About Eric Shangle Expertise I am able to answer any questions you have concerning the United States Naval Academy
(USNA). I graduated from USNA and have served as an officer in the US Navy. My experience
at the academy, as a student-athlete, and as a naval officer will help me answer your
questions.
Experience
Graduate of the Naval Academy.
Education/Credentials B.S. Ocean Engineering, US Naval Academy, 1997
M.A. Human Relations, University of Oklahoma, 2002
MBA, Naval Postgraduate School, 2005
Expert: Eric Shangle Date: 2/18/2008 Subject: few questions
Question QUESTION: Let's get to the point- I'd like to go to the naval academy for pursuing a career in aviation. My sister is currently a naval pilot aboard the USS Truman, as is my other sister's husband, also a pilot.
I'm currently a sophomore in high school, and am on the varsity swim team; I've gone to districts individually and regionals with my relay team. My GPA is around 4.1, with all the honor credits I received last year, and the two AP classes I'm taking this year. I'm also planning to take 4 AP classes as a junior, and about the same as a senior.
Obviously, I haven't taken the SAT yet, so I couldn't tell you those scores. My question is, however, how can I prepare myself more for entering the academy? How much of a chance do I have? Does having two family members who have graduated from there help? I'm planning on signing up for the academy's swim camp in the summer, and the summer after that, their summer seminar.
Thanks for dealing with this long question...I appreciate it!
-John B.
ANSWER: John,
I am unable to predict the future. I can't say if you are qualified or not to attend USNA. I can say that it sounds like you are on the right path.
I swam at USNA and know all about that portion as well.
Let me try and answer your questions as best as possible...
How can you prepare yourself? There is not sure fire way to prepare yourself. You should concentrate on excelling in everything you do. It sounds like you are on the right path there.
Do family members help out? I think so. It shows that you have something that has proven to work out. If your sister has graduated, it means you probably can as well.
As for the swim camp and summer seminar, I would say that summer seminar is more helpful in the application process. I don't know if the swim camp is truly going to give you the USNA experience. Yes, it's at the academy, but it's for swimmers. I would say that this is a great way to see the campus though.
Best of luck.
Eric
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: So you swam? That's pretty neat. Can you tell me about that? Like, the quality of the coaches and the quality of the facilities they have.
Thanks for the other advice as well.
Answer John,
Of course I can tell you about that. The head coach is a good guy. I know him and have a lot of respect for him. The facilities are great. The pool was built in the 80's but has been kept up wonderfully. It's a 50m x 25m pool. They train and compete in 25m. It's a little different but good for building endurance.
The team has a lot of traditions. I was co-captain my senior year. I had a blast. I really think you should look at their media guide.
