Foundation Program USNA

This is about becoming an adult where not everyone gets a trophy. Not only do you not always get what you want . . . you don't always get what you've earned. It's happened to most of us a lot in life.

Think of it this way: You're about to flip a coin. Heads you get Foundation. Tails you get a turndown from USNA. There is no third option, no third side of the coin. Which way do you want the coin to land?
 
Not to be a jarhead, but when you are done with your pity party, take a look at the annual newsletter that features the foundation scholarship award winners. It's a pretty impressive list of young adults. After reading their superlatives and stats, let me know if you come away with the idea that this program should be looked down upon, or is some kind of consolation award. Also contemplate the idea of how wonderful it is to have an alumni base that is this vested in the future of their alma-mater. The Naval Academy Foundation committed almost $400k to the scholarship program last year for people that don't even attend Annapolis yet. It's one thing to support the school and current brigade, but to carve out that kind of money to young people that show promise to attend in the future? At least for me, that underscores how unbelievable of an opportunity this is.

 
severn said:
... A USNA admissions officer will contact you with an offer for Foundation Scholarship. The offer means that USNA wants your son for some reason but could use some Calculus-Chemistry-Physics review to ensure success in the yard.
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Yes that is what it means BUT with the scholarship you can attend a Prep Program and as long as you perform well at the program. Do another CFA and take the recommend classes you will be attending the next year. NMMI has a great program we focus on Mathematics, calculus, chemistry while exposing you to Academy lifestyles with fun mixed in. Do the research find your prep program. Most importantly enjoy your summer!
 
Bloomwhereyouareplanted said:
He wants to fly. Truly, I think the ERAU offer is enticing because he can keep up some flight time alongside his studies. But, he's had his heart on Naval Aviation for as long as we can remember. USNA was his primary focus until recently (with the understanding that there are no guarantees that he'd be selected for that path either way.) We noticed after the Foundation offer that MMI has some flight training opportunities, so that's a neat consideration too. I have attempted to stay neutral and just advise based on the wisdom posted here. He thankfully has some mentors he's gained along the way, but it really is a tough decision nonetheless. Thanks so much for your help everyone!
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I say if the Naval Academy is the desire focus on success going there. If he does well in his academics and in class standing Flight will be there. Having just returned from the Naval Academy it is magnificent. Look at the different Prep Schools but focus more on the academics as opposed to them offering flight options. It's better to be academically and physically prepared that have a private pilot certificate. I am the Director of the SAP at New Mexico Military Academy (NMMI) we have a great program (I'm biased). Don't pass up the Academy!
 
mols.cast8 said:
Just got accepted into Foundation Program at USNA. Pretty bummed, but it's ok. Is anyone else doing Foundation? And what kind of schools are there? Are the kids high schoolers, or college kids?
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Do not be bummed! Attend a prep program that gets you ready. We have 5 current preps and many prior. You really have a great opportunity to be really prepared for the Academy. Time to build in some extra skills and resilience. Check out the Prep Schools make a wise choice. Please check out New Mexico Military Institue (I'm bias I'm the Director) . We will get you ready to crush it.
 
hopefulmama1218 said:
Just curious, is Foundation Program a better option than NROTC scholarship? What's the USNA admission chance between the two as re-applicant? If FP is not 100% guarantee since one will still need to secure nomination, what will happen if you don't get in and but also declined NROTC scholarship from previous round? So after FP, one will be advised to re-apply to both USNA and NROTC? Is it possible to re-apply to NROTC as awardee who previously declined?
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YES 100% you do the work at a Prep Program you will attend the Naval Academy. Well worth it. Check out the prep programs. I am the director over the New Mexico Military Institue (NMMI). We have a great program (I'm bias). Don't' pass up the opportunity.
 
Rach3 said:
Don't be bummed ... it's a golden ticket for the following year if you do what's required!
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mols.cast8 said:
Just got accepted into Foundation Program at USNA. Pretty bummed, but it's ok. Is anyone else doing Foundation? And what kind of schools are there? Are the kids high schoolers, or college kids?
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Ok I don't know if I replied to you already. Find a prep school do well in the prep school and you WILL attend the Naval Academy! I am the Director for the Prep Program and New Mexico Military Institue (NMMI). We help you get your academics solid, so you have a bit a breathing room at the Academy and get you prepped for the Academy lifestyle. Do your research talk to the Foundation and find a good program. Enjoy your summer too!
 
ARMARINE03 said:
I'll try to put this in perspecitve. Almost exactly one year ago, DS got his turn down to USNA. At the time, we didn't have a plan B. We eventually did, with the help of these forums, but within a short time it had turned into plan C, which is where he is now, MMI. He would have jumped at a Foundation Scholarship for USNA. He's in a SAP program now, but self-prep. This may not have been your first choice, but it IS a great opportunity. I asked DS when he was home at Christmas if he'd be okay being offered a foundation scholarship for next year if it came down to it, he said he would because he understands what it means. You have an option for a great future. Definitely not a NO.
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Do you like MMI? My DS is a falcon acholar and considering MMI
 
mwa2 said:
Do you like MMI? My DS is a falcon acholar and considering MMI
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I do. I'm sure it's the same with all the preps, it's what you make of it. Ours was self-prep, but he worked the plan and the plan worked. MMI, is geared for SAP kids. I'm sure how many are in the program, but I think they're around 25 appointments so far, with more to come, Marion is a tiny town with not much to do, which can be a good thing, or not. LOL Tuscaloosa's not far north. Lt.Col. Bowen is easy to a speak to about the program, it's definitely worth a call. Congrats to your DS.
 
severn said:
... so I am not tracking at all. USNA admissions offer Foundation Scholarship to those they want but could use an extra academic review. Most candidates, not all, after receiving the rejection letter, do end up in NROTC however. The Captain in Foundation will tell Scholarship recipients to not getting in trouble with the law, avoid making Cs, and apply for all the nominations including the VP -- few requirements to get in the next USNA class.
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Assuming that this candidate is 3Q+nom, they do not necessarily need extra academics. They could just be from a competitive district, or not fill a need for the makeup of USNA Class of 2028. But they are a candidate that USNA wants and therefore they offered a scholarship knowing that they would really be holding a spot for the Class of 2029.
 
mols.cast8 said:
how is the experience at a military prep school? Im trying to decide which prep program to go to
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I can speak to GMC as my DS is a cadet there. GMC is in a small college-type town in Georgia, with access to either Atlanta or Augusta airports. It is not considered 'spartan' like MMI as in addition to the cadets, Jr College Civilian students attend classes during the day and you would also see GMC high school students around, but cadets take classes with only other cadets (aka "Prepsters). All of his fellow sponsored civil prepsters are top-level students that excel academically, athletically, and are also receiving military and leadership training. The difference at GMC compared to the other Jr MC's is that GMC provides/requires PT every morning 5 days a week before formations. You won't get better training and guidance than if you attended one of these Jr Military Colleges. If you have AP classes, and/or college credit, then you may be able to apply them back and in 1 year receive your Associates of Science Degree. They will also help you in reapplying to USNA. Don't look down on it - consider it an honor and a privilege that SO FEW are afforded! The training you receive will be invaluable and you'll go into I-Day with experience and a built-in support system that you would not have had anywhere else.
 
@basketball101 My son (not the original poster here) decided to accept the NROTC scholarship and will be attending Embry-Riddle to major in Aeronautical Science- Fixed Wing! He declined the Naval Academy Foundation offer yesterday. We are excited that he has peace about his decision and are looking forward to what this next season holds. Thank you all for your input and feedback.
 
Bloomwhereyouareplanted said:
@basketball101 My son (not the original poster here) decided to accept the NROTC scholarship and will be attending Embry-Riddle to major in Aeronautical Science- Fixed Wing! He declined the Naval Academy Foundation offer yesterday. We are excited that he has peace about his decision and are looking forward to what this next season holds. Thank you all for your input and feedba
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Congratulations to your son!! They always find where they need to be!
 
My DS received his USNA Foundation Offer in February and accepted almost immediately (after a Track and Field recruiting visit to USMMA where he received an appt). He was so excited to be a part of "The Team" as Captain Hughes put it and is looking forward to his prep year at MMI with Lt. Col. Bowen. He has wanted to be a midshipman since 7th grade so for him, it is whatever USNA takes. I would LOVE to find a space where parents of MMI prep students (both scholarship and self prep) are chatting if anyone knows of one.
 
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