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: 12/14/2006 Subject: Pre-college Athletics
Question I am planning on applying to USNA next year. I am pretty sure I am a competitive candidate from a leadership and academic standpoint. However I recently got a job, forcing me to give up high school athletics. I saw that something around 90% of all midshipmen had 1 or more varsity letters in high school. How can I be competitive and retain my job?
Answer Cameron,
Thanks for writing. There is no "one perfect midshipman candidate". Yes, many midshipmen were varsity athletes, however many were also academics. I would say that the academy is looking for well-rounded individuals. Make sure you are capable of completing the physical entrance exam. That is essential. If you can complete that with good scores, you will be fine.
I guess what I am saying is that don't worry about what you haven't done. Concentrate on what you have done. Make sure you can be athletic enough to be a midshipman, but don't worry about whether or not you have competed in varsity athletics.
I hope that this has helped you out. If you have further questions, please just let me know.
Eric
