<p>While there is no “magic formula,” it sounds like you are on a good path for USNA. Having said that, your plans going forward should also include NROTC opportunities, which can open other civilian opportunities for you as well, and still get you to your goal of becoming a Marine.</p>
<p>Suggest reading Smallwooks book: “A Candidates Guide to USNA”… it is a good starting point for anyone seeking the academy. </p>
<p>SATs: they count, that’s the bad news. The good news is that you have a lot of time to work on those. Take practice tests (that alone can increase your scores), and if you have the resources, consider a math tutor to raise that score (it is the easiest of the 2 to raise). The best way to prep for the verbal section is old-fashioned reading… with a dictonary at your side for any word you are unfamiliar with. The more you read, the better the verbal score…that is, as long as the books you select are solid literary/college level ones. Again, practicing critical reading skills and the SAT verbal tests will help. </p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>