<p>I think that is a question that should be asked to someone with more experience and probably a Blue and Gold Officer. According to the Vice President Nomination form the minimum SAT scores for the Service Academies is 500 Reading and 500 Math with a foot note saying that the minimum for Navy is slightly higher in Math.</p>
<p>The nomination process differs from MOC to MOC. They have different philosophies about LOA's, multiple noms, interviews etc... In many areas it is rare to get a double let alone triple nom, to one or multiple SA's. In some states senators get thousands of apps and interview the top 20. Odds are slim of getting one of those. Your most likely MOC nom is the smaller pool of your representative. Most reps get between 10-75 applications (again, depending on area). A rep could give more than one nom to 2 different SA's, if they philosophically agree to that. Rarely will they give a nom to 3 SA's. Again, every MOC has their own way of dealing with it so your area could be different. Consider talking to your MOC’s staffer. They probably are easy to get hold of and my experience is they are willing to talk. </p>
<p>I recommend you consider if you have a preferred SA. If you don't have a preference, research the mission of each branch of the military, not their respective SA’s. You are at the SA for four years, you are active in that service a minimum of 5. Talk to some people currently serving (both enlisted and officers). A SA is an awesome opportunity, but if you realize part way through that you would fit better in a different branch of the military you have a problem. </p>
<p>Nomination committees can also be considerably different from MOC to MOC. Some MOC's don't have a committee. Some don't interview. Some interview by phone. Some have 3 people on the committee and some have 15. I suspect that if a committee were looking at an individual who wants to go to ANY SA, they may ask questions to find out if you had researched them or just want a “free education”. Typically researching them will result in you finding that at least one of them is of less interest. </p>
<p>Another thought - by not ranking SA's you are asking the committee to decide which is the better SA for you, which they may not be willing to do. You should be able to rank them. Doesn't mean you will get a nom to your 1st choice, but by saying you have a first choice you are saying you have done research and you know yourself – there are significant differences in the branches of the military. One may be a great fit for you while another is a horrible fit for you. </p>
<p>These are tough decisions – very tough – but there is no one more qualified than you to make them. Getting in to the SA is only step one. </p>
<p>That is just my 2 cents worth.</p>
<p>Wow... so many people like to argue on this site. In my opinion, at least a 500 in every section should be fine because everyone seems to be forgetting about NAPS. To the parents and candidates for the c/o 2012: if you or your child has a strong desire to attend USNA, they can find a way to get there. Not everything is perfect, meaning the child gets accepted and goes to USNA right away.</p>
<p>My math is the worst part of my app packet. I received a 520 in Math for the SAT, took the OCT SAT and did even worse. ACT is a 23 in Math. I am in college prep. precalc right now but I have a C/C+. All other aspects of my candidacy are very competitve. My struggle is to be scholastically qualified and I am worried only because of my math. If USNA tells me, "Sorry, your math is crap. We want to an extend you an offer to NAPS on NAVSTA Newport." I will GLADLY SAY YES. Like I said, if you're committed and you have done the best you can, you will find a way.</p>
<p>Mister Sinister ... don't worry, they'll get the SATs. That's when you'll rightly need to be concerned. As GA has noted rightly, these are deemed illustrative of one's ability/aptitude to succeed in calc, diff EQ, and math oriented courses. Unlike other colleges you would be unable to avoid them. </p>
<p>It's easy to relate to your valid concern that your current candidacy may not be progressed in the absence of stronger evidence of capacity to do well in very challenging mathematics. But there is good and long-time experience behind the thinking. And in the end, it is deemed in the best interests of the Navy which in turn is in the best interest of the nation's defense. There are alternative routes to service of course, that do not require strong math aptitude.</p>
<p>Not directed directly at you, but my plebe attended a so-so competitive high school for rednecks and future Wally World greeters. And he really knows his calculus and it showed on his scores. And that's the very reason USNA looks at yours (and all) math scores. Because your great rank at a stellar top-shelf international school seeminly lends no clue as to how you'll stack up against all those bumpkin kids like mine and others who come from all over the planet ... unless you take the same test in the same time.</p>
<p>Is there any kind of civil prep for NAPS.. similar to AOG for west point? Can anyone give me a link for more information... I'm not prior enlisted, and probably won't math quite up there with a recruited athlete.</p>
<p>I mean.. won't MAKE it quite up... wow.. what a mistake.. i was studying for my math for the upcoming SAT..</p>