Advice for getting into USNA?

[CharlieMike]

ROTC is another viable option. I knew a couple guys who did a semester or two at a regular college with and without ROTC before going to the Academy. One of the big things is to never give up. Even if you don't get accepted the first time, keep trying. Go to college to build yourself up and make you more competitive. As far as going the enlisted route, I also advise against that if your goal is to be a commissioned officer. One, there's no promise of you getting picked up for a commissioning program. I've seen several top sailors in my squadron apply for them and only one or two got accepted. Two, you won't be able to apply right away so while you still get to serve your country, your window to apply keeps shrinking.

I second the Summer Seminar program. I did it myself and was a detailer for it, well worth checking out and it's almost a "prescreen" for potential candidates. It's not the end of the world if you didn't go either, so don't worry about it. Are there any areas where you may think you are weak?

ROTC is my plan B, and I'll definitely reapply.

As far as weaknesses, my only real weakness is the fact that math is not my strongest subject at all, which I know is bad since USNA is all about STEM...

 

[xj220]

Well, don't let that dissuade you. Yes, you'll be doing a lot of basic math and engineering type courses but I know a lot of people who weren't strong in math and they made it through. They have Group III majors which is history, poli sci, English, etc. Even if you have difficulties with it, the teachers are more than willing to help. As far as getting in, just keep yourself well rounded, i.e. academics, extra curriculars, sports, etc. They don't want one dimensional people.

 

[CharlieMike]

Well, don't let that dissuade you. Yes, you'll be doing a lot of basic math and engineering type courses but I know a lot of people who weren't strong in math and they made it through. They have Group III majors which is history, poli sci, English, etc. Even if you have difficulties with it, the teachers are more than willing to help. As far as getting in, just keep yourself well rounded, i.e. academics, extra curriculars, sports, etc. They don't want one dimensional people.

Thanks for the reply. I'd say aside from not having THE highest GPA (about 3.8) I'm doing pretty well. Right now I run track, next year I'm going to do swimming (and senior year too probably) and I'm on the academic decathlon team. Leadership is pretty solid and well-rounded (not just from one thing), and I do volunteering and do a lot of stuff with my church and the community. And AP classes and all of that.

 

[xj220]

Sounds like you've got yourself covered very well. I think a lot of people get this feeling that you have to be perfect to get to the Academy, which is totally not the case. I know a lot of people who made it in that were far from the top in terms of academics or other areas of their lives. Keep working hard and stay on top of your package.

 

[wowowowowow]

Academy to Carrier Op

If you attend another service summer seminar program and apply for USNA, just make sure your Blue and Gold Officer knows you attended a summer seminar. Maybe work into your personal statement with what you learned there. Among other things, summer seminar exposes the candidate to what the...

www.airwarriors.com

here is a thread I made about something else but it kinda turned into great advice about getting into the naval academy if anyone needs it.