I am currently a Junior and applying for the NASS (Naval Academy Summer Seminar) as the Naval Academy is my top college and also one of the hardest, if not the hardest college on my list. I was wondering if anyone could give me some insights as to how to increase my chances of getting into the Academy and what looks good on applications etc. Some of my stats include:
Secretary of my school's National Honors Society
President/founder of Food and Fellowship Club (a club which helps people around my community who struggle with nutritional deficiency or lack of proper food get healthy food. We do things like christmas care packages for soldiers overseas and can food drives for holiday dinners.)
Treasure of Crusaders for Life Club (pro-life club)
Service Committee Board Leader
Captain of the men's varsity tennis team freshman year and won all conference and put on my county's mvp team (switched schools during sophomore year so I couldn't play tennis. I am trying to start a team now at my new school.)
Played Varsity Lacrosse
Between a 3.9 and 4.0 GPA (this is needed to be in National Honors Society)
My school is a Catholic Prep school so it only allows us to take two AP courses Junior and Senior year so I feel really behind on AP's, but at least they are able to see that I was only allowed to take four.
I am participating in my school's 120 hour academic Horizon project to attain the Honors Diploma (this won't be finished until senior year, but only 8 people from the senior class completed it so it's pretty prestigious and rigorous)
I've completed over 100 hours of service this year which stretches across a variety of different types from church to school to community.
I took the SAT today so I'll see what I get on that, but I should be getting my PSAT scores Dec. 11th.
I really like industrial design and have started a semi-business out of my garage where I build unique wood-burned birdhouses for $62 each (they are really cool if I do say so myself). In building these I funded my mission trip to Kingston Jamaica, so I thought that was something that showed independence, skill development, and persistence.
That pretty much sums up my high school career. Let me know points of interest, things to change, or things I can do better. I have a long way to go before I am ready to apply, but I am hoping that they at least see potential.
Also, my school doesn’t to class rankings, but I am in the top 10% of my class and have only made one B throughout high school and there is a legitimate reason for that. When I switched schools in the middle of sophomore year some of my classes changed because I went from public school to private school. Anyways, I was thrown into Honors Algebra two halfway through they year without having taking the first half and was really lost so I made like a C+. I made the rest of the course up during my summer and made an A and an 87 on the final so my end grade was like a B or B+. So that’s why I made that B.
As no one has answered your question, I will give it a go. I am no expert but my DS is well into the process (applications to USNA and USMA complete and triple 3q’d) as a senior and has an LOA from West Point.
All the experts will tell you the same thing: No One Knows. However, having said that, there are things you should start on now. My DS did not start until summer of senior year and had a lot of catch up to do. First, you have a solid basis to start. The service academies seem to work off some unknown derivative of a Whole Candidate Score, lapprox. 60% SAT/ACT (USNA superscores them together, so take both) and class rank, 30% leadership/extracurricular/Service/letters of rec., and 10% CFA (look this up and start training now bc you have to pass each of 6 events). So, obviously Testing is the most weighted and shoot for 700+ scores. Varsity team sports are desired esp. w/ captaincy. If running is an issue, join the track or CC team. Also, you will need a nomination from your congressman or other source. One additional thing that the SA’s value is Boys/Girls State.
This is a very brief overview. The process is long and difficult (I think this is intentional on their part). If you want to be a military officer then go for it. You may also want to apply ROTC at civilian schools. There is a great abundance of info on each academy’s website as well as on Serviceacademy.com. Hope this helps you get started and Good Luck!
What @LaxDad777 says is all true, but there are probably alot of other unknown variables that only the admissions board knows. For instance, my DS has everything mentioned above: top SAT and GPA, varsity athlete with national awards and senior captain, class president, leadership positions, many extracurriculars, 300+ verified service hours, and just about every other box checked. He was told he did well in all of his interviews too. All applications were in at the end of August, and DS has heard nothing at all. It’s a waiting game. There is no magic formula, and some top candidates get rejected. He is prepared for rejection with a plan B (4-year ROTC scholarship). I encourage you to look at NROTC as well.
My DS attended West Point SLE and USAFA Summer Seminar, but was rejected for NASS. I have been told that NASS is generally a non-factor for admissions. Just like SLE and USAFA SS, it exists to generate interest in the Academy from geographic regions that may be under-represented. My advice is to go to NASS, but only if it does not interfere with other important events, like Boys or Girls State as mentioned above. I would choose those over NASS. They carry weight in the Whole Candidate Score.
I agree that grades/SATs are the single most important factor considered. If your school will not allow APs, consider an online accredited AP Course over the summer (or even now) or some other academic activity.
All of the activities you listed are impressive and fairly standard for academy applicants. Ask yourself, what sets me apart. One of the most impressive things on your list is your business. Build on that as a hook.
Forgot to mention that my DD was a recruited D1 athlete who went to NASS, was 3Q with a nomination,and did not get an appointment to USNA. All you can do is your best!
Agree with @VegasRoller comments. The biggest variable seems to be one’s home congressional district which is obviously out of your control. For example, there will be incredible candidates from NoVa and MD not nominated while there may only be 1 or 2 candidates from a Wyoming district. The second variable out of your control is how the different SAs approach the admissions process. For example, USMA has been in constant contact with my DS during each step while USNA has stayed a bit distant. Hurry up and wait seems to be the military way.
Thanks for the info. I just got my PSAT scores back and they aren’t what I wanted, but not awful. I got a 1270 which is in the top 95th percentile, but I know I can do better. It was my first time taking it, so I was a little nervous. I got a 630 in reading and a 640 in math, so I think I can bring those scores up a lot. I am still waiting on my Dec. 2nd results. Also how would you suggest training for the CFA? I am not fat, but definitely not conditioned at all, and can barely run my mile in less than 6:30. What can I do to get fit faster? Also, I just was appointed to the superintendent student advisory board, so that is another thing to add to my list of extracurriculars. Thanks for all your help.
USNA does care about the PSAT scores, especially for NASS since most of the Juniors applying do not have SAT or ACT scores that early. Your PSAT score are competitive for a slot at NASS but are not as high as they will need to be to get an appointment. Keep taking the tests and trying to improve your score.
As far as fitness, start running now. Run as much as you can and also do some weight lifting to help with the other CFA events. Do practice CFAs with a parent or friend. Do the events in order and under the same time constraints as the official CFA. When it’s time to take it for real you will know exactly what to expect. I have so many candidates who practice each event over and over, and when it comes time to do the whole CFA they are gassed by the run and end up failing. Did I mention start running right now?
Thank you for your tips! They are much appreciated. How do you think I should prepare for the congressional nomination? I know all of the basic requirements, but is their anything I can do to really stand out?