What are my chances

<p>Hi, I'm currently heading into my senior at a NC high school and I've been interested in Naval service for quite some time (since I was five I believe). So really, I'm wondering what more I can do to better my chances of getting in to the USNA and do I have a decent chance currently.</p>

<p>Here's what I've got so far.</p>

<p>Academics; 3.54 gpa, 4.3 weighted. 41 out of 462 students(top ten percent)
and enrolled in a humanities program(above honors). Also sat: 620 reading, 600 math.</p>

<p>As for sports, I've discovered competitive swimming in tenth grade and have been doing it since both in a local club in the off season and in the school's league during the winter. I'm ranked seventh in my conference and I think I will be captain in my senior year. I also did Shotput and discus in 9th grade though it was soon overthrown by swimming.</p>

<p>As for extracurricular activities, I'm volunteering at the salvation army and have done quite a few hours on and off there over the past years. As well, I've done a deal of tutoring through my school's math dept. and through my elementary school in which I helped title one reading children. I've also assisted my school's german club in a "Deutsche fur Kinder" program for underpriveleged children.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for your comments and criticisms. </p>

<p>Also, is it too late for me to demonstrate my leadership capabilities? I realize that I haven't cultured that area too much and I hope it's not too late.</p>

<p>Thank you. ^_^</p>

<p>You need leadership positions and to raise your SAT scores. Also, work on the GPA unweighted. Try to get a 3.7 uw.</p>

<p>So where should I be aiming for a good SAT score zone? Should I be looking for around 650 and above or 700 and above? I was disillusioned that my sats were actually suitable.</p>

<p>Also, I'm in NHS so hopefully that will count towards something.</p>

<p>the thing is, everyone is in NHS, so that doesn't really matter. Most people have a better GPA than a 3.5, and most people play more than one sport. Most people's SAT is over 650. So to answer your question, your chances are not very good.</p>

<p>And can't people just read the previous threads to find out what their chances are? there are about 5 in the past week I believe.</p>

<p>Beside, you are asking fellow teenagers to evaluate your chances. . . .so, how accurate do you think their evaluation is?
Presumably, you are doing the best you can do. Right? You can't do any better. Having the goal of improving your SAT is not the same as being able to improve the scores.
Now, based on these responses are you going to not apply? Of course not . . . apply and let the chips falll where they may</p>

<p>yarbled,</p>

<p>Bill is correct. Nobody here can really evaluate your background for Admissions. However, if you look at the profiles of successful candidates, you will see that the SAT scores are well into the 1300's (on the old version of the test). 1400 has always seemed like a magic number. You're not that far away. If you prep over the summer, you should be able to increase your score. Also, try to take the ACT. Some people do better on this exam.</p>

<p>Get started on your nomination applications this summer. Finally, if there is a way to contact your teachers to request recommendation letters, it may be helpful to them. Once school starts in the fall, teachers will be deluged with seniors asking for letters. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>I agree with Bill. What are your chances? Apply and find out for sure.</p>

<p>What score should you be aiming at in the SAT? </p>

<p>Let me ask you: What score do you ALWAYS shoot for on ANY test? If your answer is not "100%", then don't even bother applying. The Service Academies want people for whom 100% is the MINIMUM goal. It doesn't mean they REACH 100%, but they sure do SHOOT for it.</p>

<p>So, the answer to your question is, "The score you should be shooting for is a PERFECT score".</p>

<p>There are many factors that play into whether someone gets an appointment. </p>

<p>First, I would contact your BGO, who is there to advise YOU on your specific situation. He or she will have a good idea of the qualifications of other students in your geographic area.</p>

<p>WRT your SATs, agree with Zaphod to shoot for perfection. However, if you had 780/780, I probably wouldn't spend my Saturday morning retaking them. To be competitive, USNA generally likes to see Math SATs at 650 or above.</p>

<p>You didn't mention what h.s. courses you are taking. USNA wants to see students take -- and do well in -- chemistry, calculus, physics (where available), biology, as well as serious history and English classes. Higher level language courses also help. You may not be able to take all of those, but doing well in science and math courses indicates to USNA your ability to handle its curriculum.</p>

<p>As for your sport, it is important to get across to USNA the competitiveness of your club and school leagues. USNA inherently understands the meaning of varsity or all-state honors, etc. They may not know whether your club/league sport is mostly recreational or very competitive. This is another thing you can discuss with your BGO.</p>

<p>Thank you very much for the replies. I guess I was just wondering what more I should do to prepare myself for the best possible chance of attending.</p>

<p>I am already planning on taking the ACT and SAT this fall and am doing a daily study program for each. And of course I'm aiming for the best I can do in both.</p>

<p>Also, I'm running with cross country this season, and I run 6 miles daily so I think I can succeed with that.</p>

<p>But thank you for the replies and the honesty. And I guess I should've read the other posts about this similar topic.</p>

<p>Edit:<br>
In my Sophmore year I took HN Chemistry and HN Biology, and in my Junior year I took HN Physics. I've taken HN World History, AP Euro History, Ap Art History, and HN Civ and Eco. In my senior year I plan on taking AP Biology, AP US History, and possibly AP chemistry(we have an extremely bad teacher in that dept who may teach the class). As well, I'll be taking my fifth german class and depending on if I can pass the competency test, maybe AP german. I've also taken Pre-calculus and am taking Discrete Math Hn this year.</p>