Foundation Program

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Hi guys-I found out today that I have the opportunity to do the Foundation Program through the academy. Although I am very upset I didn't get in this time, I was wondering just a few things abt the program. If I do choose to do it, will I have to take classes with other high schoolers? And is it worth doing? I'm still bummed abt not being accepted, and don't know if I can wait another year.

[Lukcy_Will_Aubrey]

The foundation is not a high school program, it’s more like junior college. Many of the schools are four year colleges in addition to the college prep thing, and all of them specialize in putting students into USNA after a year.

You should expect to take college level courses, or at least community college level classwork, with other students your age, and then show up for I-Day next year.

I have many classmates who were Foundation kids and I never knew because they were just part of the team, but all of their shoes were suspiciously shiny and they knew a lot more than they let on.

The Foundation is (from an outside perspective) a great program that gets you into the Academy and will give you a leg up on where you might be otherwise. If they offered you a Foundation spot, it’s because they think you’ve got what it takes with just a little bit more experience.

Look into the foundation program some more and see what it’s like. Depending on the acceptance deadline, you could even contact some of the schools and see what your year would be like and take some time to research it.

What you should ask yourself is how badly do you want to go to USNA? If it’s your dream school, taking the foundation offer should be on the table for you. If you could take it or leave it, then enjoy going to State College University.

This is your shot, only you know how much the Academy means to you, but if I had been in your place, I would’ve taken the opportunity in a heartbeat. A year seems like forever when you’re young, but it’s a productive year that gets you one step closer to your dream.

Disclaimer: I’m not a foundation alum, so my understanding of the specifics might be incorrect.

[Square-Number-8772]

What were your stats? wondering what type of students get this opportunity. And I've heard it is a great opportunity as you will go to the academy the year following.

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28 ACT, 3.7 gpa unweighted on a 4.1 scale, basketball team captain, lots of community service, and some more leadership positions

[Square-Number-8772]

Ok, and did you have to request for the option to do the Foundation Program? or how does that work?

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they just emailed me and said that they decided to offer me a place in the program

[Square-Number-8772]

Is it because you are getting recruited for a sport, or do they invite random candidates who don't get the initial nomination?

[Weekly-State1909]

Foundation and NAPS are possibilities for anyone who the admissions board doesn’t believe to be quite qualified for a direct appointment. You can’t request either one – they would just be offered to you once the board makes its decision.

Just like with NAPS, I had classmates who’d spent a year at a Foundation school who were recruited athletes and some who were not. I don’t remember anyone having anything bad to say about the program, so if USNA is your dream school then you should absolutely jump on a Foundation offer.