How To Get Into The US Service Academies
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- Опубліковано 1 лип 2024
- Ever wonder what you could do to start preparing for the US Service Academies during high school? Look no further cuz this video will tell you all the aspects about ALL the service academies' applications and how to get in. This video is not sponsored by the Service Academies and is only based on things that I found helpful to me when I went through the admissions process myself.
For everyone that's new to the channel, WELCOME! My name is JC and I'm currently a Robotics and Control Engineering major at the US Naval Academy. I play on the Division 1 Water Polo Team and love to make videos about my college experience.
Comment below any new video ideas you want me to do or anything I can do to improve the quality of my videos. You can dm me any questions about the academies via instagram @justinwjchu and I'll try my best to reply.
Check out the awesome music I used in this video!
Lakey Inspired - Better Days / • LAKEY INSPIRED - Bette... - Фільми й анімація
I got into USAFA!!
Congrats. That's a great school but we're enemies from now on :)
@@navalaviation why man why are u enemy i love defence forces
@@Kushal145 cause JC is navy and the other guy is air force.
how did it/ is it going
@@ryder5465 oh i didn't know that thanks buddy
Not Naval but I want to go to the Air Force Academy, this video was pretty helpful. You put them in a helpful order, I appreciate the tips.
Have a 1000 Score on your ASVAB
I think something that could be added is to not worry about rejection too much. You can apply many years in a row if you don’t get in the first time. Enlisting and applying is also an option. Long story short, if you want to go to an academy, you can get yourself in to an academy, even if you take the long road. Great tips and great video!
Thanks for the compliment and I do plan to present that info in my next video! Thank you
Not that many, you can't have reached your 23rd birthday.
Three years ago I watched this video as a freshman. Today, I just received my appointment to the Naval Academy Class of 2028. How time flies. Thank you so much for your guidance and inspiration. You really made an impact on me and so many others.
also got admitted to the class of 2028 as well. can't wait for the adventure ahead-
Are there any tips you have since I (regrettably) have not been playing sports as a freshman? I'd do plan to do a lot more for Sophomore year since I have 1 month till summer break, would you have any sport recommendations for someone such as myself?
This was really good. I don't think everyone understands that the application process is an 18 month commitment. There are some nuances regarding the competitiveness of your slate that people form NC, TX, FL, DC and a few other states need to be aware of ( slots are limited by nomination, and those states are very competitive due to the number of bases which = candidates). I highly recommend checking out the Service Academy forums and doing your research. It's a long process, and pretty stressful, but my daughter is USMA class of 24. Here's the other thing - if you're a parent - be supportive, but don't own the process - this is a tough road, and your child has to want it badly enough to put in the work because it's not going to get easier.
Yes sir. Wholeheartedly agree
This was such a great and helpful video. I've been looking for something like this for a while.
Because you’re amazing Justin!!!
I really appreciate your videos JC. I always think of people who actually get an appointment and almost 'godlike' lol. You make it seem more human, like it's a reasonable goal.
Wow, as a parent of a high school student, while going to the military is not on top of list, I find this incredibly helpful and insightful. Sharing this to my teenager now. Thank you!
Nice job editing i can tell you are putting more effort in! All the pop up pics and text takes a while you are doing good :)
Good video @JC this video gave me more information. Thank you so much.
Hi! I’m a junior in high school and will be applying to class of 2025 for USNA and West Point. An in depth video about the nomination process and interview would be super helpful! Thanks for such informative videos!
I'll look into it. Thanks for the recommendation!
did you get in ?
Did you get accepted
Thanks for this video wow actually very helpful I’m a freshman right now pray for me that in 3 years you’ll see me in naval academy, and I know ima be there because ima work my ass off
How to get in? Be smart as hell and mature way beyond your years. Those guys at the military academies are cut from a different cloth. Just the best!!
welll that's one way of doing it! I don't think I'm exceptionally smart or mature lol. I personally think it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get in. even if you aren't exceptionally smart or mature, challanging yourself to become those things is just a good if not better. take AP classes even if you think it's out of your league or will be too hard. step up into leadership roles even if you're uncomfortable doing so or you aren't a good leader. that's what I did and I still don't know of I'm smart or mature enough for the Academy! eventually, if you persist and never give up, you'll start to become those things as you step up to the challange. if you're the smartest or best person in a room, you're in the wrong room! I believe your attitude when it comes to facing a challenge is what will differeciate your from the rest of the applicants when applying to the academies.
@@kuriaak why you blocked mr andrew.
Thank you for posting again!
i’m a rising sophomore in hs and this video rly helped me :) also the editing on this is sick
Thanks man. Glad it helped
My answer when they ask me why I wanna go (I’ve wanted to go since I was 6 and I’ve known since I was 6): When I was young I used to come here a lot, my dad used to be in charge of a ton of midhsipmen. I had to move away and after I moved away I realized how much I missed messy hall, Bancroft and the little terrible elevators that used to scare me. (idk if they’ve replaced them or not lol-)
When I moved I realized this is where I need to go to college. It’s exactly where I need to go.
My niece just got her letter of appointment to the Naval Academy last week! Love your videos; they give me an idea of what her experience will be
Congratulations to your niece! Can't wait to meet the next incoming class
Thank you! Joining sea cadets, in 8th rn. Gonna work my ass of to get there. I’ll try to get captain position with varsity tennis.
I’m in 11th grade right now. I have my Eagle Scout award and have a 3.9 gpa. The only problem I have is testing. I need to take the SAT probably this year so I’m going to study hard in my free time. I’m also going to get more involved with running and I’m going to do a summer seminar at the usna. Hopefully I can call myself a midshipmen in a couple years!
Great video! It'd be super cool if you can do a tips and advice video for Plebe Summer and your first year at the academy.
Will look into it. Thanks for the recommendation!
Thank you. This is a very helpful video!
Hi JC I was just talking about you and I look in my phone and you was there.Thank God bless him 🙏❤♥
Wish I would have seen this video before I graduated, Annapolis was my dream school.
Love the vids man
There is another way to get a nomination. If you are a JROTC cadet and your battalion holds the Honor Unit with Distinction (HUD) designation then the instructions can write a nomination.
I was not aware of that. Thank you for making that known.
This young man is dial-in 🇺🇸
Hey JC. I’m Academy class of 1992. I’m also Asian. We didn’t have as many asian students back then.
I want to say thank you for the help and thank you for your service
Thanks man. Hope the video helped
JC hi
If you are active military you can also get a nomination from your Service Secretary. I was active duty Navy, and received my nomination from the Secretary of the Navy.
I am enlisted and plan on trying to put a package in next year
Why all the question here, The service academies all have websites that lay out the requirements in details. The only flexibility is getting an appointment from your congressmen or alternate path.
My son will attend USNA summer stem this summer, he is a rising 9th grader.
Could you please make a video for incoming plebes including what helped you prepare and what to send in care packages or have your parents bring to PPW?
I'll look into it. Thanks for the recommendation
So useful information. I've saved your tips for my 2 yd. ;p
dang go off justin 💯
Things have I changed since I joined AFROTC (University of MO), 40+ years ago, when dinosaurs ruled the earth. I was a "walk in" for AFROTC (it may have been because the Vietnam War was still in everyone's mind). I had a great career. Considering that I was the 1st officer in our family, I was very happy with my career. If you can't get in an academy, try AFROTC. I couldn't compete with today's students, I would be lucky to make it into Community College.
Thanks, Stay Safe, Good luck on Graduation
Lol, finally someone mentions the Merchant Marine Academy
I don't leave them out :)
Here’s how you get in. Be an NCAA level athlete to get your spot locked in. Have some kind of legacy in the academies/ have a career military parent. Sometimes being from a rural area can be helpful with nominations. I’m sure you deserved your appointment, but it’s not a fair process
I agree with you that recruited athletes have somewhat of an easier time with admissions. But as one of the few walk-on athletes at USNA, I can attest to the fairness of the process and how even recruited athletes need a certain bar in order to get admitted.
JC I hope you can understand why I feel that way. Six people from my high school got into West Point and one to USNA. All of them had some combination of the factors I listed. I’m just saying that maybe they don’t always prioritize the right things when deciding who gets in
@@SeanA099 I can definitely see where you're coming from. But trust the process. I remind myself that USNA, in addition to a naval installation, is also a NCAA Division 1 School that not only breeds officers but winners and athletic studs. The athletic atmosphere of competitiveness only makes USNA a better, more lively, and successful school. And I mean it when I say that I see these athletic studs become some of the best navy seals or marine corp officers or any other type of officer than if USNA had just chosen people by merit or military background.
Good info. Just wanna add that there are other ways to get a nomination. My son rec'd his nominations from JROTC school and from being a child of 100% disabled vet. He got appointments from USNA, USCGA, and USAFA.
thanks very much for the information now i know that i can get my nomination from my JROTC high school class
Thank you so much for this information!! I have a question. How many nominations would one need for the application process to the academy?
@@angelarobles6416 Just one nomination. A nomination is specific to that one service academy. So you might get a nomination to West Point or a nomination to USAFA. If you only get a nomination to West Point, you won’t be able to get into USAFA.
I went to Candidate Weekend this year, and I am a little sad that USNA and USMA had to cancel their summer seminars. I hope all is well, and thank you for this video.
As a swimmer my season was cut short for SCY, and LCM has been completely cancelled until June. This being the case I haven't been able to get my times to where they need to be for Coach Roberts to officially recruit me. Granted, my times are fast enough to walk-on, and some of the other academies have recruited me for swimming, but in this current scenario I cannot improve my times until next year.
Seeing as you're a water polo player, and you got the opportunity to walk-onto the team, what was your communication with the coach like, if at all? I have contacted all of the service academies, as well as military schools with swim teams, and they all have a very different demeanor when it comes to myself.
yo living on mexico hits diferent when you tryna get into this school
Honestly this video is intimidating
That's actually my fault. I hope I can make the process less intimidating in the next video.
@@navalaviation no I think it's important to know what you will have to do. So that you can mentally prepare yourself
Hey do you remember me talking about my candidate visit weekend back in February! Well it went great!
Awesome to hear man. Hope to see you here soon
I'm a rising Junior in HS, just finished Sophomore year. I am a C/SSgt (planning on reaching at least C/2d LT) in the Civil Air Patrol, Eagle Scout, and president of my school's aviation club. I have a 3.9 unweighted GPA, have a SAT of 1360 (doing test prep rn to get it higher), and currently on the Track Sprints team. I have 300 hours of volunteer service at the hospital so far. What else do you recommend me to do in order to boost my chances of entering a service academy?
Thanks a ton for the video as well, keep up the great content!
Keep going! Try getting into some leadership positions either on your track team or on a club in school. You have plenty of time but reconsider taking the SAT again to get a better score. Grind out your AP's during your junior year. You're on track right now. Just make sure to kill it your junior year
Some of this is inaccurate. A good GPA is not enough. You also need to take the most challenging courses your high school offers. Don’t think that taking a bunch of soft classes with good grades is enough. You’re better off with a B in a AP class than stuffing your record with cheese classes. Also the Academy will also super score the ACT as well.
Not true
Hey man, really thankful for this video. I’m a sophomore who is doing two APs right now, and is aiming for a total of ten APs. I did a 100 hour service award freshman year, and will do more the next two years. I will be the captain of the science Olympiad team, which I’ve been a part of for four years. I did varsity cross country last year, and swim team this year. My biggest dilemma is sports. The more sports i take, the less time i have for APs and clubs, not to mention community service. Not to mention I live around a hour away from school. Do you think my academics can make up for athletics?
I was not thinking straight when I started highschool, all the thought about in my head was enlisting after graduation. But now I’m a senior and it’s already too late for me to apply as a Highschooler. Do you think I can go to a senior military college, participate in an ROTC program (with or without a scholarship) and try to apply for the service academies?
Make a vid on how to build a resume for service academies! 😛
Brandon Sigurdsson I thought the same thing
My brother is at the Naval Academy.
Much good video
I'm doing a full IB Diploma but that's all Junior/Senior year, with obligated community service and everything, as someone who's not confident in their SAT/ACT abilities and might not take them until next year should I wait an apply later or try to take the SAT/ACT tests early and try to figure something out with a Blue and Gold officer?
Thank you quarantine for fucking up my chances
Aw
Sorry to hear that
I wanted to attend the airforce academy, but I was too late in my application, did college ROTC instead, but was told my eyes would prevent me from becoming a fighter pilot, so I dropped out and studied engineering instead.
In your opinion if I did good on everything on the CFA EXCEPT for the Basketball throw, would that be that major?
Quick question: I did not take any SATS/ACTS because I was class of 2020 due to the pandemic. Is that a legal excuse as to WHY I didn’t take any of those tests?
Hey man, love your videos and I hope that you're doing well. Do you think that a possible B+ in my junior year could affect my chances of being admitted to USNA or NAPS? I have a B+ in my AP Calc AB class and it's been hard to keep up over distance learning and the fact that I'm an officer in a couple clubs and captain of our swim team. Hope you respond and stay safe. Thanks bro!
It won't severely dmaage your chances. Stay motivated and be sure to prove to the Academy that you can recover to an A in your next math class!
I’m going to the usna seminar this summer 🥹
So am I! But for some reason, I am so nervous!
@@tianijohnson9593 I know u
@JC I got accepted for NAPS and I saw one of your comments that you also got an appointment for NAPS & Merchant Marine.
I've already accepted my NAPS Appointment; however, I wanted to know what kind of nomination you received in NAPS?
Did you still apply for Congressional and senate as well? Or did you receive a nomination from NAPS by the Sectional Commander?
Also, I received a medical waiver and I was wondering if that Medical Waiver gets carried from NAPS to Naval Academy.
It would be awesome if you advised me on these questions. Thank you for the video!
Do the recommendation letters for the congressional nomination and the actual academy need to be different?
What is an academy counselor? Is this someone you can find in your high school or will I have to reach out to the service school?
Damnnnnn he’s so dreamy 😍
Got into summer seminar for Naval. Too bad it got canceled I was really looking forward to it.
Don't worry. You got accepted and that's all that matters. Try and visit sometime to make sure you like the atmosphere.
You didn’t attend VNASS?
@@JosephKenyonblopskroll2addict Sorry, I have no idea what VNASS is?
JC Virtual Summer Seminar since we couldn’t attend the traditional one due to Coronavirus
I have a 3.69 do AP have a good PSAT score and good pre ACT score. I do Tennis and Golf. I also work and am in 6 clubs. What else should I do? I have not done any summer programs at the naval academy. I am a sophomore
Love these videos even though I only watch them for entertainment. I love the fact I can watch what you do stress free knowing I don’t have to do any of that. Im kind of unmotivated like that. In high school I had to pay someone to do my geometry final assignment because I had no clue. Wasn’t proud but wasn’t ashamed either. Yeah, I’m pretty sure I wasn’t what the Naval Academy was looking for. Although I did hear that there was a cheating scandal at your school last year I think. So who knows, maybe I would have been a perfect fit. Anyway I wish you the best. Good luck and remember, loose lips sink ships. Don’t know what that heck means but I imagine it’s important.
You’re a good man.
Also, you misspelled “alternative” 6:05.
What should I do if I’m in my second semester of sophomore year and not really done anything bc I just started to want to do it
I only took an advanced math class my sophomore year and didn’t take any AP classes but I had a 3.8 gpa first semester and 4.0 second semester . Did I set myself up in a bad position by not taking any AP’s?
Not at all. Nice job. If you got a 4.0 though, I think you're ready to take on some AP classes next year. Only take as much as you can handle. It's better to get an A in an easier class than a C in an AP. But defintiely challenge yourself!
On a scale from 1-10, in relation to everything else, how important is being an Eagle Scout? My GPA is not phenomenal, but my PSAT is really good and I'm taking the SAT and ACT soon.
Maybe around a 3. GPA and SAT is a lot more important. Just do better with your GPA and make sure to do good on the SAT and you should be good.
Hey JC, first off great video man. Secondly, if you don't play a sport, who is able to write the recommendation letter for the P.E./Atheletics person?
Good question. So navy actually doesn't require a letter from an athletics director. But west point does, even if you don't do a sport. I'd recommend a PE teacher for west point though
@@navalaviation Thanks man!
Do you know about how the admissions process differs for athletes? I know that almost everyone applying plays sports, but I more so mean the ones who have the opportunity to commit to play their sport at the academy. For example, I know that a good amount of the Naval baseball team verbally committed to play at the academy during their junior year. How does committing change your admissions process? Thanks!
I didn't really talk about it as much because it should theoretically be the same. However, realistically recruitment gives a huge boost to a candidate to a pretty high percentage of acceptance. Athletes won't get recruited unless they're in good academic standing in high school first. The Academies do happen to favor recruited athletes in terms of getting a congressional nomination and letters of appointment in my experience. Much better chances than if you are not a recruited athlete. But this does nottake away from the GPA and test score requirements a candidate must have to being considered to be at the Academy. Hope this helps
Hi, I don’t know if you’ll see this. I’m a junior this year, and I was wondering if you had any information, or links to summer camps for the Naval and or Air Force academy, if you could direct me toward one?
All the Academies have their summer seminar applications on their online website. It’s either called summer seminar or summer leaders experience. Go google it and apply on their website
Just got into USNA today !
Congrats Caleb. Can’t wait to yell at ya next year
@@navalaviation I'm from the philippines and I want to ask how to get into USNA if you live in the philippines I hope you can read because my dream is to join USNA.
Did you have to go through the medical process
@@gusthegoat250 hehe im 13 year old and im planing to get in usna. im just asking any tips before i turn to 17 to ready myself in any requirements to get in naval academy.
@@louissejoaquingabrang1753 get in shape and start off and maintain good grades in high school. Also involved yourself in as many community services and leadership positions as you can. And begin to really think why you want to attend and serve the country
I got accepted into the naval academy summer seminar but the cancelled it because of the Corona Virus. Do you think I should still put it on my resume? Great Video btw
Yes put it in your resume
Great job but you left out those of us that get in from active duty in the Marine Corps or Navy through NAPS (Naval Academy Preparatory School).
ARE YOU A CURRENT STUDENT??? I’m visiting campus now!!!!! We should meet!!!!
Im in the 8th Grade going into highschool next year, do you think I shouldn't worry and just focus on grades, volunteering and more extra curricular things like Varsity - different clubs?
Getting into a varsity sports team freshman year is super impressive but hard to do honestly right now your establishing yourself in your sport and finding a place on the team. I would balance yourself but mainly focus on grades and setting a good foundation for your gpa
Just and FYI, for the Air Force Academy Summer Seminar, you don’t take an actual CFA because they don’t want to overdo it with the altitude and all. I have no clue how I’m gonna adjust because I’m going for the class of 24 in June.
Thanks man
Abhi Sailesh your basic will be easy don’t stress it
Hi! My name is Andrew Kuria and I'm a senior currently applying to the Naval Academy. This video is great and super informational. If I get in next spring, I look forward to being your shipmate next year!
btw I have a 3.4 unweighted GPA and a 3.6 weighted. my ACT is a 33 composite and my SAT is a 1500 composite. I have taken 4 AP classes so far and am taking 4 right now although I will be getting credit for 9 courses because I self studied for one test. I wasn't able to participate in the summer programs for the USNA but I did attend a Candidate Visit Weekend. I am on the varsity swim team but due to COVID and personal reasons I won't participate this year. instead I am going to be a manager for the team. I also was on the high school soccer team in 10th grade and I have been doing Track since 8th grade at the high school level (not varsity yet). I know this is a very hard question to answer but how do you think I rank competitively in the admissions process based on this information?
@@kuriaak I'm applying as well. Best of luck friend!
did you guys get in
@@selahattinkaskc8668 yea, actually! I received a conditional offer appointment contingent on medical in April and I just did a test for the waiver last week and passed so it's smooth sailing from here.
@@kuriaak oh nice
hey, i have a quick question, though i’m not sure if you’ll see this.
i’ve only just started considering joining the naval academy, and i’m going to become a junior this year. i haven’t done so well in terms of grades in both freshman year and sophomore year-is that okay? like, will it completely disregard me from applications because of those poor grades, or is it okay as long as i do like, super good in junior year with extracurriculars, athletics, grades, and etc?
What's your GPA right now?
If it's REALLY bad then I'd encourage you to take some AP and honors courses. I know it may be tough but it will definitely boost your (weighted) GPA and look good on your transcript. Take stuff like AP Calculus, AP History, AP Psych, etc. and try to slide in some honors classes if possible as well. Just try to shoot for the 3.8+ weighted GPA range. Keep up with the idea of extracurriculars though. Sports, volunteer work, and ESPECIALLY leadership positions (team captain, president of a club, leader of an instrument section/being a drum major in band etc.) Leadership positions are the most important considering that the academy is prepping you to lead a bunch of enlisted sailors.
Generally, you are in luck considering that colleges tend to not take your freshman year transcript too seriously and focus on your sophomore, junior, and senior year transcripts more. Try to grind out your SAT as well when the time finally comes. Study HARD. A minimum score on your SAT to shoot for is around 1350, but it can slide a little bit lower if you have outstanding extracurriculars.
Also, you might want to consider going to the Naval Academy Summer Seminar program when you're a rising senior next year, keep up the grades and write a decent essay and you can get in. Consider getting a job over that summer that has the traits of a leader or are a bit more complex that what an average high school kid would do (stuff like being a lifeguard generally look better than a burger flipper or shelve stocker.)
Good luck!! Hope this helps :)
No, you probably won't be able to get an appointment.
hi i’m a junior in high school and i just finished watching your video. my gpa is at least higher than 3.5 weighted and i didn’t take AP english and dropped out of AP world. i’m currently in the army jrotc and sometimes do community work in the program. i’m about to become an senior next year and i haven’t gotten a teachers recommendation letter and started by resume. is there any way i can still get into the academy with my current outlook? thank you so much!
Try your hardest to get into leadership positions in JROTC im a sophomore also in JROTC and im currently a PFC and part of Battalion staff (S-2), also try to use JROTC and other sources to get as much community service hours as possible. Finally prepare for your sat’s and apply for summer seminar this summer.
If I participate in my high school’s NJROTC, marching band, cross country, and track and field would that help my chances
yes, NJROTC shows interest in joining the military and shows them that you already have some skills and knowledge concerning military life, and as for your athletics/band they are helpful but it is best that you try to go for leadership, such as team captain for xc or drum major/section leader in band. The academies love leadership and having that on your resume and essay proves to them that you have what it takes to be a leader in the military
I’m a sophomore and am thinking about taking some classes at the local community college this summer. Do you have any recommendations on what classes I should take to demonstrate “intelligence” to the naval academy? :) Thanks!
Any STEM class is great. The academy would be looking for improvement and performance rather than the individual classes you take.
Any advice for a college re-applicant? I’m going Virginia Tech on an NROTC scholarship but USNA has always been my #1.
I plan to make a video about it soon! But in short, definitely recommend to reapply! Belive it or not, you have a higher chance of getting in after the second or third time. See a bunch of cases like that at the Academy! No real further advice besides just making sure your application is squared away and don't take your foot off the pedal at Virginia Tech! Good luck!
Hi JC, 2 quick question here. If I take 3 years of JROTC, will the USNA recognize and like that even though it's army JROTC? I plan on taking it regardless but I figured it'd be good to find out. Also, do they prefer sports like football or volleyball over a sport like archery, or is archery going to still be an up for me on the app. regardless?
YES, the navy will recognize it!
@@navalaviation Good to hear, thanks and loved your video.
JC too fly
Hi JC, I was wondering which you think looks better for the service academies, taking all college classes at a university near me or take only a few and participate in a robotics program?
Id say wherever can give you a more successful portfolio and the place where you can succeed the best.
@@navalaviation Well, I'd say I'd succeed more at the college because it'd be things I am good at (Social Sciences and Humanities) but I was thinking the program might be better for showing you are a bit more of a diverse applicant. Thank you!
Hi JC, with colleges looking to make their campuses more "diverse," as an asian guy, it's really hard to get in compared to others. For example, a colored female. Anyways, what is a good gpa to aim for? Also, is it possible for you to show us what high schedule you had? Thanks
Yeah, I haven't look too closely into the Naval Academy's admissions views on affirmative action but again I would just aim for a 4.0 and at the very least a 3.7 to be a competitive candidate.
I’m going to be a freshman in high school and will be taking all honors but I’m from Kansas so I’m not sure I’ll have someone to help me through the process for USAFA.
Can you join/transfer a service academy as a college student and if so what should i do to increase my chances
I didn’t have a 4.0 GPA my freshman year. Is it still possible to get in? Especially if the rest of my resume is impressive (ACT, SAT, Sports, Clubs, etc)?
Yes, don't let a low GPA discourage you from getting in. Just make sure to do better than the previous year from now on!
This is my dream school. I feel like I don’t reach any of the requirements. This sucks
Bruh! That is literally me
hey mate, I felt the same way as you when i applied. my advice is, if you don't feel you meet the standards or aren't exceptional in certain areas, then diversify.
join a couple different sports and become proficient. you don't have to be exceptional, being alright is, well, alright. I did track, soccer, and swimming during high school and I was mediocre at best in all of them. I only lettered in swimming for 1 event!
join multiple clubs and participate, take up a leadership position in the one you like the best. if you don't get a leadership position, that's alright. I did 5 in school clubs and 3 out of school clubs, only got a leadership position in 1. most were very low maintenance clubs, only meeting once a month. you don't need to spend your whole high school life doing extracurricular, make sure you still have time to game on the weekend and do a hobby (I bike a shit ton).
make sure you like your extracurriculars, I was interested in them so spending my time there was fun. only do things you enjoy or else it's gonna feel like a chore, I can't stress this enough. don't feel like you HAVE to do a certain thing in order to look good for the Academy. I hated Student Council so I never did it even though everyone said "it's the best for the Academy."
challange yourself to take advanced classes, whether they be AP, IB, or honours classes even if you think it's out of your league. I was TERRIBLE at English but I ended up taking AP Literature and Composition and passing with a B-, improving my reading and writing skills and having some fun even though it was a struggle.
one thing I was told was good grades are good, but it's the challenge you put yourself through that will impress. obviously, you shouldn't be failing classes, but if you feel comfortable doing so, take as many AP or advanced classes as you can manage. BUT only do the ones you feel interested in. lack of interest will kill your grades lol. I took 2 honours classes, 8 AP classes, and 10 AP tests and i averaged a B and had a 3.2 GPA, 3.5 weighted. I thought that would ruin my chances but apparently not lol.
ACTs and SATs are also another thing people say need to be exceptionally high too. this isn't necessarily the case, BUT these are by far yhe easiest things you can improve fast. I got a 33 ACT, 34 superscore, and a 1410 SAT. the only way you'll get better at this is practice (if you have the money). i took the ACT 5 times from 9th grade until 12th and the SAT 3 times. do the practice tests if you really want to improve, they help lol. also, for USNA, Math and English are the too most important sections, prioritize highs scores in those.
leadership is just something you have to put yourself into and get good at. don't be discouraged if you don't become a captain of a team or club, there are other ways to be a leader. for example, I front make captain of my swim team but I made it my goal to be a leader for the underclassmen and also during drylands.
for community service, look for some easy volunteer work you can do such as soup kitchens or shopping for older people or people with disabilities. something simple will do the trick, you don't have to spend hours volunteering, just do a couple of activities you think are fun.
the biggest thing the Academy is looking for in their applicants isn't just grades or ACTs or SATs or excellency in sports, they are looking for students who are diverse in skills and leadership. if you are lacking in one area, whether it be sports or extracurriculars or academics, make up for it in another area. I whole heartedly believe that you can get in and I dont even know you! trust me, i felt the same way you did 3 years ago but I made it, so why can't you! I don't know if any of this advice will help you or even applies to you but I really hope this helps.
feel free to reach out to me on Instagram @akkuria
@@kuriaak hey man thanks for the advice. I read through all of it and there is one slight inconvenience. I’m a senior in highschool and I’ve never done the best and haven’t really done things to support the school system. So I never really tried to go above and beyond other than more my science and math classes because I want to be a future engineer. One thing I did was enlist into the Navy to get my future set. I may not have been able to join the academy for my intellectual ability, but I enlisted to get a jumpstart on my future. Again, thank you
@@cologne_nemo hey, that's alright man. big props to you for enlisting my guy.
just so you know, if you still want it, your dream to attend the Academy doesn't have to be over yet. you have until the age of 23 to get in. if this is the case, keep working hard while you're serving, impress your NCO's, and express your interest in attending the Academy. apply next year or the year after that, whenever you feel comfortable, and you can get a nomination from your CO (if i remember correctly).
prior enlistees make up a sizable portion of the Academy's classes. if your academics are lacking, but you look good in other aspects, they might send you to NAPS then you'll be transfered to the Academy when you meet academic requirements.
you still got this brother, fight on!
So I completely jacked up my GPA cause I treated HS like a joke but I eventually want to get to either USNA or USAFA. I would be completely fine with going to the prep schools to work on earning my way into the academys.
What would be the best way to get there? Enlisting first?
@@cam_hutch51 Best way is to just finish out your hs on a good note, apply, and see what happens. If not offered anything, I would personally recommend maybe a year or two at a college or community college and then reapply after getting good grades there. If not that, yeah enlistment is an option but it'll be difficult for you to transfer.
JC Thank you
Hey JC, I was wondering if the service academies look mostly at your junior year or if they look at all four years? And also I'm going to be taking AP physics and computer science, will this give me an extra edge to others when I apply?
Those classes will definitely give you an edge but just make sure to grind and get good grades in them. Also yes, the academies will put a larger eye on your junior year as that's when most students take the most classes and struggle with them
When you say that active or reserves can get the presidential nominations, does retired count as well?
I don't believe so but I would definitely check with USNA admissions on that. There should also be more information online if you would like a direct answer.
I want to go to the naval academy after hs but I’m trying to decide which hs would help me get into the naval academy. They both have the same music and sports that I would join but hs 1 has JROTC and avid while hs 2 is a magnet school and also has dance. I was wondering if they would both be the same or if one of the hs would be better to help me get in. I was originally gonna go to hs 2 but they are getting ride of their JROTC program so now idk which one would be better. Also, when making a resume would I be able to put down things that I’ve done outside of school?
If youre academically fit go to magnet school. JROTC gets rated the same as every other activity its about the leadership role within. If you do well at a magnet school versus a regular school, however you will get more points for your application.
JROTC will NOT make you any better of a Midshipman than those who didn’t do it. Plebe Summer puts everyone on an equal playing field and you come out of those 7 weeks knowing what you need to know to be successful. Get involved with clubs you like and can help you develop as a leader, JROTC certainly is a good option to that end.
Hey JC, this really helped me. But I do have one question are AP classes required? I’m only asking cause my school doesn’t do AP classes till your junior year or something. Would taking course classes get me in or would I have to take AP classes?
Because of competitiveness from other schools, I'd say the Academies prioritize students who take challenging IB or AP classes. Obviously not a requirement but strongly encouraged. I would somehow let USNA admissions of how you're school won't let you take them till your junior year and they'll consider that when looking at your application.
Thanks JC appreciate it. Thanks for your help.
Can I ask you why you wanted to be an officer? Would love to know!
You said in your video to reach out to your counselor and a blue and gold counselor. At what time in your high school career should you reach out to them? @JC
Matthew my son reached out to his blue and gold counselor as early as spring his senior year.
@@Grace-hn9sq Thank you so much for the insight
I mean idk if ur gonna even see this buttt lemme list some of my stats. I’m trying to get into USMMA and I’m a junior. I have a 4.0 but probably a 3.8 in all of my highschool year. I will be on varsity XC, indoor and outdoor track for about 3 years. I will 95% be the captain next year for XC. Indoor and outdoor don’t have captains. I also am a 4 year band student and am the VP of the financial club. I was in a bunch of clubs sophomore year(model UN, chess club, ski club, political club etc) but most got shut down due to covid. Act scores are around like a 27. I go to one of the best public schools in like the country so I’m not worried about my grades and such. They won’t even let us have our class ranks lol. I also do a lot of volunteering and such. I am the coach of a youth lacrosse program. Also lifeguard over the summer. Is there anything else I should be doing to get accepted???
Also we have a couple state sectional titles and league wins for XC. I could be one of the best on the team if I were to be accepted.
You sound pretty set but your test scores seem a bit low. I would aim to retake the ACT or SAT again to get a better score. You should aim for at least a 30 on ACT and 1400 on SAT
@Kathleen McCafferty for class of 2025 ?
Your name is pretty rough
@Kathleen McCafferty ahhhh congrats!!!! It’s such a great school
How am I supposed to do clubs if I play school sports year round
Clubs during lunch or after school. Maybe on sundays when you got no practices going. I was able to fit it in with sports year round. You just have to commit yourself to them. But grades should take priority.