duke73

BIO: I am a senior in high school. I am a white male who lives in southern California. My family has a rich military history. My great uncle was a naval commander, my grandfather disabled mines in the navy and is now a member of MENSA, my other grandfather was in the air force, and my ucle and father were enlisted in the Marine Corps. I don't know if this information improves my chances into getting into the naval academy at all.

GPA: 4.0 (9 AP classes)

Class rank: 72 out of 829 (top 9%)

SAT: 2150

Classes: (with grades per semester)


Freshman
PE 9A- A/B
Biology- A/A
French 1- A/A
English 9- A/B
Geometry- A/A
World History- A/A
Adv. Sports Skills- A/A

Sophmore
French 2- A/A
Algebra 2- B/B
AP Art History- A/A
Chemistry- A/B
AP Comparative Politics- A/A
English 10- B/B
Adv. Sports Skills- A/A

Junior
AP Language & Composition- A/A
AP Chem- A/A
AP US History- B/A
AVID- A/A
French 3- A/A
Math Analysis- A/A

Senior
AP Literature- B/A
AP Physics- A/B
AP US Gov't- B/A
AVID- A/A
AP French- A/A
Pre- Engineering- A/A


Athletics:
Football- 3 years (1 year freshman, 1 JV, 1 Varsity Captain)
Basketball- 3 years (1 year freshman, 1 JV, 1 Varsity)
Golf- 2 years (1 year JV, 1 Varsity)


Extra-Curriculars:
Naval Academy Summer Seminar
National Young Leadership Conference
Intern at Salk Institute
Big Brothers Program at Camp Pendleton
California Scholarship Federation

Clubs:
National Honors Society- 1 year
Interact Club- 2 years (1 year leader)
FCA- 2 years
AVID Club- 1 year (leader)
Engineering Club- 1 year
Academic League- 1 year
Chemistry Club- 1 year
Physics Club- 1 year

Community Service: (total 250 hours)
Camp Pendleton- coaching, mentor, etc. (volunteer award)
Pop Warner- chain gang
Oceanside Library- shelving books, tutoring
Various events and festivals
Beach clean-up


I'm am applying to The Naval Academy and West Point. What are my chances of getting accepted into one (or both) of these schools? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Ann

You have a strong application file. Class rank, SATs, athletic participation, and leadership look good.

Why are you not taking a math class this year?

majmattmason

Looks very strong. You're in California, a tough state for competition.

Your family history will probably not have as much of an effect on your appointment as you might think. But, like chicken soup, it certainly can't hurt. I did get a chuckle out of the MENSA notation, it read like something happened to your grandfather as he cleared mines that allowed him to join the 2% club. Don't think that will help, but it's fun to know!

mom3boys

I know that different states are calling math classes by different names (i.e. here in GA we now have math 1, math 2, etc), so maybe that is the answer...but I don't see any pre-calculus or calculus courses. Like majmatt said, you are from a very competitive state. Having a rich family history of military service lets the board know you know what you are getting into...doesn't add points, but cannot hurt. Best wishes to you!

stopit

I'd be very surprised if you don't get in. Just write a good personal statement to get your nominations. I got my letter of assurance to West Point this year and your stats are just as good as mine

mombee

Since you also asked about USNA, my comments will be solely in relation to that part only. Ann is, rightfully so, concerned about why you aren't taking Calculus. However, for USNA, a strong Math SAT will offset this, 700+. Otherwise, your academics are strong. As are your extracurriculars. Family background is not going to play a part unless you can somehow use it to your advantage in an essay. I wouldn't mention MENSA. It is not that big a deal. Ignore the 'competitive state' comments. By in large, it is an 'old wives tale' and the 1300 or so most highly qualified who accept appointments will attend. And even if it weren't true, there is nothing you can do about it.

duke73

I actually don't take pre-engineering. I accidentally wrote it instead of ap calculus because I was talking to my brother about his pre-engineering project when I wrote this. It was unintentional. Also, Math Analysis is a different name for pre-calculus at my school. I'm sorry that I didn't mention that in my original post.