Would a year at a civilian college be worth it?

<p>I know that even if you have some college completed, if you enter the U.S. Naval Academy, you have to start from the beginning of the four-year program all over again. If I don't get into the U.S. Naval Academy or the Naval Academy Preparatory School right out of high school, would it be worth it to go for a year of college at a regular civilian school (and try to do NROTC), take similar courses to a fourth class Midshipman, then try to get into the U.S. Naval Academy again the following year? Would the Naval Academy and nominating officials look at the student positively for their persistency? Would the Naval Academy and nominating officials take the academic work by the student in their year of college into consideration when reviewing the student's application? Thank you very much.</p>

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>The answer is yes. At my unit one member applied three times to get into the academy, finally getting his appointment this year. He had 50+ college credits and he will “lose” them all. The selection board does look favorably at repeat applicants. If you really want to go to USNA, take a heavy course load, do well,and participate in something. You can be a college program student in NROTC and that will help. Basically, do well in college and take courses similar to what the academy offers. I would personally suggest a math, bio or chem, a history, a political science, and a language or if you join the NROTC unit the introductory Naval Science class. Kill the essay and interviews and you will have a decent shot. Also, extra recommendations from former or current military members does have an impact. Keep the faith!</p>

<p>The answer is “maybe.” </p>

<p>For example, IF you are determined to pursue a 20 year or longer career in USN or USMC, then the answer may well be “yes.” There’s plenty of evidence that attending the Academy provides a clear advantage. Mostly because of the politics and network that comes from those years where the Severn meets the Bay. </p>

<p>Anecdotal but clear evidence of the advantages of connections can be found in reading General Schwartzkopf and how many times his career, brilliant as he is in his knowledge of military leadership, he got a boost from Commander So’n’so who “I boxed against” or Billy Four-star, whose “son I roomed with at WP.” Etc. It’s life and why the president’s czars are all fellow alums of the elite Ivy type schools. There is no such thing as “random behavior” in these circumstances of life, it seems. Did you know that Barack Hussein Obama’s mother worked for Tim Geithner’s dad at the Ford Foundation? Get the idea? Well, it works this way in the upper-echelon of the Navy too.</p>

<p>Conversely, if you’re interested in specific areas of study or career paths the answer might well be “no.” Examples … medicine, the therapies, law, marine biology, bio in general, etc. </p>

<p>The Academy experience is unique and demanding in and of itself, and there are many who are appointed with previous prep school, professional service, and collegiate experience who are considered and appointed. It is not the norm, and neither is it unusual or abberant.</p>

<p>as many as 1/3 of the incoming class for any given year at USNA have some degree of post-high school education- be it NAPS, the foundation program, or a year or 2 of college. </p>

<p>Would suggest a 4 year college over a community college.
Would further suggest the following courses: Chem with a lab, Calculus [fall and spring semesters], world or american history and english course - either literature or a writing course. All follow the basic coursework of plebes at Annapolis. Key is to do well- with well being a B or better…</p>

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<p>yes</p>

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<p>absolutely.</p>

<p>typically they will want your first semester grades before considering your application.</p>

<p>you will also need to pursue a nomination. </p>

<p>best of luck!</p>