What a Joke

Sour grapes intended.... But congrats to all those who got in.

DS got TWE today. Letter states "you were not competitive enough." 3.85 GPA, 33 ACT, top 20% of class, three year varsity captain and three year MVP, several meaningful leadership experiences including outside school (and not just a bunch of clubs), fitness results in top 25%. But not even wait listed? Jesus, who are they letting in if those credentials can't even earn a wait list spot? Can't help but think that demographics play a SIGNIFICANT role.

Oh, he was also invited to and attended a CVW in the past two months. Don't understand that either. Why bother?

Nobody's Biz said:

DS got TWE today. Letter states "you were not competitive enough."

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Um yeah, that is correct if he didn't get accepted. You must be the type that wants your kid to have a medal in everything, including when he doesn't make the cut, lol.

Always ROTC if he really wants to be in the military.

I've heard of people with a 4.0 being rejected. It happens. Best of luck to him in whatever he chooses to do.

Come on folks...

The OP's reaction is not atypical. As I posted in another thread, the receiving of a TWE is a traumatic event. This parent has had a day of heartache, and the son/daughter too.

The stats listed are impressive indeed. For me the one thing that stuck out was the top 20%. The top 10% is a big deal for admissions, especially if your HS is not a top tier school.

So let's cut this mom or dad some slack... they're hurting right now. As in almost everything, it happens for a reason. Best of luck to you!

Nobody's Biz said:

Jesus, who are they letting in if those credentials can't even earn a wait list spot? .

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If you knew, you're head would explode.

The rejection is certainly bad enough, but I think it's the process that is so aggravating. You get strung along and strung along, with absolutely no insight as to where you stand. My advice to anyone who ever inquires about applying to the USNA - don't! It's hardly worth the emotional roller coaster. There are way to many other equitable options out there.

I guess it happens. I just got my TWE and I have similar stats. I had a 33 on the ACT, 3.91 unweighted GPA and 4.05 weighted, and am in the top 5% of my class and a possible candidate for valedictorian. I was also a 4 year varsity wrestler and a captain this year. Not everyone can get in and the academy has a small class size.

Geez, sorry to hear that Holt. Maybe it just depends on who you know.

Oh well, there's always next year.

Nobody's Biz,

Got it you are upset and you probably have all the right reasons to be. However, your sarcastic postings and discouragement of others significantly departs from the mission of this forum.

Understood usnabgo08, but I really wasn't trying to be sarcastic. And I am not trying to discourage anyone. I'm just being honest based on our experience with the process. Just my opinion and I know many others have alternative opinions. I have no beef with that.

what a jokr

Nobody's business more than one way to achieve his goal. Sending you a private message.

Finding Nemo

I received the same letter when I came home from soccer practice.

I have a 4.0, am valedictorian, currently Vice president of the Student Council(been rep and officer all my Jr. High-high school life), varsity cheer for 1 year, varsity soccer for 3 years, 200+ hours community service, student leader at church, been in every school play (my school gives letters for fine arts, I have 6- 2 for art, and 4 for drama), the school mascot for 2 years, 30 ACT (33 English, 29 Math), and worked my butt off for the CFA- really good scores, especially for a girl...

List goes on, but that doesn't change that I didn't get in. I finished my application 1 day before it was due. I think if I would have finished in September, and not Feb. 28, things would have been less stressful.

Also was invited to, and attended, the March 21 CVW. It was really amazing, and even though my family really couldn't afford it, and some people would say it was useless now that I was rejected, I think it was very useful and don't regret anything.

I'm not even sad, honestly. Life goes on. Looks like your son has ambition and that's what really matters. This is a small stumble on his road to success. My parents tried to tell me that earlier today, and I wouldn't hear it, but it's true. Key phrase- "backup plan." I'm going to University of Oklahoma and work hard, but never forget to have some fun.

When I don't know what I'm going to do with my life, I just watch my favorite movie. There's a beautiful message in it.

"Just keep swimming."

Thanks Gentry for the words of encouragement and best of luck to you!

Actually I am in same boat. 4.2 gpa, 3.85 unwhgt highly comp school, 9 letters (3 music, 3 academic, 3 athletic), work 12 per week at car dealership, science fair winner 2 years in a row, church group, 7 strong letter of rec one from admiral, internship, volunteer hours, NASS, CVW, max pull-ups, shuttle run, pushups, solid run time,32 act, top 10 percent of class, perfect AP scores 5 for 5, pres of band... This doesn't make sense...the AFA was impressed and gave me an appointment.. Navy should have as well!

Thank you for your healing words

Maplerock said:

As I posted in another thread, the receiving of a TWE is a traumatic event. This parent has had a day of heartache, and the son/daughter too. So let's cut this mom or dad some slack... they're hurting right now. As in almost everything, it happens for a reason. Best of luck to you!

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Your compassion and understanding is very commendable and incredibly healing.

Our DS is in a very similar situation: Excellent student, Calculus III, Physics II, Good SAT scores, Black belt karate instructor, Taught 4 - 6 karate classes a week, Produced a Karate DVD sets that is sold for home use, Eagle Scout, Tutor, Construction apprentice, USNA Legacy of Grandparent, Uncle and Cousin, Disable Ministry counselor.... etc. The main down side, he was home educated and last year, when he was denied USNA, he went to a community college, not a 4 year college. But his BGO loved him. We thought for sure he was going to make it this year.

He got the TWE in the afternoon mail yesterday, but did not let us know until late last night. He needed a few hours to deal with it on his own before letting the family know. Early this morning he sent out his "thank yous" to all who had given effort and support to his USNA dream and emailed friends and family with the news.

This afternoon the pouring in of encouragement and faith in his next endeavors has him "up on the horse again" and he is riding on to the next destination.

Reading your response to a grieving parent really soothed the soul. Thank you.

To those of us who received the TWE, carry on with the next endeavor with integrity and keep God in the middle. He will be the source of strength and wisdom.

Nobody'sBiz and TribeMomma - take heart your kids will be fine. They are among the best of the best. My son is in similar situation as far as marks, community service, honor society, boxing and a 3rd degree black belt competing nationally since age of 4. He did not do so called school sports since we are heavily involved in karate. At age of 14 rather than see his brother close down his karate school when his unit was deployed to Iraq, he took over all his classes for a year plus school and his part timr job. He was able to keep his brother informed by mail how students were progressing, tournaments he prepared them for but guess that is not leadership they are looking for. Before his 1st rejection while still in high school he entered delayed entry with USMC reserves. Figuted if he did not get in he wanted to experience being enlisted since he thought that would make him a better officer. Then as a reservist he could go to school fuul time. He applied again but 2nd timeUSNA wanted himto have more time to be evaluated even though he received both his commanding officer and secnav nomination in addition to his congressional nomination. So now 3 rd and last time, he will apply plc or ocs if he is rejected again so as to not lose more college time put in. He is a LCpl now, almost two years in service, 2nd semester in college ,deans list.Has been a rollercoaster ride since 2011 but more than one way to become an officer

DS had equal and in some cases "better" stats but the TWE came as well. The phrase "Not Competitive" stung but I decided that it is as much a form letter as anything else.

Competitiveness cuts in many directions: YOUR nominating slate, other candidates, the national pool, the perceived bigh school competitivness, your CFA scores against others. In our case the MOC stated DS' nomination was competitive however he announced his appointee in mid-Jan. In retrospect he could have submitted a primary nominee with 9 competitive alternates. Competing in the National Pool is a long shot at best.

So don't take it personally and move on. Your DS/DD is a great kid to have gotten this far. If serving is his/her dream, there are other ways to get there.

Nobody'sBiz and TribeMomma - take heart your kids will be fine. They are among the best of the best. My son is in similar situation as far as marks, community service, honor society, boxing and a 3rd degree black belt competing nationally since age of 4. He did not do so called school sports since we are heavily involved in karate. At age of 14 rather than see his brother close down his karate school when his unit was deployed to Iraq, he took over all his classes for a year plus school and his part timr job. He was able to keep his brother informed by mail how students were progressing, tournaments he prepared them for but guess that is not leadership they are looking for. Before his 1st rejection while still in high school he entered delayed entry with USMC reserves. Figuted if he did not get in he wanted to experience being enlisted since he thought that would make him a better officer. Then as a reservist he could go to school fuul time. He applied again but 2nd timeUSNA wanted himto have more time to be evaluated even though he received both his commanding officer and secnav nomination in addition to his congressional nomination. So now 3 rd and last time, he will apply plc or ocs if he is rejected again so as to not lose more college time put in. He is a LCpl now, almost two years in service, 2nd semester in college ,deans list.Has been a rollercoaster ride since 2011 but more than one way to become an officer