<p>My son is very interested in attending the Navel Academy, but our family has no backround in the military. We would love to get some advise about applying and attending the Academy.
He just started his sophmore year, and just turned 15. He has a 4.3 GPA and takes all the AP clases he can. He is 6'4" 180lbs, and is very athletic, and plays both Basketball and football. He has just started doing some community service, but does not have much time between his studies and practice. We live in Colorado, and I was wondering is that helps his chances, because i dont think there are many students applying from our state.
thanks for any iformation you could give us.</p>
<p>First, congratulations to your son and his parents for several readily apparent reasons including he’s looking in a great direction for his future and none too soon nor late. And it’s obvious that he is a stellar young man who comes from good stock and with parents who care enough to help him in his preparation for his next step and specifically in his research about what it takes to be competitive for an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Well done.</p>
<p>Now to your question, there are several websites that will aid your search, helping to address any and every question you may have, if not always able to provide clear-cut answers. There are many people who can and will help you, in fact one of THE most helpful fraternal “families” you’ll find anywhere. </p>
<p>Here is the basic USNA site. Begin to review and study it, especially the “Admissions” tab on the left side of the screen. Make sure you and your son look carefully at the most recent class profile posted. It does not hold specific answer for any candidate, but it provides a general picture of all those who have accepted appointments in the most recent admission season. For example, you see that 90% participate in scholastic athletics. Your son is already a “check” in that column. And obviously in a number of the other primary characteristics that the Academy chooses to advocate and publicize. There are others, as well. One quick word: Don’t let your son get into the “game” of trying to get all the characteristics “checked” off or maximized. That is rarely a productive strategy. Neither should it be avoided, however, especially with your son only a sophomore. In other words, begin to identify and pursue meaningful, genuine service opportunities in which he can grow, contribute, and flourish. Don’t play 5 sports if they are not of real interest and passion. You get it, no doubt.</p>
<p>Remember this … the application, nomination, and appointment processes are NOT often analogous with application to secular institutions. Your son will be competing initially with both local Congressional district competition, which can and often does change dramatically from year to year. One year might find two or three Rhodes Scholars-in-training and the next year a much lesser pool. Same will be true altho to a lesser degree, at state levels.</p>
<p>You ask about Colorado. The short answer is I’m not sure about competitiveness. I do know it’s less competitive generally than MD, VA, FL, TX, CA, PA, NY and any number of other highly competitive states. Conversely, with an Academy and military presence there, it is likely far more competitive than any number of other western and midwestern states. So do not over-estimate the “value” of being in a Far West State.</p>
<p>Be cautious about embracing the mean statistics, especially if your son is not a minority priority target. Since focused recruiting has commenced in key urban areas in order to fulfill the mandate for more minority Midshipmen, the candidate “applications” have sky-rocketed while the mean stats in certain areas have gone down. Many try to ignore this reality but it is. What might be concluded is there are really two sets of “average” and the non-minority target is notably more stringent. Conversely if your son IS a priority minority, that will be to his advantage relative to the general data that you will see. </p>
<p>So, that may be enough for now. Check out these two sites and bon chance. A personal suggestion of for a “next step” might be to begin to identify what needs doing, the kind of things that get measured, and have your son set up a matrix/chart that he can add to and note completion/fulfillment of steps. And start reading books about USN and USNA. I and others can help with suggestions. Here’s a “must get” at your early convenience … and there are always good used copies on Amazon and the bargain sites.</p>
<p>“The Naval Academy Candidate Handbook” by Sue Ross This will really lend alot of basic guidance of the process.</p>
<p>The Academy site … [United</a> States Naval Academy](<a href=“http://www.usna.edu/homepage.php#top]United”>http://www.usna.edu/homepage.php#top)</p>
<p>Here’s another great site … [Naval</a> Academy - USNA - United States of America Service Academy Forums](<a href=“http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6]Naval”>http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6)</p>
<p>Lastly, I started to offer earlier … remember that it is statiscally FAR MORE competitive in gaining an appointment than graduating and receiving a commission. And they are both very demanding, lots of work. Now is a great time to get started. Lastly, if you are people of faith, seek your God’s blessing, guidance, and assistance. Pray hard and often. This requires more than being “great” as a candidate. A great many are. Best wishes and good luck.</p>
<p>Thank you very much for your reply, we will start to put your suggestions into action. We would love to make a visit back to the academy, but in the meantime, is there a way to find someone in Colorado that went to the Academy to speak to? You also mentioned faith and minority priority target, we are jewish, would that be a target of the academy? thanks again.</p>
<p>Well as for Jewish … if you’re practicing, pray. If you’re not, it’s not a priority group, altho you will find a great chaplain there and a nearly new synagogue/chapel for worship. Ours went to Israel over spring break one year with the campus rabbi, and had a grand time, learning alot along the way. My sense is being Jewish per se is neither a plus nor minus. Sorta like being a Christian or some other religion or denomination. </p>
<p>As for a contact out your way, the answer is yes. Each area has a contact for the Academy, volunteers called Blue & Gold Officers. Some of these are military, some are retired, most are civilians, often parents. Some are very active and engaged, others are virtually disengaged. It can be a pig in a poke. One of the formal steps for admission which must be done before your application file will be reviewed is to have a formal interview with your B&G officer. </p>
<p>Here are the Colorado contacts. Pick the one serving your zip code. Have YOUR SON call him and introduce himself and address any early questions you might have. He may want to do some homework BEFORE he calls his BGO, and have specific questions, not “what do we do?” Hoping this helps.</p>
<p>COLORADO
Mr. Ross Schmidt
Phone: Home 303-974-5732
E-mail: <a href="mailto:rossaschmidt@msn.com">rossaschmidt@msn.com</a>
Zip code areas 803-819</p>
<p>Commander Edward Cobb
Phone: Home 303-690-6401
E-mail: <a href="mailto:emarcobb@msn.com">emarcobb@msn.com</a>
Zip code areas 800-802</p>
<p>btw, here is Admissions Office phone #s for additional, specific info … . Call the office at 888-249-7707 or 410-293-4361.</p>
<p>One final thought … A visit is a must sometime in the process. Unless they’ve gotten better about it, my observation is that the Admissions Officer briefings is valuable but nothing like most colleges and universities provide. There are pay-to-play tours that are done by volunteers and are not connected to the Admission process or office. These are very informative. Now, THE major exception is if/when candidates … this does not happen for many, and never before the senior year of HS … receive invitation to a CVW … Candidate Visitation Weekend. These are done inviting groups of desirable candidates and is not a “selling” event so much as it is an opportunity for these strong candidates to get a little closer “real life” view. They stay 2 nites with a host Mid. And there are some information activities for parents able to attend as well. Good thing to do if and when that invite comes.</p>
<p>Here’s the Amazon link. I’m sure the Ross book on other sites too. (Don’t get the Smallwood book. It’s pretty complete, but Ross’ edition is more current.)</p>
<p>[The</a> Naval Academy Candidate Book: How to Prepare,How to Get In,How to Survive: Sue Ross: 9780979794315: Amazon.com: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/The-Naval-Academy-Candidate-Book/dp/0979794315/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346856289&sr=8-1&keywords=Sue+ross+The+Naval+Academy+Candidate+Handbook]The”>http://www.amazon.com/The-Naval-Academy-Candidate-Book/dp/0979794315/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346856289&sr=8-1&keywords=Sue+ross+The+Naval+Academy+Candidate+Handbook)</p>
<p>thanks again for the information. We will keep you informed of our sons progress</p>
<p>Another thing, our son is young for his age, and we have talked about a PG year in a prep school. Would NAPS be something he should consider? It might also help him with his athletics, maybe he could get to 6’6", he shots the 3 very well</p>
<p>Were he to be offered a slot? ABSOLUTELY! I’m no fan of NAPS for reasons that it is a USNA scam, imo. It’s basically a holding tank for minority students and athletes who could not gain an appointment in head-to-head competition, nor would likely not receive a nomination. So it is a sort of “slush fund” for USNA officials, imo. </p>
<p>Furthermore, the Foundation Program, run by the USNA Foundation provides a far superior academic and athletic experience at top-shelf, world class prep schools, about 24 or 25 around the country, most in the East. They could do the NAPS job much better and much more cheaply. But … USNA would have no “input” to performance. </p>
<p>HOWEVER … that said, this does NOT address your question. The short answer is YES YES YES. If he were to be offered a slot in either of these programs, TAKE IT W/out hesitation! Why? It is a guaranteed appointment the following year! A terrific way for students to become part of this. And there is no shame or shunning for the most part. (Some say the NAPS kids are labeled until they can prove themselves competent and worthy.)</p>
<p>But here’s your son’s kicker. It’s likely all for naught as he appears to be way way too strong academically to ever be considered. It’s one of the odd things that none has ever been able to explain that I could understand … WHY would USN give this opportunity to clearly lesser students than many who are outright denied? So I’d not consider that a likely possibility. The Foundation Program is different however. But in any case there is NOTHING he can do, beyond saying he’d go were he asked in an interview and in the case that he were offered a spot. Cannot hold up one’s hand volunteering nor “apply.”</p>
<p>Put that aside among your options and concerns. I’d say your odds are slim and none. He’s too “good.”</p>
<p>Actually, NAPS is primarily used to provide h.s. students an additional year of education before moving on to USNA. It is NOT a red-shirt sports factory or other such nonsense that some tend to post. Many varsity athletes in h.s. haven’t been able to devote enough time to their academics and they suffered as a result. One doesn’t apply to NAPS, you apply to USNA and they will decide if they want to offer the applicant NAPS instead.</p>
<p>Yea, that is the USNA company line. I’ll stick with mine until someone can show me contrary evidence to NAPS profiles I’ve seen. I have several profiles of recent NAPS classes somewhere and if I can find it, I’ll share. </p>
<p>This one’s sorta like our politicians vs. reality. Don’t pay so much attention to what they say as to what they do. They are heavily weighted with minority priorities, jocks and other students who had no nomination or were not “3 Qable” and are seen as desirable for the Brigade for some other reason. With lots of overlap among those categories. Most would not be 3 Qed, in all likelihood, even after a year at NAPS. The jocks were heavy on football and lacrosse players. </p>
<p>This isn’t intended to be harsh, demeaning, or denigrating; rather simply the way it is. It is long-standing way for USNA to circumvent the admission and political/nominating processes and control about 250 slots or so. If one gets a 1.8 @ NAPS and has kept his nose clean, he’s guaranteed appointment no matter if they are able to obtain or need a nomination. No more class rank, SAT/ACT, physical fitness requirements, teacher references, etc. needed either. </p>
<p>Many great kids have come through as NAPSters. Sadly, many far more qualified are not given that opportunity each year.</p>
<p>I am also a sophomore and it`s good your son is looking into this already. His stats are great. Encourage him to become a captain of one or both of his sports. Leadership is a big thing at the Academy.
Its also great you all are encouraging your son. Itll be a big load of his shoulders to know that his parents are behind him 100%.
Encourage him to apply for the Summer Seminar his junior year. That`ll definitely give him a good look at what Academy life will be like. A friend from my youth group went this past summer and LOVED it. He said it really made him want to apply. SS information is found here: [United</a> States Naval Academy | Summer Seminar](<a href="http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/nass.htm%5DUnited">http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/nass.htm). Also, there are usually Academy Nights at high schools for those interested in service academies to attend and gain insight on the admissions process. Go to those, if possible.</p>
<p>WhistlePig gave an excellent book. Another one that<code>s a must to read is “Building A Midshipman” by Jaqui Murray. Her daughter went through the admissions process, and it</code>s a great asset. Has timelines on when to do what and everything. [Amazon.com:</a> Building a Midshipman (9780978780081): Jacqui Murray, Penelope Windsor: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Building-Midshipman-Jacqui-Murray/dp/0978780086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246658091&sr=8-1]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Building-Midshipman-Jacqui-Murray/dp/0978780086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246658091&sr=8-1)</p>
<p>Also have your son take a look at the Academy`s catalog. [United</a> States Naval Academy | USNA Catalog](<a href=“http://www.usna.edu/Catalog/]United”>http://www.usna.edu/Catalog/)</p>
<p>On YouTube, they have some pretty good videos of I-Day…just something that may interest your son. Pretty much every video on this list is good:[Induction</a> day Naval academy - YouTube](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Induction+day+Naval+academy&oq=Induction+day+Naval+academy&gs_l=youtube.3..0l2.463.3692.0.3759.17.5.0.12.12.0.841.1935.1j2j6-2.5.0...0.0...1ac.1.9eBrioeGKZA]Induction”>http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Induction+day+Naval+academy&oq=Induction+day+Naval+academy&gs_l=youtube.3..0l2.463.3692.0.3759.17.5.0.12.12.0.841.1935.1j2j6-2.5.0...0.0...1ac.1.9eBrioeGKZA). Some are just home-made videos, but a good perspective.</p>
<p>That<code>s about all I can think of. He seems like an excellent candidate, a whole lot better than I am. I think that if he does well, it</code>s definitely possible.</p>