<p>what do you guys think in order of difficult admissions is the hardest summer seminar to get accepted..</p>
<p>example: 1. usna
2. usafa
3. usma
4 etc.</p>
<p>between usna and usafa, usafa is harder to get into since they offer far fewer spots. i don't know about usma.</p>
<p>USAFA added a 3rd session this year so the additon 300 or so slots will allow more to particpate in this event. I wish the academies could coordinate the timing of the application process so we could figure out the logistics for the summer for my son!</p>
<p>West Point only offers two sessions of 400 students per session. They typically get 3000-4000 applicants. Selection is based on academic (including SAT or PSAT scores), athletic and extracurricular activities reported on the application.</p>
<p>^^^^</p>
<p>USNA offers three sessions. However, it's important to understand that, for USNA at least (I can't speak for the other SAs), your qualifications are NOT the only thing that is important in whether you are selected. NASS is a recruiting tool with one of the goals being to introduce USNA to potential applicants who might not otherwise know of it or know much about it. As part of this process, USNA may "target" certain schools, cities, communities, etc. where USNA has traditionally not been well represented among applicants.</p>
<p>Thus, a highly qualified student from a school, district, community, etc. that typically sends a large number of candidates to USNA may not be offered an NASS slot while a potentially "lesser" qualified candidate elsewhere may get the slot. This is why we tell people that not being selected for NASS does NOT mean that you shouldn't apply to USNA, that you won't get in, that USNA doesn't think you're competetive, etc. Likewise, being accepted to NASS does NOT mean that you're a shoe-in for an appointment, that you'll get an appointment, that USNA thinks you're better than your peers who didn't get an NASS slot, etc. </p>
<p>Finally, attending any SA's summer program (and doing ok while there) gives you a small "bump" in admissions -- but you get similar bumps for things such as team captain, Eagle Scout, club president, etc.. Not attending a summer program is NOT a negative from an admissions standpoint b/c the SAs realize there are many reasons people can't go (finances, sports camps, long school year, etc.). That said, if you get accepted and you can afford to attend, not attending only hurts you b/c you miss out on a lot of information about your possible future.</p>
<p>Bottom line . . . if possible, apply to NASS. If you get accepted and you can afford to go, GO. But if you don't get accepted, there may be reasons that are not directly related to you. So, if you don't get accepted and still want to attend USNA, APPLY!!</p>
<p>For my son, the USMA process was very quick and almost seemed automated compared with USAFA. That's not to say it's easier or harder. But if you had the right credentials they were looking for you were quickly sent an acceptance letter whereas with USAFA he waited a month and a half for a reply. I did get a chuckle from USMA - I recognized the name of the LTC who "signed" the form letter we got. He was a few years behind me when I was a cadet.</p>
<p>just a statistical note, for the class of 2012, 35% of all who attended summer seminar became midshipmen</p>
<p>^^^ true. But keep in mind not all NASS get an invitation to I-Day.</p>
<p>Don't read more than what is intended with an invitation to NASS. Just keep in mind that 65% of those that do report for I-Day never attended and still got that appointment!</p>