Some thoughts on admission...

Colleges & Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
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<p>I know that I have not really ever posted before, but I am a tripl-qd with a nom male who is waiting. Anyway, here are some of the observations I have made:</p>

<p>Last year there were 14425 applicants, of which 1951 were tripl-qd.
there were 1472 offers of admission, and 1227 were admitted. 218 came from NAPS. I am assuming that some of the appointments were given after others had been turned down.</p>

<p>From the ratio of admitted to tripl-qd, it seems that 75% will get an appointment. considering the language used by the academy, I think everyone is included into the 1951 who will get in, not only civilians. You may not have heard, but the academy applications are down to 11140 this year. I would assume that this will inevitably lead to a decline in the total number of people tripl-qd but will not affect the number admitted or offered admission. If there is even a 10% drop in people with tripl-qs then it would seem that those people have a near 85% chance of getting in. Those numbers seems pretty agreeable. Also, I think that another 200 or so will go to NAPS of those qualified. That increases my possible chances of going to 1650 out of 1750, which is almost 95%. Agreeable indeed.</p>

<p>Also, I live in Colorado. We have a total of 9 electoral college seats. I know that there are spots open for qualified candidates, but according to last year's catalogue, 68 people from Colorado are currently in attendance. We by right can send 45. That is roughly 7.5 people per seat. That means that every year, 2 people per seat will be selected to attend the academy. I know for a fact that there were only 6 people who wanted to go to USNA first in my district (THIS IS AFA COUNTRY). and considering that 2 of those people will go, and about 40% of people with nominations are tripl-qd, I would say my chances are pretty good, considering my academic, leadership, and athletic record. When I compare my statistics to the class profiles, it would seem that mine is above average.</p>

<p>I do not know if this is at all valid, but to me it makes sense. I would also like to put the best spin on things that I can and would prefer to be an optimist considering my future. I would desperately like to know if I will be accepted, but alas, the mail is empty every day. btw, do any of you know when they will really start sending out those letters. I know people who have gone to AFA and WP, and they all said that virtually noone heard until late February, early March, but few people were alerted after that. Oh well...</p>

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<p>You have a winning attitude and I like your math! However, would 200 triple Q'd candidates go to NAPS? Currently there seems to be a lull in appointments; otherwise people would be posting this information on CC wouldn't they? The wait is agony. Oh well, there are other diversions: Calculus/Physics homework, AP review sessions, volunteer work, sports, English homework, helping your parents around the house/yard...You're not alone, many are waiting too.</p>

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<p>Yeah, I did the math back in December when I first heard I got my nominations. I was pleased to find that 75% of triple-Q'd nominees are offered appointments. Compile that with the 20% drop in applicants this year and our chances are pretty good at this point.</p>

<p>I do agree that waiting sucks, however. I'd really like that letter to come soon.</p>

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<p>Does your book say how many people from KY attended the academy last year? I want to do some figuring too. I know my congressman said that their requests for nominations were down. He only had 5 that wanted to go to USNA.</p>

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<p>Missylou-
Kentucky had 30 last year. So that should mean each MOC gets 3 or 4 people in each year.</p>

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<p>What is MOC? Probably simple, but I can't think.</p>

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<p>Sorry..Member of Congress..Meaning your 6 Representatives and your 2 senators.</p>

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<p>Thank you very much! Good luck!</p>

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<p>First of all, I think your chances are very good; being triple Q'd with a nomination. Although applications are down, has anyone reported if the qualifications have changed for who can apply in the first place? I know that you have to be deemed "acceptable" to even get an application sent to you. So, I am wondering if there were any changes on the first line that may make the number look less than it really is (???) . Also, I wouldn't count on 200 triple Q'd kids being sent to NAPS. It isn't really used for that entirely. There are a good percentage there of fleet personnel, athletes, minorities AND triple Q'd an "others" who are there; many whom probably weren't triple Q'd. That's where there is some goofyness on part of admissions. People who are qualified sometimes slip through the cracks where others who are wanted by the academy but might not be fully qualified are offered spots at NAPS or foundation. It's kind of crazy; but it seems to work for a strong class each year. </p>

<p>Anyway, all I remember last year about this whole application process was that it took so much longer than we ever could have imagined. I believe it was late March before we heard anything, then mid May before we heard again about NAPS. So, definitely patience is a virtue here. Try to keep thinking positively and start thinking about prom, graduation, parties etc. Try to enjoy the last months of your high school years and try to put it out of your mind. Good luck to you. Hoping you are with the class of 09 and my daughter is too. :)
NAPS05mom</p>

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<p>FYI</p>

<p>My son, the plebe, needed a medical waiver (granted in the Fall) and received his appointment in early March last year. I do not believe he ever received a QQQ letter, only an "eligible to compete" letter when his nominations were officially acknowledged by the Academy.</p>

<p>It would appear that the LOA are processed first after nominations are received, and that since all application files which are not complete are closed on March 1, that the bulk of the appointments will start arriving after then. They do have to start somewhere, and perhaps the smaller states, or less competitive ones are processed first. Remember that the "normal" notification process might be as late as April 15 (according to the candidates catalog). Also as declines are received by the Academy, it creates an opportunity for a new appointment.</p>

<p>Good Luck to all.
CM</p>

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<p>Thank you all for your insight. I agree that these guesses are just that - guesses. You just have to wonder, though, WHAT ARE THEY WAITING FOR?? No honestly, from what I have heard from my BGO, they do take a while to look at the files, so I am not expecting anything very soon, but it would still be nice. But if we do not get in, then here are some thoughts to remember:</p>

<p>Whan sparta was a powerful nation, it was decided that several hundred leaders should be chosen to keep the country as strong as it could be. In this case, 400 members were allowed to be chosen. After all were picked, there was one man, number 401 on the list. When asked if he was angry about the results, he replied, "No, I am glad that there are 400 better men than me to lead the country"</p>

<p>I think that this is the attitude with which we should look at this. Our great country needs leaders, and if we are not chosen to be those leaders, we should be glad that the USA is deemed to be in better hands.</p>

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<p>Very well said.</p>

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<p>Aequitasdei I don't totally agree with you. </p>

<p>Your statement, "...to be in better hands." </p>

<p>We are all 17 and 18 years old, almost everyone here has shown strong success in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. But these factors, I do not believe, neccessairily give us better military leaders. Many of our military officers come from Officer Candidate Schools, and ROTC program. They can not be any less officers because they will be filling the same roles as Academy graduates. </p>

<p>In the Sparta example you said they chose 400 men. Men most likely who had passion, desire, incredible mental fortitude, and a love for their country. We are all teenagers, and I do not believe we all have the mind for ALL of that just quite yet. </p>

<p>I do not believe the Academy can decide, black and white, who is a leader for America. Only we can decide who are leaders for America, if we want to be. To go to OCS or ROTC and to pass, to not quit. </p>

<p>It is up to us if we want to be leaders for America, not theirs.</p>

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<p>I agree with Aequitasdei, of course maybe it is just the fact i respect anyone with the intelligence to quote spartan sayings.</p>

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<p>Is there any particular reason why "minorities" make up a good percentage of NAPS? Just a question not trying to upset anyone!
But should a minority with SAT1320, GPA 3.3u/w, numerous AP classes, counties' HS top in Nation, Newsweek, 2004, consider NAPs or foundation an opportunity. I am not a football player. That probably plays some role in it, what kind of role, who know's. I am not entirely convinced that there is accountability with the USNA's admission board. It seems the academy should better represent the nation it's graduates' protect. And there is the "Legacy thing", well what can I say about the legacy thing except that in the case of the USNA, legacy must fall under birth right. All I have to offer is my hard work and academic accomplishments. Tradition and Privilege should not go hand in hand, especially not at a service academy. Just my opinion.</p>

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<p>I am trying to discern a point to your post, but I am coming up short . . . </p>

<p>"Is there any particular reason why "minorities" make up a good percentage of NAPS?"
--Yes. Because DOD, under Congress' direction, requires ALL of the service academy prep schools to give primary consideration to prior enlisted people, minorities, women and recruited athletes. </p>

<p>"I am not entirely convinced that there is accountability with the USNA's admission board."</p>

<p>--Hmmm, I think Congress has this covered. </p>

<p>"It seems the academy should better represent the nation it's graduates' protect."</p>

<p>--How so?</p>

<p>"And there is the "Legacy thing""
--The "legacy thing" can be used to distinguish between candidates that are essential equal in all other respects, the theory being that "legacy" candidates have much lower attrition rates than their counterparts. All you have to do is look at the admission numbers to see that the academy is not being flooded with "legacy" admits. </p>

<p>DeepThroat</p>

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<p>Because DOD, under Congress' direction, requires ALL of the service academy prep schools to give primary consideration to prior enlisted people, minorities, women and recruited athletes.
Just the Prep schools? </p>

<p>Hmmm, I think Congress has this covered.
And that means ????????</p>

<p>The estimated Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2003, making people of Hispanic origin the nation’s largest race or ethnic minority. Hispanics constitute 13.7 percent of the nation’s total population. (This estimate does not include the 3.9 million residents of Puerto Rico.) Census website! </p>

<p>However, according to the Class of 2008 profile for the USNA, less than 1% is hispanics. Possible Solution: An improvemnt in the recruitment of qualified hispanics possibly with the same enthusiam athletes are recruited with.</p>

<p>The Legacy issue and attrition. </p>

<p>As for Attrition, I am presently attempting to obtain from the academy what percentage of dropouts come from the minority group. I'll be sure to post those results. If and when I receive a response.</p>

<p>Legacy, definition according to brainydictionary.com: A gift of property by will, esp. of money or personal property; a bequest. Also Fig.; as, a legacy of dishonor or disease. </p>

<p>Heritage: definition according to answers.com:Property that is or can be inherited; an inheritance.
Something that is passed down from preceding generations; a tradition.
The status acquired by a person through birth; a birthright: a heritage of affluence and social position.</p>

<p>Well I looked at several websites for the definition of legacy and tradition and no where were the terms "hard work" and "accomplishment" in the actually definition.</p>

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<p>"The estimated Hispanic population of the United States as of July 1, 2003, making people of Hispanic origin the nation’s largest race or ethnic minority. Hispanics constitute 13.7 percent of the nation’s total population. (This estimate does not include the 3.9 million residents of Puerto Rico.) Census website!"</p>

<p>Alright, well i mean no offence by saying this, but the truth of the matter is that a larger percentage of hispanics are not as academicly competitive as some ethnic groups. This has been true for every major immagration group for the first few generations (this changes after more and more move up to middle class). </p>

<p>"However, according to the Class of 2008 profile for the USNA, less than 1% is hispanics. Possible Solution: An improvemnt in the recruitment of qualified hispanics possibly with the same enthusiam athletes are recruited with."</p>

<p>This isnt really a viable option because the academy will recruit the best that they possibly can, and the only reason athletes are given a bit more help is because they offer superior physical abilities. Although i am sure there are many well qualifed hispanics who would do well in the academy. I just dont think it is likely that 13.7 of the academy would be hispanic. The academy does do quite a good job in being fair to all minorities from my point of view.</p>

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<p>Actually i was just looking at the 2008 class profile and there were 110 hispanics admitted. out of the 1227 that is 11%. so as i said before they do a good job in being fair to minorities.</p>

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<p>I think the biggest reason you need to have minorities to go to Academys or become Commissioned Officers (someway) is not because 13.7% of the country is hispanic, but because many enlisted men are minorities. You need officers who are minoritiesto lead them as well. Makes perfect sense to me.</p>