleist #1 ball … </p>
<p>Keep us posted. Your SATs are strong. Have you taken the ACT? You might wanna give it a shot … a 36 on math and verb would be homeruns. Work hard. Head up. Heart right.</p>
<p>I will definitely keep you posted. Also, I’m assuming being a girl won’t have a negative impact in the application process 
I had not been initially planning to take the ACT because my SAT scores were high, but maybe I will. And I am from the area around Cape Cod, MA.
Again, thank you for all the advice! Everything you have said really has made a difference in my perspective. I can’t say enough how grateful I am.</p>
<p>I would be sure it is YOU and not just your parents who are interested (based on your original remark). USNA is a place for those who want to become officers in the military, not just a 4 yr college experience. You need to make sure that is the main reason you are interested and not simply to attend a pretigious college or for the ‘free’ education.</p>
<p>NASS is partly used to create awareness about USNA in parts of the country where there isn’t a large military presence or awareness. Individuals can get turned down for NASS and still get an appointment to USNA.</p>
<p>You, young lady, are gracious. My apology for failing to grasp you are just that! It even enhances your chances … imo! Got get 'em! We’re in you’re corner. </p>
<p>Time2 offers wisdom that should be taken to heart. Do your best to separate yours and your parents dreams. Make sure that as you work to please and honor your parents that you are equally pleasing and honoring your own heart’s desire. The glow of patriotism, life in uniform, world travel, etc. will soon fade into the reality of other things. </p>
<p>That noted … there is a flip-side to that coin that is not to be ignored nor taken lightly. Great parents often … OFTEN … know their great kids better than they might think they know themselves. Together with their child/student/soon to be young adult, this is one committee that can and often does make sense. </p>
<p>And for young ladies, my observation is ESPECIALLY with mom. Making sure that she is enthusiastically supportive of seeing her “little lady” in military garb and career. This confounds many, I think.</p>
<p>One straggler thought … being from MA and East Coast? You’ve further supported my supposition. Were you sailing the seas of Wyoming or Iowa? You’d have had a whole bunch more “sex appeal” for the NASS class makers. Tons of kids from up and down the Coast.</p>
<p>My parents are not pushing me one way or another – my original comment was merely reffering to the fact that they were trying to make me feel better about being rejected. They are actually incredibly non-intrusive and have made it very clear that they will support whatever I choose, whether that be the Navy or a normal college. They are very open minded as well, something I am very grateful for!</p>
<p>Time2, I definitely agree with you! One of the reasons I wanted to go to the NASS was to learn more about the Navy itself. I am definitely aware that I would be choosing a life, not just a college. That rigidity is one of the main reasons I am hesitating; I am keeping an open mind as well.</p>
<p>Your theory, Whistle Pig, sounds more and more likely! One piece of information I have left out: I am from a Naval Honors school (it used to be a prep school for the Navy and still can give me one of my two nominations). The Navy itself isn’t a huge part of school life anymore – the nomination is sort of just left over. The focus has shifted from the military to the ocean, especially with respect to marine and nautical sciences. Still, having that name “Naval Honors School,” sounds like it could be a DISadvantage for the NASS instead of the advantage it would give when applying to the Naval Academy.</p>