Rolling Acceptance?

wp0524

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Mar 21, 2016
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Hello all,
This question may have been previously answered, but I could not find it if that is the case. I understand that USMA accepts candidates on a rolling basis. Does finishing your application earlier give you a better chance at being appointed, as there are more spots unfilled, or are your chances the same no matter when your application is viewed? Thanks!
 
Hello all,
This question may have been previously answered, but I could not find it if that is the case. I understand that USMA accepts candidates on a rolling basis. Does finishing your application earlier give you a better chance at being appointed, as there are more spots unfilled, or are your chances the same no matter when your application is viewed? Thanks!

Not a simple yes and no answer.

USMA does not technical do a rolling admission. However, USMA does offer LOAs (Letter of Assurance - conditional appointment offer) starting September give or take.

Finishing your application earlier does give you a better chance at being appointed, if you are a competitive candidate. If you are not competitive, you won't be allowed to go on to the second step of your application. Most cases you won't allowed to get your medical exam done until your application is completed. Sometimes, the timing of your medical exam becomes critical, if you need a medical waiver.
 
My thoughts: if this is what you want, why wait until the last minute?

The question is does applying early increase your chances of appointment and as a general rule the answer is 'no'

I am sure there is a happy median and waiting until the last minute deadlines probably isn't a great strategy but your application is what it is.

Some will get LOAs but most will not and LOAs don't require a completed application even if not counting the nomination.

Certainly completing DoDMERB early (which appears to be a huge dream killer) and identifying issues allows more time for remedials and waivers

There are plenty of good reasons to start early but for the vast majority of people a completed early application won't increase your chance of appointment
 
I'm not sure I agree... But that's okay! There is no harm in completing it early... So why not? I guess no one really knows, but take what you pleas from these comments to make an informed decision on how long to wait.
 
The point is people can't make an 'informed decision' by utilizing false information.
 
@wp0524 for all the reasons that @Cerberi listed and more, yes, finishing your application early does improve your chances of gaining admission. There is no way to make up for poor performance and likewise, a superstar will likely get in whether they finish early or late. The difference comes for the majority of the candidates who benefit from either their own initiative, the lack there of on their competitors part, and/or a healthy dose of luck. Personally, I wouldn't want to rely on the latter.

Knowledge is power and relationships matter. In addition to being able to work out medical hurdles, completed files get reviewed earlier which allows more communication with the RC to work to strengthen your file. The RC wants to work with those candidates that want to be there and demonstrate it by completing their file earlier. Further, being complete early allows a candidate to bring a qualified letter to their nomination interviews. MOC want to nominate the right individuals to the right academy, this just helps them do that. Finally, even if you luck through the whole application process, find of those on the accepted thread how many of them waited till the deadline to finish. A good majority of them had offers PRIOR to the file completion deadline AND prior to the date that their 3Q letter said most of the offers would start. West Point is not required to offer like they currently do and could go back to rolling admissions or start offers earlier if they desire. Then go see how many of the posters on this forum who waited till the end are still waiting or have a TWE. Even if you don't think finishing early helps you, waiting until the deadline definitely disadvantages you.
 
Think applying early makes it easier for you. DS had everything in by Sept. He did his dodmer Oct., BGO interview early Nov.; Senate interview late Nov.; MOC interview early Dec.; LOA late Dec.; & Appointment Jan. Apply early:)
 
......The question is does applying early increase your chances of appointment and as a general rule the answer is 'no'

I agree. The admissions criteria is the same regardless of whether you are the first (or last) to apply. Obviously, if you don't meet the various deadlines your chance of getting an appointment will be zero.
 
The admissions criteria is the same regardless of whether you are the first (or last) to apply.
Agree. Aside from the Filing Deadline, I doubt postmark date plays a meaningful role in selecting the nation's officer corps. At least, I really hope not.
 
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