<p>Hello, how is everyone doing? I am a 10th grader that wants to be a Navy/Marine Corps pilot (still deciding which one to pursue). I was wondering how I am looking so far? I am really regretting how lazy I was my freshman year, but I can't change that now. Here is my resume:</p>
<p>-3.22 GPA unweighted 3.4 GPA weighted (Honors Algebra 1 freshman year).
-Haven't taken the ACT but shooting for a 28 (minimum)
-I am going to be on Varsity track and field this year and I am going to get a Varsity Letter
-100+ community service hours by the time I apply
-FCA Leadership committee
-Martial Arts for 6 years, got my black belt and became a junior instructor
-Going to get a job once I turn 16 years old
-School does not rank but my counselor said we can figure that out when the time comes</p>
<p>I know it is not that strong at the time being but I plan on taking an extra year of math so I can take calculus my senior year (I will take Algebra II/Trig this summer going into my junior year of high school). So hopefully they will take notice of that and that I am serious about this. I plan to take more APs and Honors classes next year and get A's to increase my GPA to around a 3.7-3.9 unweighted.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for taking time and reading this. I am open to any and all criticism and advice so please let me know what I need to do. </p>
<p>I would have to say the odds are against making it into the Naval Academy. You really need better than a 28 ACT, for one thing. A 30 is more like it. Varsity track and field is great, however. Martial arts is great too, especially for the Marines. If you added wrestling to your varsity sports, that could help a lot. Especially if you got your GPA up. Seriously, the main difference between martial arts and wrestling is the techniques used. Its not like the difference between golf and football.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, you should apply for USNA. You will never know unless you try.</p>
<p>As a back up consider two things.
First, apply for the Naval ROTC scholarship. It pays full tuition, plus at least $300 per month. In addition many colleges will give you free room and board.</p>
<p>Second, apply to the Merchant Marine Academy. It is a lot easier to get into than the others, and is a legitimate path into all of the branches; not just the Navy and Marines, but also the Coast Guard, the Air Force, and the Army. It has even produced an astronaut, Mark Kelly a captain in the US Navy (retired). Plus, you still have the option to remain a civilian in the shipping industry.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the reply. I will study hard for the ACT and get that 30. I really wasn’t interest in the Merchant Marine Academy but I will look into it. I was also planning on taking more Honors/AP classes to get my GPA up, but so many to where it hurts my grade.</p>
<p>You should take the ACT more than once. I know a student who went from 30 to 31 to 32, by taking the test three times. Some people show even more dramatic improvement.</p>
<p>Also take the SAT, lots of people do better on it than the ACT.</p>
<p>You need to understand everything you need to get your congressional nominations for USNA admission. Make every attempt to attend the military service academy information nights at your school and speak to the area representatives. Contact your congressmen and senator staff offices to figure out what they will need from you to get your recommendation requests in. Are your parents active duty or retired military? If so, you have an advantage in getting recommendations. </p>
<p>Also, the Coast Guard Academy does not require congressional recommendations, so the application process is a lot more straightforward.</p>
<p>Another opportunity that you may consider is attending the 6 day Summer Seminar at USNA. You are eligible after completion of your Junior year in High School. But be sure to apply early…I think Jan-Feb of Junior Year is when applications are accepted. It will underscore your interest, as well as provide an interesting look at the place. My son did it and enjoyed it. Also, I agree with an earlier poster, when the time comes Apply to USNA, because you never know!</p>
<p>I’m not sure. I think it has to be the parents. Best to check directly with the school. You should have a USAFA or other academy district rep in your area that you can contact.</p>
I would advise you into taking as many AP classes you can (that you can handle) so even though your GPA might not be the best, it does show you are academically ambitious. Also being captain of sports teams or presidents of clubs will highlight your leadership!