Thoughts

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
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<p>This is just my own personal situation. Any advice/input would be greatly appreciated. </p>

<p>I just graduated from a high school in western Maryland. From about my soph year to beginning of my senior year, I was gung ho USNA. But, apparently I thought I could go pro in baseball, so I stopped the application process entirely. Needless to say, the whole baseball thing didn't work out.</p>

<p>(sorry if I jump around)</p>

<p>I was fortunate enough to receive full rides to two colleges: Frostburg State University and UMBC. I am currently deciding on which of these to attend. I am leaning towards UMBC for they have hockey and much better academics. </p>

<p>But I just can't get USNA out my head. I don't know what my problem is. I don't know if I just have a 'crush' so to say (just looks at all the glamour and prestige) or if I really want to go there. It's weird.</p>

<p>The only thing about UMBC/FSU is this: If I go to UMBC, since I am late registering, I may get stuck with not so good classes that may or may not look good to USNA. Whereas, at FSU(I would live at home), I already have a 17 credit schedule lined up. But UMBC academics are much better and I may like to go there if not USNA. So I'm thinking this: I go to FSU, apply USNA, get in. Great. But what if I don't get in. I just threw away a $70,000 full ride to a good school.</p>

<p>I am deadset on becoming a USMC officer. I look at it this way: 4yrs at UMBC and 4 yrs in the Corps or 5 yrs at USNA(1 at civi) and 5 in the service. So, I kinda delay my commission and exiting (if I choose to do so).</p>

<p>I look at USNA and of all the friends I would make, challenges I would go through, and the officer I would become. But I also look at UMBC and the freedom and ability to self-motivate and manage time (plus the quicker way to commission).</p>

<p>I am simply asking for any advice. Anyone been in my position/shared my thoughts??</p>

<p>Sorry to bore/confuse you. Thanks a lot.</p>

<p>My stats, if it's of any importance...</p>

<p>Rank: 15/161
SAT: 1420
ECS: Student Council Pres, NHS, Volunteer organization, tutor
Athletic and awards: 2 yr varsity football, captain senior year, 2nd team all-state defensive back, 1st-team all-area QB, school's football player of the year, during football season, I was selected as student/athlete of the month for a local TV station and local newspaper; 2 yr varsity baseball, 1st-team all-league both junior and senior year, school's baseball player of the year, made team MD west region; at graduation, received "outstanding varsity athlete award", and was also named student/athlete of the year</p>

<p>but, I do believe I will need a medical waiver. Bad eyesight</p>

2

<p>
[quote]
If I go to UMBC, since I am late registering, I may get stuck with not so good classes that may or may not look good to USNA. </p>

<p><snip></snip></p>

<p>But UMBC academics are much better...

[/quote]
</p>

<p>So which is it?</p>

3

<p>This is a no-brainer. As a fellow Marylander... you and I both know that Frostburg's reputation will not help you. Honestly -- anyone with a pulse and a HS diploma in MD can go to Frostburg. </p>

<p>Go to UMBC, join the NROTC unit if they have one, open a new application to USNA and get moving.</p>

<p>You say that you "may get stuck with not so good classes" at UMBC. Doubtful -- there will always be a section of chemistry, physics, or calc you can squeeze into (probably at 8am). If you either don't get admitted to USNA, or decide later this year that you prefer to stay the course with NROTC as your path to officer then you will never regret chosing UMBC over Frostburg.</p>

4

<p>Are you good enough at baseball to play at the Academy? If so, the coaches will give you a hand getting in. The program is D-1 as you know and a big step up from state colleges. Navy also has club hockey. Good luck.</p>

5

<p>UMBC. No question. Better for all reasons and for any path you choose. Plus by being closer to Annapolis you can spend some time at USNA and see if it really is for you.</p>

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<p>Can someone tell me...what kind of school is UMBC? Is it on the small side? I think I heard that it's an all honors college but I just can't remember. Thanks.</p>

7

<p>I guess I just didn't want to decide USNA is for me and then have a weak schedule mess up my chances. I guess. Who knows.</p>

<p>Zaphod - UMBC is a much better school than Frostburg. But, since I'm late registering, I may get stuck in some crappy classes that won't help my Academy chances. Who knows for sure, though. (I'm thinking dance appreciation and stuff like that).</p>

<p>oiixxg - Thanks for the advice. Hopefully you're right about the scheduling.</p>

<p>Billf51 - I highly doubt I could play anything D-1 at the Academy. Although, after my senior year of football, my coaches received emails from Navy coaches inquiring about me. But I never really pursued it, and I doubt it will be anything too great. I would definitely play hockey if I went.</p>

<p>WP2010Mom - Yeah, being closer to Annapolis would be a good idea as well.</p>

<p>sealion0101 - UMBC is called "an honors university in Maryland" but I'm not so sure there's anything different about it than say, College Park. About 9,500 attend.</p>

<p>Well, thanks to everyone for reading through my confusing post and responding. I've been pulling my hair out and making this a much more difficult decision than it should have been, whereas you all made it look like a no-brainer for a handful of reasons. Thanks a lot.</p>

8

<p>Hey bud, </p>

<p>Just my two cents worth. I go to USNA right now and am going into my Junior year. First of all, only go to the Academy if you really want to do it for you. Do not do it for the "prestige" or anything like that. There is too much crap to do that. In my opinion, you should definately go to the school you want to go to (which sounds like UMBC to me) without worrying what the academy will think. You still retain the Academy option either way. I came to Navy right out of high school nd have not regretted the decision at all. That being said, I know people who have done extremely well in the service and beyond who went ROTC. Good luck with your decision. It will work out. If you have any other questions, my email is <a href="mailto:critter019@yahoo.com...feel">critter019@yahoo.com...feel</a> free</p>

<p>Chris Montague</p>

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<p>WestMd - I'd say go to UMBC. But one academic question - Is that 1420 SAT score on the old scale (max 1600), or the new one (max 2400). If it's on the old one, it's a very good score for USNA. If it's on the new scale, I don't think you'd have much of a chance at USNA. But, since you have a scholarship to UMBC, which is a pretty decent school, I'm assuming you have an old-scale 1420.</p>

10

<p>One of your earlier posts mentions that you may need a waiver for your eyes. I think before you move much further you should find out how bad your eyes are and if you are actually elgible for a waiver. If you are elgible for a waiver, talk to someone in the Admissions Office and find out how likely they are to grant a waiver for someone with eyes like yours. There are some eye conditions which they may grant a waiver, but usually don't, e.g. a red green color deficiency.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
Zaphod - UMBC is a much better school than Frostburg. But, since I'm late registering, I may get stuck in some crappy classes that won't help my Academy chances. Who knows for sure, though. (I'm thinking dance appreciation and stuff like that).

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Ah! OK. Sorry.</p>

<p>Well, based upon what others who know more about this than I do are saying, it would seem UMBC is the better choice.</p>

<p>I suspect that the courses you would be taken should still be available, no? It's not like you're going to be taking desired electives or anything.</p>

<p>Either way, best of luck! :)</p>

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<p>Again, thanks to all for the responses. I've decided on UMBC. I'll just do my best with the schedule and hope it's good enough for USNA.</p>

<p>To answer a few questions...
- my eyesight is not THAT bad, just around 20/40.. I guess I'd need a waiver?
- my SAT of 1420 is out of 1600</p>

<p>Again, thanks to all who responded and helped me out. This really is a great forum!</p>

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<p>You'll get a waiver for 20/40.</p>

<p>I got one for 20/100 or worse. I was 20/200+ my Youngster year. </p>

<p>No, I'm not kidding.</p>

14

<p>Between September and October of 2005 the vision requirement was changed from 20/20 to 20/40.</p>

<p>Son was initially listed in September as disqualifies for 20/30 vision. New report arrived in October stating that he was medically qualified and the vision requirement line for qualified had changed from 20/20 to 20/40. No waiver was required.</p>