<p>Sim, I’m visiting your thread one last time as I believe you may be at risk of not fully understanding your dilemma. The sole reason I am beating your horse is because you have time to address what I believe are circumstances that could seriously harm your chances. Let me also say that while none of us on this casual forum are expert, all-knowing, or even ANY-knowing about your chances in the USNA admission process, we do know some things about the process, the USNA class profile, and your background. Before getting to my point, let me add that I choose not to patronize you for fear of bruising your libido, because I believe, should you choose to do so, you do have time to address your aversion to competitive athletics … which you will participate in nearly every day of your SA life, were you to eventually attend. You have asked a fair question, and you’ve already received some very diverse opinions. Rather, I choose to reflect upon your circumstances from what you’ve chosen to share in a candid fashion. Mine like all the other opinions are worth precisely what you’re paying for them. The only one that counts is that of the USNA Admission Committee.</p>
<p>Here’s what we know for sure. The USNA and all the other SAs for that matter do not view competitive sports as merely another EC. It’s not debate or wrestling … or band vs. cross country. Participating in athletic competition is close to being essential to being admitted. In fact more than 9 of 10 actual appointed Mids have participated in competitive athletics and nearly all of those have lettered.</p>
<p>What that means statistically is that 9 of 100 plebes has chosen NOT to participate in team sports. While we can only speculate, it would seem that of those 9 chosen, they would NOT be merely the average outstanding, super student. They most certainly will bring something of special need or some extraordinary talent to the Academy and their class … they will have extraordinary intellect as reflected in rank and scores … or they’ve discovered the speed of light or … they wrote a best selling novel … or conducted the NY Philharmonic at age 8 … or … you get it. These 9 are most likely Exceptional, Extraordinary. </p>
<p>Or perhaps those 9 or fewer represent specific needs of the Academy in providing underrepresented needs. Women. Minority groups of color. Etc.</p>
<p>What’s the point here. Being good, even great won’t hack it once the candidate has, like you informed the Academy you have chosen, and it has been your choice, for whatever reasons, not to particpate in athletic competition. Your credentials are fine, very good. Not in any way uniquely exceptional though. Your scores are average. Your grades good but not great. Your rank is good. Your course work is seemingly light (when you translate your semester courses into Carnegie units, it remains unclear that you’ve taken the kind of load that most will have and is prescribed. But even if you have, the outcome is fine, not in any way exceptional.) BTW, your 32 ACT composite is not even considered. Only your math and verbals there. And the math weighs more heavily. As luck might have it, you’re heavy on the Critical Reading, Writing sides. Not the preferred position.</p>
<p>So … while as you’ve noted that you would see athletics as a monumental waste of time, I’d beg to differ. It will be critical for you to be competitive, imo. Unlike GoNavy, I do not view yours as a strong candidacy at present. But it can be enhanced, and I do not believe that will come by allowing debate or other issues to dissuade you from doing that which virtually every successful candidate is encouraged to do. </p>
<p>Lastly, know this. I’m your friend, not your adversary. You can and will do with my observations as you wish. But don’t misinterpret hard tough “love” as anything other than that. Good luck. I hope you will prove me to be all wet or that I have nudged you to do that which you know you must.</p>