<p>Hi all.
Just found out after a year of constantly trying to bring up the discussion of 'what do you want to do with your life' with my son, to my great surprise, that he'd love to go to USNA. He is very interested in a military career! He is a good student, top 10% of his class, takes mostly accelerated and honors courses, holds down a part time job, and runs track, though not a star. He is a junior, taking SAT's for first time next month, PSAT scores not great.
What little research I've done indicates that it is on another level, just unreachable for most. Is this an accurate assessment? Are applications down because of the political climate? If USNA is out of reach, how difficult is the NROTC scholarship option to get?
We realized that we just missed the summer session deadline. We signed him up for the cross country camp there in June, to take in a visit.
My dad is a 30 year Navy man (enlisted) who would die with pride if my son became a navy officer.
Thanks for any replies!</p>
<p>kevinsmom, Welcome to CC. I can't give you any info. on USNA but others in this forum are a great source of information about applying to the Academy.
As a Mom of a (soph) NROTC scholarship midshipman, I would urge you to definitely apply for NROTC even if the main goal is USNA.</p>
<p>Welcome, Madam. :)</p>
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What little research I've done indicates that it is on another level, just unreachable for most. Is this an accurate assessment?
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<p>Yes, and no. ;)</p>
<p>Yes, it is very difficult as you may have already surmised, but it IS doable. As evidence, I offer the following:</p>
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He is a good student, top 10% of his class, takes mostly accelerated and honors courses, holds down a part time job, and runs track, though not a star. He is a junior, taking SAT's for first time next month, PSAT scores not great.
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<p>I was NOT in the top 10% of my class, I only took accelerated/honor courses my Senior Year, I only held down a job over one summer, I got two Varsity letters, but only during Junior and Senior Years, my SAT's were good but not great, my PSAT's (which are pretty meaningless) were ABYSMAL.</p>
<p>I got into NAPS and later graduated USNA '91. :)</p>
<p>So you see, it CAN be done. It is difficult, if not impossible, to predict with any accuracy whether a given candidate will get an appointment because so much goes into it. Your son's best bet is to apply and get the ball rolling, and then let the chips fall. If his first years of HS have been less then stellar, he has the remainder to demonstrate a willingness to excel and succeed.</p>
<p>As I have often said on this board, if I was able to get an appointment and later graduate, then anyone can. </p>
<p>Good luck! :)</p>
<p>One correction ... USNA apps are up, last we heard. I believe about 12-15% over last year.</p>
<p>Kevinsmom: As Z stated, you have to be in it to win it, so try and see what happens- you never know. </p>
<p>As for SATs.... there is a considerable weight in the admission score put on sats (amongst many other things: class rank, gpa, leadership, etc)... if SAT scores end up falling below the average (aim at 650 math/600+ verbal) then it might be worth getting an SAT tutor... do try the ACT testing as well. While the scores are just one of many things that get considered in determining appointments, they are considered.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>Kevinsmom-</p>
<p>If you are interested in USNA, apply for NROTC in addition. NROTC applications are available for juniors going into their senior year the day after the senior class before them graduates. I would definitely apply. Although my son will be going to USNA in June, he did apply and receive a VERY substantial NROTC scholarship to an out of state school. </p>
<p>Welcome aboard!</p>
<p>Slight edification ... class rank is key, not so in GPA aside from using it to guessitmate rank among those applying from HSs which don't rank. </p>
<p>Here are the components of the "whole person rating".</p>
<p>He is now filling out NROTC online application. We will talk to school guidance next week to find out who the Blue and Gold Officer is, and if guidance has ever helped with USNA admissions. I really appreciate all the replies and private messages, and if anyone else wants to chime in, thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Hey Kevin's mom!</p>
<p>If he plays a sport--see if USNA offers a summer camp--my son went to soccer camp last year and was able to spend 5 days --loved it--</p>
<p>Son, too did backup NROTC and is going to Tulane in the fall--they are one of the few colleges that will pay room and board to NROTC scholarship winners--He got a late rejection letter from USNA:( but this way he can attend a wonderful school for a year and reapply for next year...he goes for free--and gets a leg up in academics plus gets a taste of Navy life-) Private message if you would like more info--and good Luck--it's a tough process and very disappointing to the one's turned down--but it sure is a character builder! I think my son knows himself so much better just by going through this process! With USNA as goal--it also keeps them out of trouble during their Senior year--both because of the goal as well as all the work!</p>
<p>Welcome to the toughest, sometimes heart-wrenching but very courageous process! Be proud of your son for his desire to serve and become the 'best version of himself!"</p>