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: 3/26/2007 Subject: voulunteer work
Question Hi. I am a sophomore in high school and have a question about getting into the academy. I am extremely busy, because I am in several extracurricular activities, including lacrosse and the naval sea cadets, which i just started. Therefore, I have very little time to volunteer. I was wondering how much volunteer work you did, and how big of a role that played in getting into the academy, and if I should free up space to volunteer.
Thanks for the help
David
Answer David,
I applaud your determination as a sophomore. It's great to hear that you're focused on the Naval Academy at such a young age!
I have to be honest and say that I did very little volunteer work. I was one of the top swimmers in the nation in high school which enabled me to be noticed by the Academy through sports. I was very unusual though. Very few midshipmen have that going for them.
As for my advice to you, I would say this....
The Academy truly looks at you as a whole person. They want to see that you are well-rounded. The first things that will be looked at are you grades and SAT or ACT scores. The better these are, the better your chances of appointment. Sports and other extra-curricular activities are very important. They show that you have more going for you than just a brain. Make sure you are able to pass the physical fitness portion of the application. That will be another hurdle for you.
As for your volunteering, it can't hurt. But make sure you don't take away from the Sea Cadets and lacrosse. Those are things you seem to enjoy. You can always volunteer once a month or once a week somewhere. Giving back to your community is important. It doesn't mean that you need to do it on a daily basis. You are a kid! Enjoy your youth. Remember to give back, but do it in moderation. That is the key. The nomination/appointment board realizes this. They don't want you to be a robot. They want you to be a well-rounded individual who can think for himself.
You may think that I have avoided giving you an answer. I pretty much want you to make your own mind up about this. Concentrate on what you enjoy. That is most important. If you do well with those things, then you should have no problem getting in.
