<p>What is the process for recruited athletes to USNA? Do they have to go thru the same process as everyone else? Do they have to compete with non-athletes for congressional nominations?</p>
<p>Here is what I learned last year: depends. It depends on several factors. First, what sport? A recruited crew member is different than a recruited football player. Is the student highly recruited (i.e. blue chip)? Did Navy fly him there for an official NCAA visit on their nickel? Highly recruited athletes for revenue generating sports often find a "back entrance." That is to say, the admissions office has a few nominations just in case the athlete cannot secure one on his/her own. It is better that he/she try first to get one in the traditional route. If the school wants him/her bad enough, a nomination will be found.
Last year, my son received a letter from the coach asking for photocopies of the letters he sent to his MOC's asking for their nom. The coach wanted to be sure son did his part. Athletes that can secure their own nom free up the academy nom for someone who cannot (or enters the process too late to get one from a MOC).
On a side note, unlike playing sports at a traditional college, if your student gets to Navy and decides he/she does not want to play the sport (or if he/she is injured), the "scholarship" is not lost...many SA students find sports and academics are just too much.</p>
<p>I'd say highly recruited -- basketball, but no leadership, only semi-decent grades, and probably not great SAT's. Supposedly he is "already in"... trying to assess if my son's chances went down because he is not a recruited athlete,but has varsity letters in 3 sports, has good grades, decent SAT's went to SLS, lots of leadership, 5 varsity letters, NHS, SGA - the whole nine yards and have been working on preparing himself for USNA since 8th grade. All nomination apps are in, all applications in, medically qualified, passed physical readiness test, etc. Heart set on USNA. Trying to manage expectations with this new wrinkle in his path. Just wondering if this kid who came out of nowhere takes up a "spot" in our state. Not wishing the kid bad luck, but hoping to set realistic expectations for my son. Does that sound bad?</p>
<p>No, it doesn't sound bad. You are asking logical questions. When our son went to MOC interview, there was another candidate that was a recruited athlete. He sat in the lobby telling the other candidates that he had already signed a letter of intent to play for Navy. We wondered how that would work into the equation, just as you are asking. We knew that the MOC had two vacancies to fill. When my son got an appointment along with the athlete, we assumed it filled the two vacancies. Fast forward 5 or 6 months to the Congressman's Appointee reception. There were three appointees there for USNA. The athlete was appointed from the national pool. These things seem to work out. Keep the faith. Good luck to your son.</p>
<p>Our Congressman had 10 appointments to the USNA this year come from his district. </p>
<p>Obviously, not all are charged directly to his "quota."</p>
<p>If they really want you, they'll find a nomination.</p>