Oy Vay!!!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
1

<p>My heart goes out to my kid... He just took his SAT today and he does not feel he hit the mark for the Naval Academy. He thinks he got around a 600 in the reading and a 680 on the math. Too bad they don't count writing he thinks he is around a 680 or 700. He based his guess off the practice exams he has been doing and the class he finished.</p>

<p>If he doesn't get the Academy he is hoping the scores are good for NROTC. In all if it comes out the way he thinks a 1960 is not a bad place to be.</p>

<p>Hope remains, he takes the ACT at the end on the month, he is solid on the English with a 31, he needs 1 point on the math to get him on the competative.</p>

<p>Someone said to send both scores because there is some kind of tought given if the kid is good on both exams. I have not a clue what this means but if someone else does please advise.</p>

2

<p>Plenty of time left. ACT is offered again in June and then again in Sept.
SAT is offered again in June, then again in Oct.
Just retest after doing some prep.</p>

3

<p>

x2…</p>

4

<p>I wouldn’t get the cart before the horse. First off, you son has not yet received his actual scores, so speculating based on how the THINKS he did, isn’t a good use of anyone’s time. The actual USNA application process involves many steps and there is no magical number one has to achieve on the ACT/SAT tests. Standardized test scores are only one aspect of what they look at when applying. He should focus on finishing off h.s. and doing the best he can. Look into applying for NASS to get more background on the academy as well as continue to pursue plan B recognizing that many top notch applicants apply and there are only so many available appointments. NAPS is also a possibility but only USNA will determine that as part of the admissions process.</p>

5

<p>Thank you… </p>

<p>He has already been selected to NASS for this summer and will also attend a sports camp. He is very excited, he will be there for two weeks and can’t wait to go. </p>

<p>LOL, I’ll be at the beach kicking back with a few cool drinks and my wife will be crying and not sleeping over “OMG, I hope he is okay”.</p>

<p>He is reading a book on getting into the Academy. He works on the physical that he will get at NASS. Right now he runs a 6:30 mile (wants 6 flat), tosses the basket ball around 75’, shuttle run - fast, push-ups - good, pull-up’s working on it but can do I think 4 or 5 from a dead stance, no wiggling, upper body strength is difficult for a 17 year olds developing body.</p>

<p>We visited the Academy in Feb and my DS took extra time to talk to one of the coaches who he continues to talk to. Before we went he said he would really like to continue his sport, he loves what he does for a sport. When he meet the coach he told him the same thing. It would appear that the coach liked him. </p>

<p>In the end the sport means nothing. My DS will still need the Senators or Congressmans principle nom and he needs to press the ACT or SAT score to 700 / 30 in math. He would also need to be selected by admissions. If that all goes well then he could see if the coach will take him. His current education, leadership, sports, community and school activities are all in line. Long road…</p>

<p>He has all of his Senator & Congressman letters & packages ready to go out tomorrow. He makes lists and tried to get something done on it every day so he does not have to rush later. He also filled on the NROTC application on the day it opened, everything is in he just needs the recruiter to set-up his interview.</p>

<p>He is not giving up by any means… You could not be more right by saying “cart before the horse”. I just feel really bad that he felt he did not hit the SAT mark he wants. I told him he can re-take them in Sept & Oct. he just wanted them ready for the Senators and Congressman. </p>

<p>This foumr is great to get info and vent. I can’t do that around him; that would be getting involved in what he is trying to accomplish. He has to walk the walk and create his own journey.</p>

<p>He is taking the ACT in June. He just needs that 1 point in math to be on that competative edge. He is hoping with all the math he did this year in honors physics, honors pre-cal and honors chem it will help him get that one point he needs.</p>

6

<p>Don’t count your son out! SATs are only one part of the application. I recently received an appointment to USNA, and I had very similar scores to your son. Just keep him in sports, doing extracurriculars, and keep his grades up! He still has a chance.
By the way, NASS is great, just make sure that you’re prepared for the CFA. I had a blast!</p>

7

<p>Thank you USNA17… I could not pull him away from his sports even if I offered him cash. In fact he loves what he does so much he wants to continue at the Academy. He has been talking to the coach of his sport since January. He will also go to Navy sports camp of his sport after NASS. </p>

<p>He does a killer set of sit-up’s and push-up’s. He did quite well on the basketball toss last night once again. He maintains a 6:30 mile run and that’s with a lot of steep hills. Along with his run he powers hills…in other words he will sprint a large hill on our street 20 times as fast as he can. He is working on his high fibers. At the end of this week he will start running the track at the HS with a long distance runner to get him dialed into the actual mile run.</p>

<p>It’s really the upperbody strength that his the hurting point. HJe is not a big kid at all. Right now is is getting 3 or 4. This is really not bad considering he could not even get one a month ago. He said to me that he feels he will do better at the Academy because he will be pumped up for it. Doing it in the house is dull.</p>

<p>His grades are very good, “A’s” in everything and he takes all challenging classes.</p>

8

<p>That’s great. It sounds like he’s still a strong candidate.</p>

<p>Tell him to keep working on getting ready for the CFA. I know for me, upper body strength was a problem as well because I am a cross country runner. I taught myself how to do the pull ups by adjusting my push up position from having my hands further out to moving them in to more of a triceps push up position. This seemed to work for me pretty well.
As for the actual workout, I recommend having your son time himself in each event with a two minute rest in between each event (probably in the order that the events will actually be, and have him aim for the max each time - BB throw(102), then pull ups(18), then shuttle run(7.8), then push ups(75), then sit ups(95), then the mile run(5:20)). Have him do three sets of these (but only the mile once). This is what I did every night until I left (I even did my workout in the hotel room the night before), and I was in pretty good shape. The only events that I did mot max were the BB throw and the shuttle run. These events are tough to practice for, but just keep trying. Also, try doing the BB throw with a medicine ball to build strength.</p>

<p>In addition, tell your son to ask his squad leader for a letter of rec. on the last day of NASS. They don’t give them to everyone, because most kids don’t ask, but it’ll give your son an advantage. Tell him to stand out in a good way, and be a good leader. He’ll have a great time. Also, have him keep in contact with his squad leader. They can be extremely helpful during the application process when you have questions.</p>

<p>Hopefully this helped. If you have any more questions about NASS, just let me know, I’d love to talk more about it!</p>

9

<p>I’ll be honest. And I’m not suggesting to know if these recommendations have not been helpful. But I’ve been informing myself about this process for a long time, and I’ve never heard of any NASS attendee requesting a letter of recommendation from a detailer. Nor that staying in touch with him/her will be of any benefit. </p>

<p>My concern on these suggestions stem from having watched the disdain that can come when one is perceived as a “Joe.” Simply this, these steps, while they might lend some minor boost, might also risk some major knock-down. Allow your actions to speak for you. The squad leaders know what they’re doing. </p>

<p>Stand out without standing out. </p>

<p>Last point, and time is tight. Doing pull-ups well comes from one thing. Doing pull-ups.</p>

10

<p>USNA17,</p>

<p>Respectfully, I am really grateful for your insight but as a veteran I have a full understanding of how very important it is for my DS to walk his own walk. I’ll help him out all day long with working out but the actual application and time at NASS has to come from him. If that means failure and finding something different then it was just not meant to be.</p>

<p>Again, I’ll take the advise on the workout. Actually he pushes himself in that area too he just has me along to help.</p>

<p>Thank you again for the insight…</p>

11

<p>Whistle Pig echoes what a BGO told our dd. Go to NASS and try your best, and help others to do their best too. Don’t be the show off, suck up or overly eager to please kid. That will get you all of the wrong kind of attention. Be a team player, lead when it is called for and work hard. Period. Ask question as you should be trying to learn more about USNA, not just appear to be so eager that you are not really taking in and discovering what USNA and the Navy are all about.</p>

<p>Remember, every kid accepted will likely be a great student, great athlete, eagle scout, student body president, team capt., holder of 100+ service hours, etc. (you get the point). The list of those NOT picked for NASS often is equally impressive. NASS folks KNOW THAT. Don’t toot your horn. You’ll come off looking arrogant regarding being there, rather than grateful and respectful and understanding that NASS is an experience, not your stage.</p>

<p>The other advice that we have had other kids say there BGO told them. DO NOT talk about how much better or worse SLE or AF ss were. Many kids go to all 3 or at least 2 of the 3 (our kid is going to at least 2 and knows someone flying from SLE to NASS then to USAFA ss). Letting everybody know you are doing so and putting down another branch’s program does not earn you any points…nor does raving about another one and bad mouthing NASS (obviously).</p>

<p>The other advice given also echoes WP’s…physically, just practice the CFA things before going…a lot.
T</p>

12

<p>Not clear to me what actual sport(s) your son is doing in h.s. 90+% of those attending USNA typically have participated in one (or more) varsity sports in h.s. Physical fitness is a BIG part of this program and some don’t seem to grasp it is about far more then passing the CFA. If you are not athletic, Plebe summer is the worst time to try to learn how to become one. Also be aware of random advice you will tend to get from a wide variety of well-meaning individuals (even your neighbors who probably know NOTHING about USNA will offer all sorts of terrible advice).</p>

<p>Make sure to read the admissions information section on the USNA website. Everyone has to be 3Q + get a NOM to be in the running for an appointment. Your son does NOT need to get a principal NOM (some don’t even offer that), but perhaps it is just the terminology you are using.</p>

<p>Don’t obsess over statistics/percentages and test scores…there is no magical score that alone will get you an appointment.</p>

13

<p>

</p>

<p>Warning: Grammar/Spelling Police.</p>

<p>“Vey” is more commonly spelled with an “e.”</p>

<p>[Oy</a> vey - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oy_vey]Oy”>Oy vey - Wikipedia)</p>

14

<p>Very nice… </p>

<p>You see this is why they make engineers, we do math well but spelling is crazy!!! Thank you for the correction Golfather. The word vacuum gets many people as well. </p>

<p>Good stuff.</p>

15

<p>My son has two sports he is active in and he is very athletic. I think I may have noted it but if not, he has been actively talking to one of the coaches for some time now about doing his sport at the Academy. It looks very good; however, he needs to get in first. </p>

<p>He has been working out for the CFA which he will do while at NASS. If he passes at NASS he will not need to take it during plebe summer, that came right from admissions. As a family we already had our first B&G meeting / interview the guy was great. I was going to take the family and leave but the guy wanted to talk with us as well. We also know a Sr. at the academy who knows my son very well and has answered many of his questions. My son has also been reading the book that is based on getting into the academy. </p>

<p>In regard to the principal NOM vs. the NOM we have a rep that uses the principal NOM process. Although it’s the admissions final decision it is what it is. The only resources my son uses are only that of the actual admissions or his B&G. I feed him nothing only because it has to be his walk. The forum is good for me because again, I don’t want to get into my sons way. He is now waithing on the official candidate letter which sould be rolled out very soon. Once he gets that he can start the 2nd phase of the application process. </p>

<p>In regard to his test score I just feel bad that he didn’t feel he did as good as he hoped. We shall see what the real score is in about 2 weeks.</p>

<p>Thank you for the feed…</p>

16

<p>You have to pass the CFA BEFORE you can get an appointment, it is part of the application process just like passing DODMERB. Some take the CFA at NASS, but for those not chosen to go to NASS, typically the CFA is adminstered by a h.s. coach.</p>

<p>Most BGO’s only do one interview. They want to talk privately with parents as well as the applicant to be sure of the real motivation for applying. You would probably be surprised at how many BGO’s tell stories of applicants privately admitting to them they are mainly applying since this is what their parent’s want.</p>

<p>MOC can issue 10 NOM’s for each opening they have at the academy. Those who are 3Q AND have a NOM are issued appointments by the academy in decreasing order of WCS. The process for being 3Q is determined by USNA admissions. MOC issue NOM’s.</p>

17

<p>Haaaaa, read into that one I did!! Yes CFA…thank you for the correction. You see this is exactly why I can’t get involved I just confuse my own kid.</p>

<p>I had the 3Q thing down but I like the way you wrote it up, thank you! The BGO my DS had wants to hear back from him once he has completed NASS which is understandable.</p>