Board qualified with principal nom?

reh16

5-Year Member
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May 15, 2014
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I received a principal nom from my congressman and found out I was triple q'ed today does this mean I am guaranteed an appointment? I am apprehensive since I had a principal last year and was denied. I don't think I was board qualified last year however. I have gotten altering answers and would like a bgo's comment or some other expertise. Thanks ladies and gents.


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The overwhelming majority of 3 Q'ed principal nominees receive appointments. Last year, a very small number did not. If you are 3 Q'ed this year and have a principal nom, an appointment is very likely, but not guaranteed.
 
Other than committing a disqualifying act, what would keep a 3q principal nominee from receiving an appointment? My reading on this forum indicates that appointment is assured IF otherwise qualified. ...but isn't that what 3q means?

And isn't 3q merely being medically approved, passing the CFA, and meeting the academic minimums for admission? In other words, doesn't a principal nom take the subjectivity out of the appointment and make it an objective decision of qualification? Appreciate your insight.
 
Other than committing a disqualifying act, what would keep a 3q principal nominee from receiving an appointment? My reading on this forum indicates that appointment is assured IF otherwise qualified. ...but isn't that what 3q means?

And isn't 3q merely being medically approved, passing the CFA, and meeting the academic minimums for admission? In other words, doesn't a principal nom take the subjectivity out of the appointment and make it an objective decision of qualification? Appreciate your insight.

Normally that's the case. In the past (for example last year), something was screwed up, class size was reduced by law in middle of process, too many commitments via LOA, who knows? As a result some 3Q principal nominees did not get appointments. Although you should expect to receive an appointment, usna1985 is simply pointing out that it's not absolutely guaranteed... just like everything else in life. I'm confident USNA is managing things much more closely this year and that you really have little to worry about.
 
Just an fyi...last year there were also some appointments that were changed to NAPS at the last minute, likely due to the same issues. I'm sure admissions has slightly altered their game plan for this year to avoid a similar situation. Congrats on your primary nom and 3q. You're in the best position you can be at this point.


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And isn't 3q merely being medically approved, passing the CFA, and meeting the academic minimums for admission?

No, this isn't the meaning. Can you provide what constitutes academic minimums? If you are thinking SAT/ACT scores, that is just one aspect of what is looked at academically.
3Q = Scholastically qualified by the Admissions Board (not merely meeting the academic minimums) + Medically Qualified + Passing CFA. Scholastic means more than academics...it also includes ECAs, leadership, sports, etc.

From Admissions website:
the Admissions Boards will determine your scholastic "whole person" qualification.
 
Good info, thanks! And to reh16, congratulations! Receiving a principal nom, in my opinion, indicates that one is an exceptional candidate, far above the minimums in most, if not all, categories. I know this is certainly true for each of the principal nominees I have met. Best of luck to you.
 
so, how do you know if you're 3Q'd? probably a silly question, but I'm just "the mom"
 
Last year our MOC's office said they were told by USNA which candidates were 3q. That weighed heavily on their decision as they didn't want to "waste" a nom on someone who might not get an appointment.
 
Last year our MOC's office said they were told by USNA which candidates were 3q. That weighed heavily on their decision as they didn't want to "waste" a nom on someone who might not get an appointment.
Interesting as most of our candidates this year got their noms before they'd completed their applications, meaning the MOCs had no idea whether they were 3Qed or not as that decision had yet to be made.
 
Last year our MOC's office said they were told by USNA which candidates were 3q. That weighed heavily on their decision as they didn't want to "waste" a nom on someone who might not get an appointment.

This is news to me -- not sure about other BGOs. I am almost certain USNA does not provide this data -- not sure what happens if a MOC requests it. USNA's stance is that these two processes are separate and they do not interfere with the MOCs. Providing them 3Q'd data would certainly influence it, as why would any MOC place a non-3Q'd candidate on a slate over a 3Q'd candidate (unless they did something so egregious during the process).

I am guessing this was a misinterpretation -- the staffer probably meant they are told of LOA candidates.
 
Last year our MOC's office said they were told by USNA which candidates were 3q. That weighed heavily on their decision as they didn't want to "waste" a nom on someone who might not get an appointment.

This is news to me -- not sure about other BGOs. I am almost certain USNA does not provide this data -- not sure what happens if a MOC requests it. USNA's stance is that these two processes are separate and they do not interfere with the MOCs. Providing them 3Q'd data would certainly influence it, as why would any MOC place a non-3Q'd candidate on a slate over a 3Q'd candidate (unless they did something so egregious during the process).

I am guessing this was a misinterpretation -- the staffer probably meant they are told of LOA candidates.

Just to clarify, MOC's office was told that my DS was academically and physically qualified. He already knew and put down on MOC application that he was medically qualified for all the service academies / ROTC since MOC's application asked about being qualified for vision. If memory serves they said they had about 16 candidates and only 3 were qualified at the time of the interviews. The interviews were held later last year due to the gov't shutdown. Only 6 noms were given with one principal. Due to redistricting, MOC had potential for two full slates and two principals. This year there have been 4 appointments already made in our district. At least 3 had LOA's and one was recruited.
 
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