<p>
[quote]
I think anytime you plug something in at the last moment, sports in the senior year when you haven't done any the whole rest of the time, it will be recognized for what you are doing.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I don't think that would be frowned upon necessarily. Do you?</p>
<p>In my case, I had only one sport (Karate) my first two years in HS, and that was a club, not a team. I didn't do anything resembling a team sport until my Junior Year, and did them Junior and Senior year.</p>
<p>Granted, I went to NAPS, which may have taken that and the resurgence of my grades during Junior and Senior year into account.</p>
<p>And I do listen to those who are there now. However, I think we are discussing a definite special case, and you cannot deny that trying to squeeze through the holes offered by the special cases in many ways restricts your chances.</p>
<p>If it will make you feel better, I will acknowledge that my initial response was technically incorrect. When I am asked questions like this, I tend to offer an answer that covers 90% of the bell curve. Just playing the odds. There are always exceptions, as you have reminded us. I'd just rather shoot for the 90% than the remaining 10%. I will try to cover the whole curve next time. You may not believe me, but I sincerely appreciate the correction.</p>
<p>Looking at the admissions stats from the last 2 classess, almost 89% of those admitted participated in sports of one kind or another- with over 80% earning varsity letters in the process. While that does not add up to "everyone," it certainly speaks for the majority- and one would have to assume, something valued as part of the admission "whole person" package.</p>
<p>I don't know- I know our son did 3 varsity sports for 4 years of HS, and now add in the same sports for PG year....
and, like most other candidates (I would venture to say) with lots of other EC's as well.....</p>
<p>not having any would, in MHO, stand out against what appears to be the norm...</p>
<p>but, like with everyother bell curve, there are outlyers...
but if I were a candidate looking to gain the attention of the admissions board, I would be more comfortable as part of the 90% as opposed to the 10%....unless, of course, I was a steller trumphet player that can sound off revile in perfect pitch!!! ;)</p>
<p>I got all happy from looking at the last few posts; that I still do have a good shot.</p>
<p>Then, I walked out into my kitchen and I saw an envelope from the Department of the Navy on my counter. It was the thin one. :( As soon as I saw that, I started screaming words which are probably not appropriate for this forum.</p>
<p>They should make it less obvious that I was a failure at getting in. They should pack it with other papers to keep the element of surprise. That way, I could hold off on screaming inappropriate words until AFTER I open the envelope.</p>
<p>So yea... wonderfully, a failure on that note: all which only further limits my chances.</p>
<p>Sorry about that. I wasn't very specific. In earlier posts, I talked about waiting for my status on NASS. It was a rejection letter for NASS, not the actual Academy. "We appreciate your interest in the Naval Academy Summer Seminar, but regretfully, we will be unable to offer you an invitation to participate. Do not be discouraged. This is an extremely competitive program for which there were only 1,800 openings available. However, you should consider something less prestigious such as Westpoint or the Air Force Academy." (I made that last sentence up...obviously).</p>
<p>It's probably because I had not taken SATs at the time of applying. I also don't have the sports under my belt. I'm taking SATs in June and hopefully sports this summer and my senior year. Then, hopefully, I'll be considered "competitive" for admission to USNA. My grades are exceptional with a full course load and I have Sea Cadets and community service, so hopefully SATs and sports will fulfill the remaining categories to make myself competitive.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I'll never actually get to experience USNA until I-Day, if ever. :(</p>
<p>Well they did in fact decide to say the hell with all your Sea Cadets stuff. We don't want you in NASS. So that's kind of depressing. In the comments section, I gave them a brief history of myself in Sea Cadets and all the leadership positions and activities there. It still didn't make a dent.</p>
<p>I can't wait for the big one!!! I'll be thrilled!</p>
<p>Yea but I know they're gonna read this post and then mess with me. They'll probably throw together this really thick rejection packet of "HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA" repeated over like 10 pages just to **** me off lol.</p>
<p>Holy crap...I feel so honored to receive such a personalized rejection letter from NASS. They at least put my name on it. However, all they have is a photocopied signature of the OIC of Summer Seminar. Here's the kicker: they managed to write the wrong date on here. It's dated 12 April 2005. Last I heard, that was over a year ago. I could be wrong though...</p>
<p>usnso - when did you apply for SS? I know that last year my daughter applied sometime in late January - early February (or as soon as posted). So the timing of your app COULD have been a significant factor.</p>
<p>Also, if possible, some type of sport will greatly enhance your portfolio for consideration next year.</p>
<p>usnso- hold up- for a minute I thought the "thin letter" was for your admission to USNA!!! Wheew......</p>
<p>NASS: I wouldn't get all crazed about not getting in- this is NOT the end of the road by a long shot! If it is any encouragement to you, our son did not get in either- but he will be joining the class of 2010 nevertheless!!!</p>
<p>So don't give up the ship by any means! Just find another boat....</p>
<p>DO consider going to a sports camp at USNA over the summer- they are GREAT- try crew- you will get to stay on the yard, eat in Kings Hall, and get a feel for life there- you will even spot the plebes going through their stuff- and while it is not NASS, it does give you some insight into what goes on- so do consider that!</p>
<p>And DO stick with Sea Cadets- it's a great program- I know it helped the Thorpedo out with all his boating stuff, and he can tie a bowknot better than anyone I know!</p>
<p>DO get yourself involved in a sport- any sport- but something you can enjoy! You have time- but get on it! start this summer!</p>
<p>
[quote]
DO consider going to a sports camp at USNA over the summer- they are GREAT- try crew- you will get to stay on the yard, eat in Kings Hall, and get a feel for life there- you will even spot the plebes going through their stuff- and while it is not NASS, it does give you some insight into what goes on- so do consider that!
[/quote]
</p>
<p>How do I sign up?!</p>
<p>I live in Rochester, NY. Where would I stay? I'd love to do anything involved with USNA and experience something at the Academy!</p>
<p>Thanks for reviving this post...it was dead for a while...and by a while, I mean like 12 hours. :)</p>
<p>There are lots to pick from-
our son did the lax 5-day camp-
most camps run from 3 to 5 days.....
if you are in decent shape, the 5 day camps are great- but do keep in mind the summer heat and humidity, expecially if you have not been playing active sports- a 3 day camp, in that case, might be a better option.</p>
<p>You are responsible for transport to/from USNA (from rochester: you can fly into BTW and take a shuttle bus to the academy)- you stay right in Bancroft Hall, eat in Kings Hall- so you do get a decent opportunity to "peek inside" as to what goes on- granted, not a full view, but better than the tours can offer! </p>
<p>
[quote]
Thanks for reviving this post...it was dead for a while...and by a while, I mean like 12 hours.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>well, had to drive down to phili for the A10 championship regatta-- which we got to enjoy, once again, in the rain - so by the time we drove 3 hrs down, sat by the river for another 5 hours, drove 4 hours home with lots of traffic, and got into some dry clothes- yea, 12 hours seems about right! ;)</p>