This is a really helpful video. She nailed it. Another big thing they're looking for is Time Management. How many balls do you have in the air? How well do you keep them in the air -- are you dropping any? If you are only really good at one thing, get easily stressed when you're asked to do too much you might re-think applying to a service academy.
When should i start worrying about actually applying? Im going into 10th grade and had good grades and 2 sports my freshman year. I'm also taking an ap and honors classes. What im asking is who should i talk to to start getting ready to do it?
You will be opening up an application the summer between junior and senior year -- but you should plan on applying to summer seminar January of your junior year. Until then - keep up the good work building that scholar, athlete, leader profile! -Capt Dach
The academies look at both! The difficulty of classes you take is a strong consideration in your GPA. I would also prioritize SAT/ACT over your GPA - many students have a 4.0 GPA, the SAT/ACT is a national equalizer
It depends! Athlete is a critical component of what USNA looks for in candidates. There are always exceptions, but upwards of 95% of candidates have athletics. Band is not athletics. Most likely, we would advise you to join a sport if you are a junior or below (cross country, track, etc). Performance on the CFA is critical.
Band members do amazingly well, but you will have to keep up with all the rest of it. Not being physically fit or not recovering fast enough from an injury will hold you back. I've seen people be held back from graduation for this reason, so make every effort to become more fit.
I'm having trouble getting a good answer on how the academies count weighted vs unweighted GPA's. I was told that they use a weighted GPA but don't modify the transcript - meaning that if it was weighted they would use that. Any insight on that?
We do not have insight on how they handle the transcript. However weighted is usually best, so work with your counselor. However, retaking the SAT/ACT will usually hold far more weight than small differences in weighted/unweighted GPA.
GPA is only one component. The academies look at the scholar, athlete, and leader component of your application. The level of difficulty of classes taken also impacts admissions.
It depends what you define as the limit for a good gpa. If the academy feels you are not academically prepared but otherwise fit the athlete and leader criteria, there is a chance you will be offered a foundation or prep school slot.
Complete Guide to Naval Academy Admissions - bit.ly/USNAguide
Never miss a Naval Academy deadline - bit.ly/USNAtimeline
You are a God send, I can't believe more people haven't been jumping on this thank you
After two great visits my son just committed to the Naval Academy (football OL). Great video…
Best of luck to your son!
This is a really helpful video. She nailed it. Another big thing they're looking for is Time Management. How many balls do you have in the air? How well do you keep them in the air -- are you dropping any? If you are only really good at one thing, get easily stressed when you're asked to do too much you might re-think applying to a service academy.
Great point, thank you for the example interview question as well!
When should i start worrying about actually applying? Im going into 10th grade and had good grades and 2 sports my freshman year. I'm also taking an ap and honors classes. What im asking is who should i talk to to start getting ready to do it?
You will be opening up an application the summer between junior and senior year -- but you should plan on applying to summer seminar January of your junior year. Until then - keep up the good work building that scholar, athlete, leader profile! -Capt Dach
For a GPA of 4.0, does that include weighted or just a 4.0 scale?
The academies look at both! The difficulty of classes you take is a strong consideration in your GPA. I would also prioritize SAT/ACT over your GPA - many students have a 4.0 GPA, the SAT/ACT is a national equalizer
If I have not taken any sports in HS but have multiple varsity letters from band, will that be good enough for the naval academy?
It depends! Athlete is a critical component of what USNA looks for in candidates. There are always exceptions, but upwards of 95% of candidates have athletics. Band is not athletics. Most likely, we would advise you to join a sport if you are a junior or below (cross country, track, etc). Performance on the CFA is critical.
Band members do amazingly well, but you will have to keep up with all the rest of it. Not being physically fit or not recovering fast enough from an injury will hold you back. I've seen people be held back from graduation for this reason, so make every effort to become more fit.
I'm having trouble getting a good answer on how the academies count weighted vs unweighted GPA's. I was told that they use a weighted GPA but don't modify the transcript - meaning that if it was weighted they would use that. Any insight on that?
We do not have insight on how they handle the transcript. However weighted is usually best, so work with your counselor. However, retaking the SAT/ACT will usually hold far more weight than small differences in weighted/unweighted GPA.
My GPA was 3.1 there is a chance for me to join
GPA is only one component. The academies look at the scholar, athlete, and leader component of your application. The level of difficulty of classes taken also impacts admissions.
Can you get in if you don’t have a good gpa
It depends what you define as the limit for a good gpa. If the academy feels you are not academically prepared but otherwise fit the athlete and leader criteria, there is a chance you will be offered a foundation or prep school slot.
You say “early as possible” numerous times - what exactly does that mean?
Admissions boards begin in August of the candidate's senior year
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