We do have applicants who get accepted with GPA's and Test Scores below the averages listed here (1/4 of applicants are obviously below the lower bound of the interquartile ranges, and 1/4 above the upper bound). At these levels or above you can reasonably expect to be given an opportunity to interview (no promises, that call is not made by me). If you are below these, you should reach out to your Officer Recruiter (You can find yours here) and request an "Academic Pre-Screen". This will involve him getting a copy (unofficial is fine at this point) of your transcripts and a screenshot or PDF showing your SAT/ACT scores which he will then forward to our office. We review it and coordinate with Naval Reactors to determine whether you are academically competitive. The "whole person concept" comes into account here (we do value your extra-curriculars and leadership positions) as does the caliber of your school and your major. A 3.0 in Aerospace Engineering at Stanford will probably get a "Yes"; The same GPA in English Literature at a lesser school probably would not.
The moral of the story is that if the program appeals to you and you are willing to study hard if given the opportunity to come to interview, it is worthwhile to reach out to the officer recruiter. The worst thing that can happen is that you get told "no" after a few short minutes of effort.
----
Without further ado, here's a snapshot of the data
----
Total Accessions (as of end of May):
146
SAT Scores:
Math:
Max - 800
Median - 710
Mean - 691
Interquartile Range - 650 - 730
Verbal:
Max - 800
Median - 630
Mean - 632
Interquartile Range - 560 - 690
GPA:
Max - 4.0
Median - 3.56
Mean - 3.53
Interquartile Range - 3.28 - 3.72
Major / Course of Study:
Mechanical Engineering - 41
Chemical Engineering - 24
Physics - 16
Chemistry - 8
Aerospace Engineering - 8
Mathematics - 6
Materials Engineering - 5
Electrical Engineering - 5
All Other - 33
Top Producing Universities (2+ Accessions this year):
Brigham Young University
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Carnegie Mellon University
Drexel University
Georgia Tech
Grand Valley State University
Iowa State University
Johns Hopkins University
Massachusetts Inst. of Technology
Michigan State University
Ohio State University
Oregon State University
Pennsylvania State University
Purdue University
Rice University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Rowan University
Stanford University
Stevens Institute of Technology
Texas A&M
University of Alabama
University of California Santa Cruz
University of California at Berkeley
University of Cincinnati
University of Florida
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Iowa
University of Maryland at College Park
University of Michigan
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of South Carolina
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
University of Texas at Austin
University of Utah
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin at Madison
Villanova University
West Virginia University
*Note: if no campus is specified, it is assumed to be the main campus for that University. In larger University systems where multiple campuses often provide NUPOC Applicants, I specified.
I have a quick question. What about individuals that graduate in May? Should they still apply or go through another route? I am senior in petroleum engineering and I have been keeping my options open. My GPA is right around a 3.1, but in my core engineering courses: thermo, mechanics of materials, fluids, dynamics, etc I have nothing less than B+.
ReplyDeleteYou should still apply. You do not need to have graduated to join NUPOC. Between your interview and graduation you won't have any obligations aside from finishing classes. You would end up going to OCS about a month after graduation.
ReplyDeleteBased on your GPA your recruiter should submit a pre-screen to verify that you are qualified, but if you have Bs and up in all engineering coursework you should be in good shape.
ReplyDeleteIf I decided to go to a community college first before a 4 year university to save money, how would this affect my chances of getting into the NUPOC program?
ReplyDeleteTypically, NR requires (at minimum) a full year of transcripts at a 4-year institution before permitting an applicant to interview. As such, there is a chance but not a certainty that this path could delay your acceptance.
DeleteI am a junior in high school. I plan on majoring in civil engineering at UW-Madison. What are the chances of getting accepted into the NUPOC program as a CE major?
ReplyDeleteComplete the required semesters of calculus and physics and maximize your GPA. Civil Engineering is treated the same as any other type of engineering, and UW-M has a top program so as long as you have good grades your chances are quite good.
ReplyDeleteHi i have a Bs nursing degree, would that matter if i want to apply for nupoc
ReplyDeleteAs long as your GPA and test scores are strong, that is probably fine. You should reach out to a local Recruiter to submit an "academic pre-screen". That will give you a 95% answer before you and the recruiter put a ton of effort in to let you know if it's worth proceeding.
DeleteHowdy! So currently I'm a sophomore student at UNR studying Nuclear Materials Engineering. I'm doing great in my Engineerimg classes, majority As and a few Bs. However, my first semester I didn't do so well in my english class, I got a D. I took it again at another institution over the summer and got an A but it didn't replace the grade I got. Should I take it again to replace it before applying this January and push back the application to next summer or should I apply and hope for the best? Do I even still qualify? I'm looking at becoming a Submarine Officer. My GPA is currently a 3.5 woth rhat D.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
DeleteThe D will certainly be a red flag on your application, but so long as the other grades are as you describe and there is not a broader trend it shouldn't kill your application. I am (cautiously) optimistic that you'd get screened to at least start phone interviews.
Having said that, you're going to carry your GPA with you after you graduate and employers will continue to care about it for at least the first decade or so. If possible, I'd try to retake the class and replace the D with an A or B.
Best,
Brian
Do you suggest I push back my application in order to retake it. I want to replace it but if I could get to the phone interviews with how it is currently, I am confident I will be able to get through the rest of the process with plenty of studying of course. Then after, I will be retaking it.
DeleteJohn,
DeleteNot necessarily. I'd try to apply now, but if you are not "screened" to be academically qualified, then apply again after retaking the course.
Even if accepted I'd plan to retake the course just for improving my resume. If you decide to make the Navy a career then it won't really matter, but at this stage better to maximize your options and having a high GPA does that.
Best,
Brian
As a Business major, having done three quarters of calculus, is there any chance for me? I have not taken any classes related to engineering, but am open to taking the mandatory requisites.
ReplyDeleteThank you in advance.
It's definitely possible. For example, I was an economics major. Having said that, the vast majority of applicants are STEM majors, and there is an expectation that applicants who are not must be very attractive to be considered.
DeleteAt the end of the day, so long as NR is convinced that you can do the technical work you're in good shape. That's just a harder sell to make without the coursework to back it up. (Test scores, GPA, extra-curricular involvement, etc. can help on that front)
You should reach out to a recruiter to submit a pre-screen, and note that if you are not eligible now that you are open to taking additional classes, etc. to get there. It's easy to submit, and the worst they can say is "no".
I believe this is covered elsewhere in detail, but 2 semesters of calculus and 2 of calculus-based physics
ReplyDeleteI am currently a senior Mechanical Engineering major. I originally was told that the minimum GPA allowed was 3.2 but currently am a 3.06. I recently discussed this with a recruiter, and he mentioned that it shouldn't be a major issue. I do have C's in my Heat and Fluid Mechanics classes; but the core classes of Physics and Calculus were all A's and B's. Is there a cause for concern going forward for applying?
ReplyDeleteIt's possible, but the GPA would definitely be on the low end. Be ready to address that, and try to highlight positive trends in academic performance. The NUPOC office will submit a prescreen to NR to get word on whether to process the application. The worst they can say is "no", so go for it.
DeleteGood luck!
Hey Dan,
DeleteDepending on where you live, the NUPOC market might be "rich" for an officer recruiter, meaning there are so many top candidates they can be selective. If you were in my AOR, I would still submit the prescreen anyway, worst case is they say NO.
Hope this helps.
Very Respectfully,
LT K
This page is a gold mine! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBS in Industrial Technology 3.68 GPA at University of North Dakota.
Will have Industrial Technology masters in December 2018, also from UND.
SAT of 1365.
Experience teaching college level electronics.
Thoughts on competitiveness?
A general question for my own curiousity first -- aren't SAT scores always a multiple of 10? Things change, so I may be behind the times (or you may be doing an ACT conversion?)
DeleteI think you would *probably* be screened to start the interview process for Sub / SWO / Instructor positions. From there, it would all depend on your performance on your interviews.
Yes, it was a conversion from the old 2400 scale to 1600. I probably did the conversion a little off. They don't make it easy for us dinos!
DeleteSarah,
DeleteI would say you "should" (key word should) be prescreened for Fleet and Instructor at the very least. Depending on your calc and physics grades, I won't rule out NRE as well. Once you're prescreened, work on getting physically/medically qualified and finally preparing for the interviews in DC. Good luck!
V/r, LT Kenneweg
Thank you for this resource. Like many before me I would like to get your thoughts on competitiveness.
ReplyDeleteI will be a Senior in Mechanical Engineering at Lipscomb University. I have a 3.92 GPA.
I have an Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering from Nashville State Community College and graduated with a 3.94 GPA.
My ACT Score was a 23 (New SAT:1140)
Hi Phillip,
DeleteYour SAT and ACT area on the low end, but your GPA is stellar. If it had been my call, I'd have pushed for a "yes" to interview, but been pretty tough on the technical interview on the phone to make sure you can succeed in DC. NRE and INST are out, but I think you have a good shot at getting an interview for SUB/SWON if that's your desired path.
Good luck!
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHad some issues with family and accumulating a large amount of debt first year that caused me some stress. If I have below a 3.0 with B’s and C’s in first year engineering classes, is it worth applying still? Next semester will be my second semester physics and calculus 3 which I intend to do significantly better due to less debt and family related issues (also 2000 sat, 31 ACT and a nuclear engineer at UC Berkeley)
ReplyDeleteBelow a 3.0 is *usually* a nonstarter. Having said that, if you have a strong semester or two, the combination of positive trend coupled with the resulting increase in your GPA (and Berkeley being a great school) would make you very competitive.
DeleteIt'll be a toss-up with NR approving your prescreen and even so, Fleet (Subs and Surface) are your likely options. I had a candidate from a top engineering school (UC Irvine) prescreened and selected who had a 2.9 GPA, but much of it was B- grades and the college did the +/- credit.
DeleteBig picture, you mentioned the debt... not to get into details but if this debt impacted your credit score, be ready to explain it and depending on the severity might impact your ability to get a clearance.
Best of luck.
V/r, LT Kenneweg
I am thinking about applying but I cannot attend the VIP trip times offered in June to me. Is it possible to go to the next VIP trip which I assume would be in July? I have already emailed my recruiter but have not heard back yet.
ReplyDeleteI'd follow up with your recruiter. He/she should be able to help you. In the event you don't get any traction there, feel free to reach out and I'll connect you to the team that runs the trips.
DeleteTo "piggyback", yes follow up with your OR to coordinate a NVIP trip in July. Ensure your OR/Processor sends up the PRODOCS and if you haven't already working on passing your MEPS physical exam and start prepping for the interviews.
DeleteV/r, LT Kenneweg
I was invited to attend the VIP session in June but I cannot make either one of the times provided to me due to earlier commitments. I can try to get out of the other commitments but that would come at a huge cost. Is it possible to schedule the next VIP trip due to these complications?
ReplyDeleteYes -- you should just request to go the following month. Typically the orientation trips ("NVIPs") are done monthly, but occasionally they skip a month for logistical reasons.
DeleteJess,
DeleteYes you can, but of course be aware that's another month potentially delaying your application and roughly a month's pay (~4,000) being in the program.
Best of luck.
Very Respectfully,
LT Kenneweg
^^ Ed is right. It depends on the circumstances. If you're going to be rushed / stressed due to upsetting your schedule to go this month, I'd say the opportunity cost of the lost $$ is worth it -- but it's definitely a consideration.
DeleteSame concept applies with the DC interview. Your recruiter and the team at Navy Recruiting command will work to send you to DC as soon as you have a complete (and accepted!) application to interview, and have passed your phone interviews to demonstrate preparedness. Having said that, in some cases it's worth delaying for a month if otherwise you'll not be able to be prepared or at your best.
Cases where the latter might apply would be if the interview corresponds with a lot of finals or other commitments that will preclude you from studying, or other reasons that might be significantly distracting.
DeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteI graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BS in Physics
I was also involved in undergraduate research pertaining to material science while I was there. I had a rough semester during my 2nd year (I got a few C's) but there's a very noticeable upward trend after that.
GPA: 3.38
New SAT: 1360
I'm set to begin working on an MS in Physics from CSULB this upcoming Fall 2018 semester.
How competitive would I be in your opinion? And would it be worth waiting until completing my masters to apply?
Thanks a lot in advance! This website is an invaluable resource.
I think you'd be competitive now -- go ahead and apply. That said, if you don't get a positive response now, I'd try again once you've made more progress in the masters.
DeleteTry now and set yourself to get selected 12 months out from your MS degree, that way you can enjoy that NUPOC pay AND get your masters done.
DeleteWith a 3.38 from LB State (used to recruit applicants from there), you should be getting prescreened for Subs/Surface at the very least.
Hey Brian,
ReplyDeleteI am a Senior Electrical Engineering Student at University of Texas, at Dallas. My Sat scores are pretty low, since I took the Community college route, should I retake for better chances.
Thanks
Sorry for the delay. Submit a pre-screen, but if that's a "no" then yes I would retake them. As long as your grades are strong, you just need to get an SAT score into the lower end of the competitive range to have a shot at interview.
DeleteI am a chemical engineer at Mississippi State University currently a junior. I went to Junior college first and left with a 3.89, when I transferred to the university I had trouble adjusting and came out with a 2.1 gpa my first year but my overall is still a 3.31. My ACT is a 27, 26 math 27 science 25 reading 30 English, as I took it my junior year of high school. I have already talked to my Navy recruiter and he says I still qualify since I got good grades in all the core physics, calculus, and thermodynamics. Will I have any issues throughout my application process with these circumstances?
ReplyDeleteThank you
Its impossible to say "yes" or "no" to whether you will be accepted or have issues, as there are many facets to an application. Having said that, if your main engineering / science / math grades are strong and with the positive trend in grades I would expect you to be competitive for an interview. Good luck!
DeleteHi, nice to see you still respond here. I'm a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Systems Engineering, minoring in Computer Engineering and Math. I finished my 4-year career on the track team as a javelin thrower, as well as leading a five-man team where we are currently designing a heat exchanger for Honeywell Aerospace, which will be produced and tested (and hopefully implemented into aircraft!). My GPA sucks at a 2.6, although my ACT was a 29, with a 35 in math and 30 in science. I was contacted by a recruiter but haven't heard back since, so I figured I'd post here. To sum up, I would like a second opinion since I believe I have a lot to offer even though my GPA clearly does not show it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteRealistically I don't think there's a path with a 2.6 GPA, though I have no doubt you have a lot to offer our program (or others). If you were interested in the enlisted nuclear path that could certainly be an option, and you could attempt to transfer to the officer side if you were interested after several years of strong performance. Having said that, it does not hurt to reach back out to your recruiter to discuss options.
DeleteShort answer: “Yes”
ReplyDeleteLonger answer:
All NUPOC applicants must complete a physical exam and provide requested medical documents to the DOD medical examiners to support the premise that they are medically qualified to serve as officers in the Navy. This is one of the three key aspects of qualification for NUPOC (others being (a) academic and (b) ability to obtain a security clearance). The requirements are slightly less stringent for NRE / Instructor roles as compared to SWO-N and Submarine officer roles. Officer recruiters should be well-versed in what is and is not an issue for obtaining approval.
Hi there, Got a question for you! My undergraduate GPA is lower than average a a 2.93 with a biophysics degree. I took the SAT in 2013 before the change but the scores were 710 Math and 680 Verbal. I am going to be starting a masters program soon in physics and will be do much better school wise than in my undergraduate career. Would my graduate school GPA out weight my undergraduate GPA in thus make me much more competitive?
ReplyDeleteHi Robert,
DeleteIt won't cancel out the undergraduate grades, but if you show strong performance in grad school there may be a chance that they'd let you interview. The positive trend would be important for you to have a chance.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteIs there any precedent for students in other science majors (specifically a technical biology major, so computational/mathematical biology with heavy math requirements or biophysics/biochem, with sufficient physics requirements) getting interviews? I'm currently choosing a major with a very strong GPA and I got a 1490 SAT, with 790 math score, and I'm really interested in the NUPOC program but also biology is my current academic focus.
Yes, there is precedent. As long as core requirements of two semesters of calculus and two semesters of calculus-based physics are met, any major is eligible. Having said that, hard engineering majors are preferred. With a 790M I would be shocked if you did not get an interview (assuming your GPA is strong, also).
DeleteGood luck.
Hello Brian,
ReplyDeleteI am a senior Political Science major with a 3.5 GPA and 510 SAT M and 540 SAT CR scores. I attend Cal State Sacramento. I am interested in NUPOC however I have not taken the required courses yet. My recruiter told me that I could even take the classes at a community college. My question is: would taking the classes at a community college effect my chances of getting in? He also said that me picking up a double major at this time would be looked negatively upon. I was considering going for another BS in physics for myself because I have always loved science however I may decide to wait if it would negatively impact my NUPOC chances. I know NRE and Instructor are off the table but my recruiter said that my GPA and test scores are enough to make me competitive for Surface Warfare.
Sheridon
I don't think the double major would be looked down upon. I would decide on that based on whether it's worth the additional cost to you (monetary and time) to have it. The required courses can be taken at a community college, though if you do that I think you would have to ace them and it would probably be better for you to take them at your full-time school.
DeleteThe path for you to qualify for NUPOC exists, but it's long and tortured. I would also think about alternative commissioning paths (other types of Navy Officer positions) as well.
Right now with those test scores and a non-technical major I don't think you'd be given an interview. More technical classes, another major, or higher scores would contribute to changing that.
Good luck
Firstly, thanks for all the info.
ReplyDeleteI have a 3.48 GPA as a junior in Mechanical Engineering (double minor in Computer Science and Aerospace Engineering). Got a 2050/2400 SAT, with a 780 in the math section. I also killed all my Calculus, statics, dynamics, and physics classes.
My GPA is decent, but I was a lazy and unorganized for all my previously completed semesters. My most recent semester was my worst one. I have recently turned sharply around, quit smoking pot, and got my shit together, but I don't really have a record of it at this point. Should I wait to complete this semester to apply? It will be either my best or second best semester, >3.8.
It somewhat depends on your preferred program and on how bad this last semester was, but I would still apply now. A 3.48 is still respectable, and the SAT-M very strong. Make sure you note the expected improvement in grades and submit them as soon as you have them to add to the application. This way at least you can start completing the security and medical paperwork that can be a delay in the process.
DeleteThank you for the quick response. I will be talking to my recruiter today at the career fair
DeleteI am an Eagle Scout, rifle makesman, a recreational ASA sailor and an amateur kickboxer.
ReplyDeleteI have two years work experience at my campus research reactor, and currently two years as a deck plate nuclear shipyard test engineer and have successfully completed my qualifications. I am currently scheduled to attend training as a nuclear Shift Test Engineer school equivalent to PNEO.
Math Sat was 700 and Verbal 740 taken about 8 years ago. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering with minors in Mathematics and Radiological Health Engineering.
While I might sound like a perfect candidate, My grades were horrible.
Family poisoning/murdering each other, relatives suicide attempts, working two jobs while doing a nuke engineering degree full time and my own personal discipline/laziness issues which I take responsibility for culminated in a 2.6 GPA. Take out the semester I had 2 C's a d 3 F's from missing finals due to being in a hospital for an industrial accident and I would have a 2.85 GPA.
Not surprisingly, in my previous talks to recruiters I didn't get past the pre-screen.
I thought if I did well as an STE, they might give me a shot. The test is the same as PNEO school and it starts in 6 months.
How strict are they with GPA vs whole person?
Should I just be realistic and stick with the shipyard?
The program does look at the "whole person" but GPA is one of several gates that are used to cull the field on the front end. I think there are a couple of viable options: (A) continue at the shipyard, (b) look at defense contractors or the civilian nuclear industry, and (c) explore positions at Naval Nuclear Laboratories / BPMI / BMPC. These last companies are civilian organizations that work closely with the Nuclear Navy on design, production, and testing.
DeleteIt never hurts to submit a pre-screen though, if you still want to see if there's any hope for the NUPOC Path specifically.
Knowing that this is a competitive program to be accepted into, what happens if you are denied? Can you reapply the next month or are you out of the running for good?
ReplyDeleteIf you apply and are not invited to interview, you can attempt to reapply in the future. This will only be entertained if there is some change in the application (e.g. better GPA, other changes).
DeleteIf you are invited to interview and are not offered a position there, there is typically no option to re-apply.
Good luck deciding and with your application should you choose to proceed.
I sent this as a message, but I figured I would comment it instead so others could reap the benefits of the question and insight.
ReplyDeleteI am a second year student at Stevens Institute of Technology. I have a 3.942 GPA (it is increasing) and I am a software engineering major. I received a 1470 SAT (790 Math and 680 Reading/Writing) I am active in extra curriculars such as IEEE, robotics, outdoor adventure, and martial arts. I am also a resident assistant on campus. I have experience working as a research assistant with electronics and as a laboratory assistant with manufacturing and 3D printing. I enjoy to tinker and work on personal projects such as creating an automated garden bed hydroponics system that is sustainably powered. I will have a software/mechanical engineering internship this summer with a aerospace/defense company in my state.
I am very interested in the SWO and NRE pipeline. Although I am more interested in the NRE pipeline. I am worried, however, that due to my major and the general competitiveness for NRE, that I will not be accepted to have an interview. I do not want to delay receiving monthly benefits due to my inability to be accepted. Of course the risk of being rejected from SWO still stands, but it is much less than NRE (I've heard).
Would you suggest applying for the NRE or SWO program?
As a background for why I am motivated to pursue the program:
I chose to be a software engineer to become a well-rounded engineer. I can learn engineering methods and techniques and fundamental theory wth my current curriculum and the projects/experience I have. But in the 21st century, knowing to code is imperative. I enjoy to delve into technology and STEM. I have taken things apart since I have been a kid just to understand how they work and what they were made of. I am able to pick up challenging ideas quickly and expound on them as I grow my understanding. I would like to be an NRE (even though I am a software engineer) because it will catapult me into my future career. I wish to work on sustainable energy methods, especially in nuclear technology, because I believe I can advance humanity in the quest for nuclear fusion energy reactors. Receiving the training and discipline with the worlds greatest and most technologically advanced military, to me, is the best way to get hands-on experience and life-long knowledge and learning in nuclear energy. Not only will I receive the benefits above, but I will be able to proudly acclaim that I served my country and that I have made a positive impact wherever I go, thanks to the US NAVY.
Hi William,
DeleteGPA and SAT math scores are competitive, so I don't think that should be an issue. Question will be whether they have needs for software engineers at the moment. They hire some, but it's less versatile within NR than something like Mechanical Engineering. I'd apply and put NRE as first choice, SWO as second. Or if you really just want NRE, then just go for that.
Ask your recruiter for a "pre-screen" for NRE. They'll send your stats to NR for a preliminary opinion on whether they'd be willing to interview you for the position. If that's all you want, it could save a lot of time. If you are interested in both positions, then you can still pre-screen, but you should also just get going on the application because you're definitely a thumbs-up for SWO.
Good luck!
Best,
Brian
Hello, I'm currently a senior at the University of North Texas and pursuing a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and have been interested in the NUPOC program for a while now. Recently talked to a receiver about a pre-screen, but I have received three D's in some previous classes. I retook those classes and made two B's and one C. Also have at least a B average in my calculus and physics classes. I forgot to add my GPA is a 3.17. Do you think there is a chance I can move forward?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteIt's possible but I wouldn't go as far as probable. If your GPA has trended upwards, is higher in technical courses, you have strong test scores, or good extracurricular, etc. those would help. It's worth attempting to apply. If they say no you could potentially resubmit after another very strong semester of grades.
DeleteHello, I recently graduated out of college with a bachelor's in mechanical engineering. I started out rocky for my first two years (very rocky, might I add. My GPA never really recovered from these early errors and mistakes), with my GPA ranging from sub 2.0 to 2.7, but I finished as strongly as I could, with my last couple years ranging from 3.4 to 3.6. My cumulative GPA ended at 2.93. With my gradual performance increase in all technical courses in mind, do I even have an iota of a chance in passing through the "front gate" you mentioned before, or should I cut my losses?
ReplyDeleteNormally it would be a no, but with that level of improvement you might have a chance. Have your recruiter call attention to the improvement when he submits so it doesn't get tossed for the low GPA automatically. NR does pay attention to trends.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI am currently obtaining my Masters in Human Factors with a concentration in systems engineering, It will be completed by the end of this year. Would it hurt to take the Calculus and Physics after I graduate? Also do I still need to supplement my SAT or ACT scores? Last thing, I am obtaining my masters from Embry Riddle Aeronautical university, is this a good school for the board? Thank you.
No idea what "human factors" means, but systems engineering is a common path for NUPOC applicants. Doesn't matter when you take Calc and physics, except that it must be before you apply for NUPOC... so the downside is you lose the ability to earn your pay while still a student.
DeleteEmbry Riddle is a respected program.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYou would either need a grade in college or the AP score. If I were you, I would make sure the rest of your application is competitive and find an accredited University where you can take the courses for credit in either evenings or summer.
DeleteThe school-specific question is a good one. I'd say that with your GPA you should be fine, so long as your test scores are relatively strong. It would be more problematic if your GPA were more marginal.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWith SAT-M >750 plus 3.9 GPA, you'll be fine to get a shot at interview. I'd ask your recruiter to submit for a "pre-screen" for the roles you're interested in, and see if they'll overlook the Physics. Probably not (technically they shouldn't) but it's worth a shot and if so it will save you some $$ and time. Doesn't hurt.
DeleteThanks for making this thread, super informative and helpful.
ReplyDeleteI am a senior mechanical engineering student at UT Austin, with a 1450 SAT and 3.52 cumulative GPA. Although my actual 'job' experience is quite lackluster, do you think I'd be somewhat competitive for the NUPOC process? I'm really considering joining the Navy, as I've always wanted to serve, and I figure this could be a good way in.
Hi Noah. Yes - I think that you would be competitive with that GPA and those test scores. I agree, with an engineering background and strong academics the best entry point to the Navy (and military in general) is likely the Naval Nuclear Program via NUPOC (if not already doing ROTC/USNA). The two potential caveats to that would be (a) if you want to do civil engineering (which I doubt is the case for you but speaking generally here) than CEC, and (b) if you really want to do a specific job (e.g. Pilot, SEAL, etc) and that trumps your desire to use the engineering degree.
DeleteGood luck!
meant "then", not "than"... rest of the comment stands!
DeleteHello Brain,
ReplyDeleteI am currently a new transfer student from community college with a gpa at 3.73. Now I just start my junior year at university of California, Los Angeles in major of chemistry. Could I apply now or I have to wait until the end of my junior year ？thank you
Yes you "could" apply. Realistically, NR is going to want to see at least a semester and possibly a full year of grades at UCLA. The caveat to this may be if your SAT/ACT scores are STELLAR and you can justify that you were going this path just to save money or something like that.
DeleteGood luck!