Reapplying

pay10

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Dec 9, 2023
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Hi everyone, I am a re-applicant for the class of 2028, and was denied for class of 2027 because of lack of STEM based classes. I am having a lot of stress about what classes I should take in the spring semester. I am trying to mirror the plebe course requirements so I have a general idea of the courses I would need to take if I got in. I just got finished taking Calculus 1, US History, Chemistry 1, and Chemistry with lab 1. In the spring I am considering taking a language class (likely german), Calculus 2, Intro to Literature, and another History class, and possibly a world politics class. Is this strong enough for my application? I wanted to take intro to physics, but was told that that specific class is reserved for early college students. I got a total of 13 credits in the fall semester, and with my spring class schedule I should be getting 15. I would be thankful for anyone to give their feedback on this, thank you!
 
If I understand your college courses taken and planned, the amount of credits doesn't appear to mimic 4C year at USNA-this may disadvantage your application.

Plebes typically take about 18 cr. in the fall and 17 in the spring (can vary of course). The biggest factor for appointment of college students is the academic rigor and actual STEM courses, grades and the number of credits taken. There are many other factors, including SAT, ECAs, physical condition, however academics is a significant factor according to Admissions. See p. 18 of this: https://www.usna.edu/Academics/Facu...lass_of_2027.pdf#search=plebe course schedule
 
If I understand your college courses taken and planned, the amount of credits doesn't appear to mimic 4C year at USNA-this may disadvantage your application.

Plebes typically take about 18 cr. in the fall and 17 in the spring (can vary of course). The biggest factor for appointment of college students is the academic rigor and actual STEM courses, grades and the number of credits taken. There are many other factors, including SAT, ECAs, physical condition, however academics is a significant factor according to Admissions. See p. 18 of this: https://www.usna.edu/Academics/Faculty-Information/Academic-Advising/2027_Plebe_Academic_Handbook_Class_of_2027.pdf#search=plebe course schedule
If I was to add on government in the spring that would total 18 credits, so should I do that? I just can’t really go anywhere with my stem classes because my community college only offers select classes for certain programs. Thank you for your response!
 
A plebe-like schedule includes not just Calculus and Chemistry, but also English (both writing and reading). It’s also heavy on credits, to go on top of military and physical obligations. Plebes are under tremendous pressure to manage their time well, and even then they can’t get everything done. So above-average credits at a civilian college would help show you’re capable. Or if average credits, then substantive extracurriculars.
 
I took 14 credits when I successfully reapplied for whatever that's worth. I think your grades in those classes are what matters most as a reapplicant. Why not Chem II?
 
I took 14 credits when I successfully reapplied for whatever that's worth. I think your grades in those classes are what matters most as a reapplicant. Why not Chem II?
I struggled enough with chemistry 1, but the main problem is that my school requires in person labs with any chem class, and I work two jobs on top of my classes already. It’s just a matter of not having time unfortunately.
 
A plebe-like schedule includes not just Calculus and Chemistry, but also English (both writing and reading). It’s also heavy on credits, to go on top of military and physical obligations. Plebes are under tremendous pressure to manage their time well, and even then they can’t get everything done. So above-average credits at a civilian college would help show you’re capable. Or if average credits, then substantive extracurriculars.
This makes sense, thank you! I’m trying to get in my extracurriculars while also doing full time schooling and my job.
 
This makes sense, thank you! I’m trying to get in my extracurriculars while also doing full time schooling and my job.
A job counts as an extracurricular. Show that you’re challenging yourself with a lot to do and making it work via smart time management. That’s what’s expected of plebes.
 
A job counts as an extracurricular. Show that you’re challenging yourself with a lot to do and making it work via smart time management. That’s what’s expected of plebes.
Ok I will keep that in mind. Thank you!
 
I struggled enough with chemistry 1, but the main problem is that my school requires in person labs with any chem class, and I work two jobs on top of my classes already. It’s just a matter of not having time unfortunately.
For what it’s worth, the civilian prep contract from USNA Admissions is very simple.

They require:
•full-time college student class load (min 12hrs), including calc (or next math) chem/lab, English or lit/writing
•all As/Bs
•successful PRT
•maintain height/weight, body fat standards
•good character, conduct, and motivation
•Improvement in SAT/ACT if needed
•obtain nomination

They understand you have to work and maintain other commitments during this time. Don’t overthink it. You are also paying for college credits that do not carry over. My son had to go this route after an injury. He was working full time and took 12-13hrs/semester. He’s a plebe now, take two.
 
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For what it’s worth, the civilian prep contract from USNA Admissions is very simple.

They require:
•full-time college student class load (min 12hrs), including calc (or next math) chem/lab, English or lit/writing
•all As/Bs
•successful PRT
•maintain height/weight, body fat standards
•good character, conduct, and motivation
•Improvement in SAT/ACT if needed
•obtain nomination

They understand you have to work and maintain other commitments during this time. Don’t overthink it. You are also paying for college credits that do not carry over. My son had to go this route after an injury. He was working full time and took 12-13hrs/semester. He’s a plebe now, take two.
A college applicant, not having gone to a USNA sponsored prep-program, is a different decision vs a candidate that USNA Admissions has sent to a prep-program.
 
A college applicant, not having gone to a USNA sponsored prep-program, is a different decision vs a candidate that USNA Admissions has sent to a prep-program.
My son was not sent to prep program. He was injured- negating his DODMERB approval for SAs and ROTC, so he had to start the process over at the beginning an and find another college to attend (and pay for) while reapplying. This was the contract for anyone going to a civilian university in hopes of earning an appointment to USNA.
 
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You are taking the core of the Plebe classes. Semester is basically over except for exams. Hopefully you rocked it as the Academy doesn't typically review college re-apps until 1st semester grades are in. Don't worry about physics stuff (except for your own benefit). You typically take that as a Youngster at the Academy. Doing well in Chemistry will show your capabilities.
 
You are taking the core of the Plebe classes. Semester is basically over except for exams. Hopefully you rocked it as the Academy doesn't typically review college re-apps until 1st semester grades are in. Don't worry about physics stuff (except for your own benefit). You typically take that as a Youngster at the Academy. Doing well in Chemistry will show your capabilities.
Thank you so much, this helps calm my nerves haha. I did sign up for intro to physics just so I can have another STEM class tho. But as far as chem, I got a 95 in lecture and a 89.8 in lab so hopefully they like that. :))
 
That's great!

Hey, they took my kid as a re-applicant even though he only had a high C in his first semester Chem class (had A's in everything else though, so still held a 3.5 in the Fall semester). He also was made to take Pre-Calc based on his placement test, which he crushed. But, he did have 17 or 18 credits and NROTC going on for the semester, which I'm sure helped. He did have Chem and Physics in high school.
 
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