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: 6/25/2007 Subject: getting into NAVY
Question I'm currently registered to attend the University of Kentucky this fall but would like to transfer to NAVY either second semester or the following year. I was wondering what I should do to prepare my application and increase my chances of acceptance. In high school I played sports and did clubs at school, did volunteer work, got my eagle in scouts, worked, and received a good amount of awards and honors, and had about a 3.5 average GPA, but I only got a 24 on the ACT. High school is over though and I want to know what I should do to prepare my application while in college.
Answer Christopher,
You ask a great question. First of all, the United States Naval Academy only accepts students as freshman in the fall. Their is no such thing as a transfer. Your current credits will not transfer to the academy. You might be able to validate a few classes based on current knowledge though.
As for preparing your application to the academy...I would start looking at the application now. The best thing you can do is have a "clean" package. Make sure that everything is put together the way it is supposed to be as per instructions. There are many steps to the process. You will also need to get a nomination from a Senator/Congressman. There are other nominations you can get, but those are the easiest.
I would say that grades are of utmost importance. Extracurricular activities are good, but don't let them interfere with grades. They will mainly only be looking at your undergrad GPA though. The academies look at the person as a whole. They want someone is can become a leader. Think about this when choosing activities. Everyone has a sports background, but not everyone was leader in an organization.
As for your SAT/ACT. I don't know if I would take them over again or not. That might be a good thing to do in order to boost your score. However, I don't know if there are rules about taking it again after you graduate high school.
You might want to contact the admissions office to see if they have any recommendations for students wishing to transfer from another school. Their number is (410) 293-4361.
I am sorry if I wasn't much help. I just know that your situation is a bit unusual. Try to get your package together an in on time. That will help out more than anything!
