<p>NASS is a great opportunity to gain an inside glimpse of what USNA is all about. If you are considering applying to USNA, then apply to NASS.</p>
<p>Keep in mind the following:
- While NASS is a competetive application process (there are limited spaces afterall) it is not as competetive as the actual admission process. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Not all NASS attendees will be offered an appointment, just as not all appointees will have attended NASS.</p></li>
<li><p>Not all NASS attendees are based on Merit alone; there are many other factors that get considered…how many applicants are from the same MOC area, how well is that area already represented at USNA, etc… clearly attendees from the mid-west may get priority oversome on the east coast, especially those within a reasonable driving distance of USNA. Location is one factor taken into consideration.</p></li>
<li><p>Other factors: minority groups. Women are no longer considered in that category (the academy has exceeded its target for qualified women candidates for several classes now). The current emphasis is on attracting african-american and hispanic candidates from under-represented areas of the country. If you fall into one of these groups you conceivably have an advantage.</p></li>
<li><p>“First come first serve” does not necessarily hold true. You do not have to set your alarm clock to the wee hours of 1 Feb. But do apply within the first few days of FEB.</p></li>
<li><p>Flexibility- the more flexible you are with your time in terms of when you can attend the better.</p></li>
<li><p>The number of NASS spots increased for the summer of 2008, and are expected to remain at that level for 2009.</p></li>
<li><p>If you get accepted to go, then prep ahead of time (ie: run) and ago with a great attitude. You will be evaluated and that evaluation will count should your record go before the admissions board.</p></li>
<li><p>If you do not get an opportunity to attend, then create another one. Consider attending a summer sports camp. When the time comes (fall of senior year) , speak to your BGO about a CVW (Candidates visit weekend). Take your parents on a road trip and go and visit on your own. Attend an information session. Take the tour. </p></li>
<li><p>No need to prove anything. Compared to the majority of selective colleges and universities, you will find the service academies to be relatively transparent in their application process, NASS included. The problem lies, IMO, in those that seek information not for edification, but in some innane attempt to game the system… and in the long run, the only disservice is the one you do to yourself.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>BOTTOM LINE.
NASS is but ONE WAY to collect information about the USNA and if it is a good fit for you. If you do attend, trust that the USNA will be evaluating you (even if just from a physical standpoint) if you are a good fit for them. If you go, go prepared. And that includes physically fit, and fit for running. NASS is neither a guarentee of admission, nor a deterrent if you are not afforded the opportunity.</p>