<p>Sim:</p>
<p>I grew up in York, Maine many moons ago…Ayuh. We only had two applicants appointed from Maine the year I was accepted, and the other guy had come from the Fleet as a sailor. Dubious distinction for me, I guess…</p>
<p>Anyway, I’m a Blue and Gold Officer in Virginia now, and have recently been through the admissions process with two of my own kids. One who got in right away, and one who was waitlisted (and finally appointed) both with pretty much an identical class records, SAT scores, ECA’s and sports. So, I guess it depends as much on the year and the candidate pool as anything else.</p>
<p>Bottom line is that you have to be deemed qualified by the admissions board, and they use the “whole person multiple” which considers grades, scores, ECA’s, sports, recommendations, etc. The actual formula seems to be a closely guarded secret - even we BGO’s aren’t privy to it, but it’s pretty thorough. Your lack of sports won’t necessarily kill your candidacy, but if another applicant from Maine has a better multiple, they will be ranked ahead of you. So, you can be completely qualified but not admitted because there are only so many places per state, as you undoubtedly know. </p>
<p>Hate to differ with WP, but based on the recent class profiles, your SAT’s are very good and will not hurt you. High middle of the pack, in fact. Of course, and if you think you can do better, take them again and try to score higher.</p>
<p>WP is right about the sports thing. Not only is physical fitness a way of life at USNA and beyond, but participating in organized athletics shows that you can be a “team player” and perform under physical as well as mental stress. Not the same as being a member of a non-sports club. If you “detest running”, you’d better learn to like it, or you’ll be miserable - guaranteed. You’ll be taking the PRT (physical readiness test) every semester at USNA and every six months or so in the Fleet once you graduate. It isn’t a bad thing, it’s just a reality.</p>
<p>Something to consider is that just because you earn a varsity letter doesn’t mean you’re in good shape. When we were doing our BGO training two years ago, the Cadre was asked by someone in our BGO class what we could do to help prepare incoming Plebes. To a person, they said, “Ensure that they are physically fit. The 2009 Plebes are not in great shape.” So, while I agree that organized athletics is important, a varsity letter and physical fitness don’t necessarily go hand in hand. If you can work out the ferry schedule and keep your grades up, I’d recommend that you consider playing a sport this winter - as much or more for the experience as for bolstering your candidacy. </p>
<p>The good news is that you were chosen for Summer Seminar. Anecdotally, I will tell you that they wouldn’t have picked you up for Summer Seminar if they thought you were a definite “no”. Success rate for appointment of Summer Seminar candidates is pretty high – again, that’s anecdotal from my limited observation, not official.</p>
<p>Keep the faith, and keep smiling. ;-)</p>