How to Make Yourself a Competitive Applicant for the Naval Academy

[@dylanburns6682]

This was actually really helpful thank you! I’m about to enter my senior year of high school and I’ve been stressed about this whole process. But now I have a new since of direction, and confidence, thank you and keep up the great work!

[@theamback]

did you get in yet

[@nationalsecurityagency9453]

did u get in?

[@RidiculousPets-YT]

Did you get in?????

[@JasonfromMinnesota]

Outstanding job you too great video I thought before you even finished thank you so much

[@lovebutton]

Thanks so much for sharing your insights! Our son is very interested and this will help!

[@AndrewBugatti]

Thank you so much! I appreciate this video because I now know that I need to change my essay to let the admissions officers know that I won’t quit from the rigor of plebe summer or the naval academy in general. I hope I get in because I have lived an amazing life as a navy brat, getting the opportunity to live all over the US as well as Asia, and now I want to live the life of a navy officer. I’ve visited the naval academy multiple times from the summer stem camps (and attended summer seminar), and it’s the college of my dreams!

[@whitefamilychildren5541]

Thank you so much for making this video! I’m a Navy kid and both of my parents attended the USNA ‘02, so a majority of my siblings are wanting and working towards attending the USNA and joining the Navy in general. I’m an 11th grade homeschooler and even though these tips are from another perspective, they are very helpful. I do have a few questions: 1. I don’t compete in any sports, but I know I can do well in the PFT with more training. Would you just recommend striving to max out the requirements? 2. I am the oldest of 9 kids and have won awards for art. I also help my parents in running our family businesses and have illustrated multiple books. How do you think I could sell these? I’m not sure how I could sell them to get into a service academy and any ideas would be appreciated. 3. I am trying to take SAT prep and AP classes, so I know I can bring up my grades and scores, although I am still the most nervous about my GPA and score. 4. I have heard people ask for recommendations from their teachers and coaches, but since I am homeschooled, those recommendations are not doable for my curriculum and stage in life. How would you recommend I get these or do these not make a huge difference? Should I just ask for recommendations from my retired and active duty military member friends? LOL I have never heard of anyone doing that. 5. I think I am a minority, because I am a female, Japanese descent, Pacific Islander descent, Native American descent, Caucasian descent, and military kid all my life (military life experience and understanding?). Phil, I hope you have fun in Japan! Japanese culture is some of my favorite across the world. Juju, I hope you enjoy California and I’m guessing you get the San Diego area? Thank you again for this quick video and keep getting after it! - Rae

[@whitefamilychildren5541]

6. Do you also know if extra college classes online help the application? For example, courses on the following: edx, Skillshare, or Coursera?

[@jujuandphil2020]

1. Absolutely. Especially since you are not part of a sports team. Your test score is the only they have to go off regarding your physically fitness level. 2. ABSOLUTLY. Being the oldest of 9 kids??!!! Damn, can't even imagine that. That shows so much leadership. This is an amazing selling point. Say something along the lines of leadership and grit. 3. You are in 11th grad, you should be taking AP classes and SATs now. This summer, go and take SAT and ACT like 3 times each 4. Yup. Ask your mentors, family members, boss, etc. 5. For sure! play that card! 6. I think more leadership experiences and real life experiences would help more. Work as a life guard this summer! Thank you and we are enjoying life! Best of luck and we hope to hear back from you! - Julia

[@leopardd3744]

Thanks guys! Im enlisted trying to be a pilot!

[@jujuandphil2020]

Best of luck

[@augustusb3501]

Excellent video - Keep up the great work!

[@frankkim1892]

I just received my nomination but still waiting to hear from the school. I have a 4.35 GPA, 1530 SAT, EMT, Varisty soccer captain, class treasurer. How long did it take for u guys to hear back from the school cause the wait is killing me

[@jujuandphil2020]

Hey Frank, I really think you will be okay especially since you already have your nomination. I received mine a month after I finished my application, which is in December. Philip received his in March. But major of the people hear back from the academy around March/April and even May time frame. I’m with you, I hate uncertainty! So make sure you also have your back up schools ready to go just in case. But again, I think you will be okay!

[@Zxader]

Did you get in yet???

[@juliab2560]

Did you get it ??

[@mr.mendez9426]

that sucks.. I hope it works out. it's almost like you have to know someone there to get in.. smh..

[@jessechase8647]

Im boutta get in this bitch with a 2.2 gang😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@ingridfal9155]

Hi, thank you for the video it was very helpful! I have two questions. When would you recommend a high school student starts the application process? Also, can you study as a premed at the Naval Academy?

[@jujuandphil2020]

1) You can start learning as early as you want, but the real application process should open up your junior year. With that I would encourage you to apply to summer seminar for all the academies (usually around DEC/JAN the summer before your senior year, but look up the dates to be sure) I know people who went to 3 summer seminars back to back the summer before their senior year at USNA, USMA and Coast Guard. With that you can start applying for your real application even before summer seminar starts (usually 2nd semester junior year). I personally didn't start until after summer seminar, but it's totally up to you. Also make sure you're looking up the dates for interviews for you congressman and senator nominations too. Because you can start your application as early as you want, but it's when you finish that really matters and for most people those are the last things. 2) As for premed/really anything medical it's extremely difficult at the Academy (though not impossible). Usually people who want to go into the medical field will study chemistry (there isn't a specific premed major per say). Their goal will then be to get one of the around probably 5-10 medical spots that you can get upon graduating. So like I said not impossible, but there are easier ways to go to med school than the Academy route. Then if you service select med core you go to another 4 years of schooling at a college of your choosing to get your PHD (a friend of mine is at Stanford right now)

[@tylersokol2820]

Thanks a lot for the great insight! I’m most confused about the nominations/recommendations from Congressmen. Should I go the JROTC that you guys were talking about? I am from maryland

[@TTR-cdq49L]

I am thirteen and im planning to attend the Naval academy before a apply my effort to the naval airforce. and this is very helpful

[@carsonburnett1033]

This info is great thanks for making this vid.

[@jujuandphil2020]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ethanhays9275]

Hello! Thanks for your video. I am a Sophomore in High School. I am taking many AP classes, I have a 3.65 GPA, I do many clubs. I speak Chinese Russian and ofc English. I play Golf Tennis and Cycle. I do not have JROTC at my school(I go to a college prep school) What are my chances? I also do many many leadership things and I won the Daughters of American Revolution award for my Community Service. Thank you for reading my comment!

[@ethanhays9275]

My PSAT in sophomore year is 1060. I practice again next yr and then take it for real senior year

[@jujuandphil2020]

Your chance is very solid! Just don’t let off the gas. There are a lot of temptations out there. Know your goal and don’t stop!

[@BigLepordy1242]

⁠@@jujuandphil2020y PSAT sophomore year was 1260, I’ve got a 4.93 unweighted gpa, after next year (junior year) I’ll have taken 2 APs and 5 tots college courses (IB, AP, and DE), I play football and I might do wrestling this year so I’d have 2 varsity sports, I’m planning to start volunteering at the science museum as soon as I can, I’m in the top 15% of my class (we have 500 kids in my class) and I’m definitely going to do well on the CFA based on my current physical fitness, but I haven’t done many leadership things. Do you think I have a good chance of getting in? I’m planning to sign up for civil air patrol if my mom lets me to get a leadership type extracurricular. I’d go for captain of the football team as well, but my team votes for ours and I don’t think any of my teammates want a girl to be the captain of the football team, so I don’t have much of a chance. If I try to get a 1380-1400 on the SAT, and keep my grades up, do I have a chance? Edit: I also speak Spanish and I’m taking Chinese as well

[@rubensaenz4503]

Going to sophomore year I got a lot of time !!! Thank you for the advice :)

[@brave_skykorn]

Cool I am a sophomore. I am trying calisthenics to shed about 100 pounds.

[@comrade313]

Hello, Im currently a Navy E-3 19 years old about to join the fleet. I’m one class short of my AA degree. During high school I took college courses and was Team Captain for the Men’s tennis team. I know I can score high on SAT or ACT. I am concerned though about my GPA being a bit lower than 3.6. (Not sure but I think between 3.2-3.4; I took on more responsibility than I should’ve outside of class) I can get some sparkling recommendations from teachers as well as Navy personnel from performance +volunteering. I’m wondering if given what I’ve got now and hopefully high test scores, could I possibly overcome a GPA that isn’t very competitive to get a good shot at getting in? I know this is very long and may be hard to predict. To anyone who takes the time to read this and give a thoughtful response, Thank you very much!

[@funzo2018]

Well Im a junor in high school so Im not of much help, but I would say youve got a pretty good resume!

[@andrewschickler2712]

My school doesnt have njrotc, how much do you think it will affect my chances

[@coltonhaney4202]

Most people don’t do it

[@evanderpierznik]

I know I'm here late but I hope you'll see this: My parents weren't in the military but both my grandfathers were. I'm a sophomore in High School right now and I just turned 15. I am in BSA and I play year round sports. What else can I do right now to increase my chances?

[@jujuandphil2020]

Sorry for the late reply. I think you can apply to USNA summer camps. We have a video about that too. Think you will have a better understanding of the academy with the summer camp program.

[@evanderpierznik]

@@jujuandphil2020 Thank you!

[@GregKingston]

I think they mean SAT or ACT. GRE is for graduate school.

[@jujuandphil2020]

Haha, yes. Thank you for the correction. We've been thinking about GRE lately. But yes, SAT or ACT

[@danielweber2586]

Do y'all have tips for making an application to Summer Seminar or Summer STEM?

[@jujuandphil2020]

Just be honest and take your time on the writing section. Have someone else read it over too! From what I remember they'll ask for an SAT or PSAT score (I used PSAT). In my opinion though, the writing will be what they look at the most so don't worry if your scores aren't the best!

[@danielweber2586]

@@jujuandphil2020 Thanks!

[@coltonhaney4202]

Do you mean weighted or unweighted gpa?

[@sigsauer_firearms]

they look at both but i believe unweighted is more important

[@flickr4jazz]

Only a mile run?

[@theikimashoclub5719]

My son is getting ready for Naval Academy summer seminar 2022...he is hispanic, has a high ACT (33), high gpa (4.95), multiple AP classes very athletic...the only area we need to work on, seems to be extra curricular related although he is in a Fireman Explorers Program, and a varsity volleyball starter... but nothing on leadership yet...thoughts on admission chances...areas to improve?

[@tank_brokowski210]

I’m currently a freshman. my father was marine, I have done and am currently doing varsity wrestling, saxophone and guitar, German, multiple ap classes all four years, Jrotc nomination, and my area is not very competitive for Usna. Do I have a chance?

[@jujuandphil2020]

Yes! It sounds like you have an awesome shot! Just do well on your SAT/ACT, write a good essay and see if you can do some sort of leadership if you're not already your team captain or something!

[@mistafool]

Do they take ACT and if so what score is competitive?

[@braydensadventures9915]

Hey I’m only 13 but I’m pretty set on what I wanna do. Right now I’ve only gotten one b on a report card my entire life and Ik I’m still young but I feel like it’s pretty good. My dad has been in the Navy for almost 16 years and is a senior chief. I play baseball and could probably make the high school varsity team. I could probably do most of these phiscal requirements knocked out. I come from a county of maybe 10 to 20 thousand people which the county consists of about 4 or 5 city’s and anyone who wants to join wants to go army or marines. Plus I’m a big brother so there’s leadership in that. So with saying all that and still about 5 years left until my senior highschool year, do you think I’ll have a chance on getting in?

[@sydneylanigan4657]

I’m a junior in high school, 4.2 gpa, ranked 6th out of 400+, taken APHUG, APUSH, APCHEM, APLANG, dc precal , going to take APGOV, APCALC, APECONOMICS, dc English, APPHYSICS, taken 3 Spanish classes, three design classes, varsity soccer starter since freshman year, waiting on SAT and ACT, but not really in any clubs but planning to join nhs senior year. Do you think I have a chance?

[@m4_patriot374]

Your list is 5x as long as mine so I'm not too worried with your chances. If it's a super long and complex list I wouldnt worry

[@SpooderOfficial]

dude you seemed set

[@deathnoodle7583]

This really helped me understand more about the process in going to the academy. I got a question so I'm in the Air Force JROTC since that's the only one they got at my school, but i want to get into the Naval Academy. Could i still talk to the persono that's ini charge and see if he could help me with getting a nomination into the Academy?

[@SashOkVR]

I’m a 9th grader, and in my first semester, I got a 3.2 gpa. Did I just permanently screw myself over because most of the other students in my class are around 3.6-4

[@jacobbaes]

Getting a 3.2 your first semester of your first year of high school will not screw you at all. Don’t stress about your freshman year (especially first semester grades) too much. On my Navy application they only asked what extracurriculars I did my Sophomore, Junior and Senior year. Also remember that the Naval Academy is looking for well-rounded individuals so high GPA/SAT/ACT is not everything, get involved in sports, your community and etc. Although GPA/Test Scores aren’t everything, that isn’t an excuse to get bad grades and test scores. Take AP and Honors classes your sophomore and junior years and crush those classes. And start studying for the SAT/ACT as soon as possible because thats one thing I wish I did.

[@jujuandphil2020]

You still have plenty of time to bring up your grades and distinguish yourself! Don’t give up!

[@EmeleDaniel-yh2fh]

This was very educative.... But, I'm actually a Nigerian and I have great interest in joining the academy, I even wrote their Facebook page ( not been given a reply though...). How do I go about becoming a midshipman in the USNA?

[@BigLepordy1242]

I think you have to be a US citizen to apply, but I’m not 100% sure

[@jujuandphil2020]

I got accepted into the academy as a Chinese citizen, but you have to become an American citizen prior to Indication day to attend. So you can still apply, but you can only attend if you are American. I was extremely lucky thanks to my parents.

[@ticklemonster2689]

I have a question how many nominations can I get

[@redhood3253]

Hey, im in the 8th grade and well joining the navy/a branch of the military has been a dream for awhile, i just have a question, How could i prepare to highten my chances with high school creds and/or summer jobs?

[@MackenzieBell-fd1el]

I have a few questions lol: I’m homeschooled and I can’t do sports because there are no area teams and my local school won’t let me is that gonna make my application lower? I’m currently in the 8th grade but am working on getting better at school As in leadership I lead my music band and help teach kids how to play instruments I help my friend work with a museum I’m in 4-H I have won awards for public speaking for a few years the only issue where I live kids who are so called popular get the highest leadership roles so do I need that? I would love if y’all would please help me and answer my questions and it’s ok if y’all don’t I know y’all are busy :)

[@jujuandphil2020]

Hi, 1. It would lower your application as long as you do well in the physical fitness test and show leadership else where. 2. haha you are planning ahead for sure 3. Great leadership experiences! 4. Definitely try to get leadership roles if you can. I can completely understand the struggle... the "popular kids" get what they want...

[@flightmaster1213]

What are my chances if I’m currently enlisted and want to attend?

[@cliffkrieg1221]

Can you speak more about the JROTC nomination please.

[@jujuandphil2020]

Basically you just need to be a part of a JROTC and talk to your senior instructor! They should be able to get you all the help/info you need. Also if there isn't JROTC at your school you can be a part of it at another HS too so don't give up!

[@박성빈-o9q]

Does JROTC gotta be in your school? Or I can just email random JROTC for nomination?

[@jujuandphil2020]

Check this out: www.usna.edu/Admissions/Apply/NROTC-Units.php Looks like you could probably try to get it from another school since it doesn't explicitly say you can't. Only issue I see there would be that they'd probably favor their own students/not know you well enough to want to nominate you. But if you really want to go ahead and try, don't let anyone discourage you just because it's hard or never been done before!!!

[@sydney6903]

Do you know how competitive Arizona is? Especially in getting a senatorial nomination?

[@jujuandphil2020]

It all depends on your local area and the year. Really a hit or miss... sorry I cannot be more helpful

[@spectral5734]

Quick question, I’m a twin and either an hour or less older than my brother. Do u think I can put older brother in my application? And another question. Do u know if Tampa Florida is competitive for applicants?

[@ltnguyen528]

You said the application process is long. So when do you recommend to begin filling out the application? Should my daughter start the process as early as Freshman year in high school?

[@disgustangy4901]

Is Ohio a competitive state for nominations?

[@jujuandphil2020]

Honestly not sure it can depend a lot on your congressman's district and the year you're trying to go. I got lucky and was a few blocks away from another district where several other people from my school were applying for nominations so I had a different congressman. Keep in mind if you really want it you can do a year at another college and apply again and again until you're 23.

[@Deathtofrogleghorn]

I’m from Ohio and honestly not really. Very few people in the state actually apply to the service academies here. Ohio has the same rate of applicants that the US territories have-probably 1-2 apply and get nominated and then there were a few years where nobody surprisingly applied. However a lot of Ohioans do enlist though

[@jimmymehjohn8107]

It’s my dream to get into naval academy I wanna get into naval academy to get my chance high of being a navy seal

[@mr.mendez9426]

you would still have to through buds training like all the rest do. there a 85% drop out rate. going to navel academy doesn't mean you will be a navy seal. it does mean you will be a military officer whichever job you end up with.

[@aidanmartin3318]

My highschool has the possibility to go realllly freaking high in your weighted gpa. Our valedictorian had a 8.9 on a 4.0 scale. I dont know how but he did.

[@oliviavpb3482]

bro wtf

[@TheBowdoc1]

My Son is a 2024 Plebe. He wants to pursue Quantitative Economics and become a Marine. Can you make a video about your degrees. I think you both completed this degree? Degree use if you get out and don’t retire? What classes related to your degree you liked best and struggled with the most. First semester Chem and Calculus was his biggest struggle. Does your degree dictate your job when you graduate?

[@jujuandphil2020]

Absolutely! That you for the great video suggestion. We both loved our major so we would love to share our opinions with you and your son. We will be making a video on this in the near future.

[@johnlee8352]

Can I choose what company I can be a part at the Naval Academy?

[@jujuandphil2020]

F off john.....

[@jaskaranshekhon9990]

What if I were to be in the naval sea cadets, do I have as good of a chance if another person were to be in nrjotc?

[@jujuandphil2020]

My apologies, but I don't really understand your question...

[@spectral5734]

@@jujuandphil2020 I think they’re asking if they have as much of a chance getting into the naval academy while being in the sea cadets if their competition is in njrotc

[@Aeroeagle48]

Can any medical conditions disqualify an applicant fron attending the Naval Academy, regardless of other factors?

[@jujuandphil2020]

Hey Nicholas, depending on the medical condition, it can disqualify you from the academy. However, if you are an amazing candidate, they can give you wavers and excuse you and your condition.

[@sanghyyuk]

I am going into 9th grade. I want to get into either West Point or Naval Academy since my brother goes to West Point. Do you recommend a certain one?

[@graysongallagher1660]

Really depends what you want for after the academy. If you want to serve in the Navy or Marines then Naval Academy. If you want to go into the Army then go to West Point.

[@chrislove9365]

(GPA4.0, SAT1400.valunteer 300hrs,basketball varsity,chairman of academic club, 2 foreign language ) BUT my kis Couldn't get nomination this year. 😑😑😑 congressman wants best of best only. (Nomination is really competitive my area. South California)

[@jujuandphil2020]

Oh no! That’s awful news... but don’t give up yet, my roommate at the academy was from San Diego and she was on the same boat as your son. She got on the wait list and didn’t get her appointment until May! Also, try to be creative: have you ever served in the military? Is there JROTC in your son’s high school? Maybe even Vice President nomination?

[@chrislove9365]

@@jujuandphil2020 thank you for a information.

[@sjsjdjdjejdj5454]

I am currently a freshman looking to attend USNA my gpa in freshman year is a 4.0 but I’m transferring to a different school any tips for me?

[@jujuandphil2020]

Keep up with the GPA, do sports, and take on leadership roles! I know changing school after freshman year in high school is hard, but see it as an opportunity. Hit the ground running!

[@jasonguglietta2571]

Hey excellent video, could you elaborate on the JROTC nominations?

[@jujuandphil2020]

If you are in a JROTC unit, you are entitled for one. Takes like 1 piece of paperwork and 5 mins. EASIEST nomination source

[@eGambill]

Thanks!

[@porterj4154]

Can you still attend I’m you have asmma

[@jujuandphil2020]

I think you need a waver for Asthma. But you can always try!

[@PhilipYunker]

I literally have nothing (Besides being Catholic soon) that makes me a minority. I am a straight white male. Will it be harder for me to get in. I can’t understand why they would discriminate based on race and other factors like that.

[@jujuandphil2020]

lol I think you got way more than being Catholic! for one, you got a great sense of humor! and on a more serious note, I can promise you that the Academy is like 75% white straight male, so trust me, you are not being discriminated :)

[@brookeamador6586]

Do you have to be in JROTC to get the nomination? My son is homeschooled and our local high school he is assigned to has JROTC could he contact them and try for the nomination?

[@tank_brokowski210]

If it is army, look at their uniforms. If there is a gold star above the name plate he can get a nomination from the unit.

[@MsUmwolverine]

every time Phil reveals his history / stats I can't help but think ... he's WAY TOO BASIC for her