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: 3/17/2008 Subject: Rejected by USNA
Question My son just received his rejection letter from USNA. He has great grades, medically qualified, no waivers, high SAT scores, congressional nomination etc. He was not given choice of prep school. Is it possible that he could be waitlisted even though there was no mention?
Answer Margaret,
Unfortunately the admissions board is not very publicized in their processes. I am sorry to hear that your son was rejected. Yes, he could receive a call up to a week or two prior to Induction Day saying there is a spot for him. However, you will never know.
This doesn't mean you son doesn't have the potential of becoming a great Naval Officer. It just means that there were other candidates who showed more leadership potential. It's not about grades and SAT scores. The Navy doesn't want just smart people running the show. They want people who are leaders (and smart).
I suggest he waits until Induction Day to see if he does in fact get a call. If he doesn't, then he should apply again. If he doesn't want to go this route, then I recommend ROTC. This is a great way to become a naval officer. After all, that should be the MAIN reason anyone wants to go to an academy.
Coincidentally, I will say that I was very overwhelmed when I first got to the Academy of the caliber of midshipmen. Everyone was valedictorian, nationally ranked athletes, and all-around great people. I am sure that if you son truly wants this, he can achieve it. He can still start as a Plebe when he is 20 years old. Perseverance is something that the admissions board does like a lot. I know a girl who applied three times before gaining a nomination/appointment.
