<p>So I know most of you are probably sick of reading about chances pages and submitted resumes... but I'm sorry I'm just really curious if I even have a chance at getting in the Academy.
I'm a high school Junior with:
*GPA of 3.8
*High standing in the Class Rank (although I'm not sure what exactly)
*I'll have 3 AP courses in US History, Euro History, and Gov't and Politics.
*I'll also have all the required course work for the Academy
*I bombed my SAT's (580 Writing, 570 Reading, 500 Math) [I'm planning on taking them over]
*I have 29 hours of community service.
*Instead of taking a normal Junior year I'll be spending the year In Japan as an exchange student.
*I just started Long Distance Track, but plan on continuing it and 2 more seasons of trach when I get back from Japan
*I had 2 clubs Freshman year, and 6 this year</p>
<p>You can just be perfectly honest whether or not I have a chance or not. Thanks for taking the time to read my post and I hope to hear from some people soon!</p>
<p>Only USNA knows for sure but a few observations in light of other offerings here and elsewhere:</p>
<p>Your math is not a great strength. Do you have AP courses there that you're avoiding in lieu of social studies? You need to really focus, strengthen that.</p>
<p>What about science courses?</p>
<p>Your community service strikes me as merely modest. Develop an interest and commit to that over the next year. Really do something aside from equivalent of a few days of service.</p>
<p>Stick with track, and see how you can genuinely embellish your record athletically. The club #s reveal little.</p>
<p>What about leadership?</p>
<p>The culural experience should be great and suggest a significant experience, and you need to figure out how to use that experience to learn, grow, and address those qualities that will show you to be a stellar candidate in the eyes of the USNA. If you're sitting here next year in the absence of those, it could be challenging to present yourself as a quality prospect, it would seem to me.</p>
<p>The better news? You've got some time. Don't waste it.</p>
<p>Since you're a rising junior, you have plenty of time to improve the SAT scores. In the meantime, you should prep for the PSAT, prep for a retake of the SAT and plan on taking the ACT (some people do much better on one test over the other). If there is a chance you'll be back in the U.S. in early June, 2007, you should most definitely apply to SLS. It's a great way to find out more about life at WP. I think the opportunity to live in another country for a year is incredible and will give you a perspective that many your age will not have. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you. Keep us posted from Japan.</p>
<p>dreamon086.... be sure to check the USNA admissions page around mid-august...they usually post all the stats for the incoming class (2010)...it may serve as a guide. Enjoy Japan- best of luck!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for all your helpful information.
I'd like to take some more AP classes but I only have one more year of high school, which is my senior year of when I get back. But I am considering coming home from Japan to do my Junior year if that helps me get into the Academy.
I probably won't be back in time for my Summer Semininar. Yet another reason I am considering coming home and doing Junior year and Senior year.
And Whistle pig... you pegged me with the fact that my Math is not a great strength. I can't say I am absolutely terrible but it is one of those classes that I really have to work at.
As far as leadership and extra community service, I don't think I will have any time between the time I get back and Senior year.
Anyway thanks again for all your responses!</p>
<p>Here are some basic stats for 2010 ...</p>
<p>1,218 Plebes
273 women (up from 80 in '80, 136 in '90 ... and an Academy record)
285 minority group members (67 A-A,131 Hisp,43 Asian-Amer,25 Amer Indians,10 Hawaiian (??) or Pacific Islanders, 9 A-A/Hisp.)
12 International plebes (while none @ USNA, 1st time admittees from Iraq to USMA and USAFA, which also admitted 1 Afghani)
88 Alumni "brats" ;-)
89 former enlisted personnel
397 (33%)from other colleges or prep programs (237 from NAPS, 18 Nuke Power School, 61 other Foundation-affiliated preps, 81 from colleges or other prepping places)
80% - top fifth of class
66%+ - between 600 & 700 Verbal SAT
85% - betwixt 600 & 700 Math SATs
90% - Varsity athletes
90% - drama, debate, public speaking
60% - NHS
35% - Prexy or veep of HS club
24% - school pubs (writing/publishing, not "pubbing") :-0
14% - ROTC program
10% - H.S. class or student body prez or veep, iggle scout, or music leader (we think this is 10% in EACH category, tho the report was not clear.)</p>
<p>And btw, don't forget NROTC. Lots of opportunity and that experience will get you to the same goal ... service to your country as an officer in the USN.</p>
<p>I definitely like the idea of NROTC. I'm really looking into it, but I heard from a Naval Academy grad that officers of NROTC aren't as well prepared. I'm not sure if that is true or not but my dream of going to the Naval Academy is more important than NROTC. Anyway thank you all again!</p>
<p>lol. I heard from Duke, Penn State, Cornell and Vandy NROTC grads that USNA ringknockers are narrow-minded push-uppers.</p>
<p>Remember too ... former Chief of Staff Gen. Colin Powell, went to CUNY, I believe. :-) And Jimmy Carter went to USNA.Illustrating only that leadership can be developed ... or otherwise ... in various scenarios.</p>
<p>Room and need for all in service to our nation. And Plan B's can turn out as good as Plan A ... nnapolis. The important thing is keeping the prize in focus ... serving your country as a leader in the USN.</p>
<p>P.S. Still, if I had a choice, USNA would be mine. Unfortunately, I don't anymo ... As the old Amishman noted, old too soon, wise too late. Stay your course. Do your best. Plan carefully and with contingencies.</p>
<p>You're right. As long as I can serve my country than I am doing what I set out to do. Preferably at USNA but NROTC is always a great option.</p>