<p>I am pretty sure it means 'Average White Boy'.</p>
<p>Just of few about a month or two ago, the editor, Cynthia Tucker was complaining in the Atlanta Journal Constitution that the "rich white" kids were missing from the military and that they were avoiding service to their country by attending the "elite" and "preppy" schools and universities to seek the almighty dollar. If the academy has a number of these students so be it. They obviously earned it and have decided to sacrifice money for country. I believe former President George Washington heard the same call some years back. </p>
<p>I served with a young man whose father has a seat on Wall Street and after graduating from a elite school decided to serve his country as a Naval Officer. Was he taking a spot of someone who needed the money? It doesn't matter. Both had the same opportunity to pursue a dream and though I know one had the advantages his parents offered him, he didn't shy away from serving his country...enough said. </p>
<p>There are less white males at the academy then at any time in the history of Annapolis (% wise) but across the board it seems that all of the Midshipmen are indeed worthy and that's the bottom line. Look at the SAT scores, Varsity athletics, and extra0curriculas. The Navy can be proud of what the Admissions Department accomplishment.</p>
<p>mvl ... while your points are well taken and appreciated, unfortunately, the allegation of diversity of qualifications because of divesity of candidate skin color, race, ethnicity and gender still remain unknown. Little is revealed to the polity by collectively good SATs, ranks, ECAs as to the diversity of those items within those categories of USNA applicants that the USNA itself has identified. Great pride is taken on one hand with much touting and pursuit of diversity. No touting on the other of how each category does on the presumably objective measures. The most common thread is athletics. Nearly all have participated and lettered regardless of the degree of diversity.</p>
<p>But what is not known is how many otherwise potentially qualified (or even dare one say, "more qualified") candidates are rejected because they lack "diversity", and how that group would alter the stats that are presumably desired and reported. </p>
<p>The observer simply doesn't know, and is left to speculate. And does. Obviously, reading this thread. The implication from both "sides" appears to suggest that SATs, ranks, gpas would be collectively higher, there might be more class officers and student body prexies, CFAs would be more stellar, etc. IF there were more "awb's". Who knows? The Navy might, but probably not. That would be politically dangerous information that I trust none wants to know or risk escaping to the media or public.</p>
<p>So it would seem the measures the Acad reports aside from the diversity aspects, i.e. ranks, grades, courses, ECAs, even athletics, test scores, CFAs, etc. would seemingly be measured differently for different groups, and that frustrates many. It's like trying to learn what outta-staters need on their SATs vs. kids from Roanoke or Mouth of Wilson need to go to UVA or Chapel Hill. But everyone knows they're drastically different.</p>
<p>And USNA reality is just that, too. The real problem is trying to make the argument aside from PC that diversity is as important, or moreso, than traditional measures identified by the of academic achievement and potential and leadership when it comes to training-up the "best" officers for leading the USN. </p>
<p>Can't impact this so why fret. Do your best recognizing it is not, nor will it be in the forseeable future, a fair-or-level playing field re: the measures for successful appointment. Different rules apply. Go for it, and have a viable plan B, C. And that goes for awb's, abg's, Hawaiian kids, etc.</p>
<p>p.s. broke my own rule in this rambling. brief.</p>
<p>good lord. i am a huge believer in the fact that stats like those that this thread was started on are misleading. there may be 20% female at the academy, but that doesn't mean every guy is eyeing the girls and muttering under their breath that they stole their buddy's spot anymore than the "awb" is looking at the black guy and thinking the same.</p>
<p>This is a really interesting breakdown which studies admissions data from USNA and analyzes the quantitative and qualitative factors of different groups as they progress through USNA. Yes, I read the whole thing. Gotta love charts! ;)</p>
<p>Here is another good study of race, gender, and social group which is meant to analyze the predictors of Plebe summer attrition. Page 12 gives the percentage weights awarded to various applicant attributes such as SAT scores, ECs, etc. </p>
<p>It is fun to go to the USNA site and just type what you want to know about in the search box. All of these thesis papers come up. </p>
<p>Anyway,</p>
<p>I have way too much time on my hands!;)</p>
<p>momof1:</p>
<p>Come on down to WV! I've got a few "projects" I'd be more than happy to let you tackle! :D</p>
<p>You're right about the search engine - amazing amount of material!</p>
<p>Be safe and God bless! :)</p>
<p>Interesting stuff that helps anyone interested to know more.</p>
<p>Thanks for your research and sharing.</p>
<p>Now ... would you please write a 3 page precise on the 101 page thesis. lol</p>