Reapplying

What if you turn down an appointment to one of the service academies this year (and go to a civilian college) and want to reapply for the next year. What are the odds of that academy offering an appointment to you again?

Cold feet?
Call Admissions. I think the odds are good, depending on the reasons. Will have to compete again, for a nom and appointment.
As long as you do well in college and stay healthy you will stay qualified. DoDMERB is good for two years. I would suggest taking Army ROTC if there are intentions of applying again.
Know as well that while some courses may be validated, it's another 4 years.

Oh no, no, no ! This is not about my son. Horrors!! He will definitely be at R-day on Monday! This is about a friend of his who turned down an appointment a couple of months ago but is rethinking about next year. The parents got the impression that if you turn down an appointment, you would never be offered one again. So I thought I would pose this question on this forum for them and get some feedback from all you experts!

buff81 said:

Oh no, no, no ! This is not about my son. Horrors!! He will definitely be at R-day on Monday! This is about a friend of his who turned down an appointment a couple of months ago but is rethinking about next year. The parents got the impression that if you turn down an appointment, you would never be offered one again. So I thought I would pose this question on this forum for them and get some feedback from all you experts!

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Buff what company is your son in? Im in foxtrot. 4 days left!

buff81 - I didn't really think it was about your son -

the parents assumptions are just not true. He should show "growth" and be able to demonstrate that while he was not "ready" to accept his appointment he now is.
It can show some thoughtfulness and maturity.

He's going to USMA, not USCGA. Best of luck to you!

Thanks JAM. Your words will be good news to these parents.

You can be offered another one. They know you wouldn't re-apply just for fun.

I've never heard any bias for or against students who turn down an appointment and reapply. IMO, it would depend on the circumstances. The person should have thought thru why he/she turned down the appointment in the first place and why now circumstances have changed. From a SA point of view, is obviously much better for someone to turn down an appointment than to show up and then quit.

I've seen this happen more than once. As already mentioned; the academies are usually understanding and OK with it. That isn't your problem. If you're going to have a problem, it's going to be with your MOC nomination. A lot will depend on how many people normally apply for a nomination from your MOC. I have seen some MOCs who don't get a lot of applicants, get upset when they make you their #1 and you get an appointment and then turn it down. And depending when it was, the others who didn't get an appointment may have accepted other educational avenues. They weren't to thrilled about re-nominating the individual the next year. I've spoken to 3 individuals who have turned down appointments. I've always suggested that as/prior to turning down the appointment, that they speak face to face with their ALO and MOC and thank them deeply for all they've done for them. And explain why they are backing out. And mention a possible future application when things work out more inline. Anyway; that's who you need to talk to and worry about.