Advice on how to improve chances of appointment and timetable for hearing on application

[Daretodream]

I am completing the application process (deliving my nomination applications on Monday). I saw on the admissions site that if everything is completed by October you can be considered for appointment. What is the timetable once you complete the application for hearing back from the Academy.

Also, any opinions on what I can do to improve my chances, or I would love feedback on your thoughts of me as a candidate. I am in the top 10% of my high school class that numbers over 1000 students. I am a three year varsity letterman. I have an unweighted gpa of 3.6 and a weighted gpa of 3.85. My ACT superscore is a 34 with a 35 in Math and 32 in Science. I have taken a rigorous academic schedule in high school. I attended summer seminars at USAFA and the USNA. I have been active and an officer in CAP. All of my classes this year are IB or AP and I have scored a 5 on AP Physics and Calculus exams. I made a 1990 on the SAT exam.

Please let me know if you see any gaps. Thanks

 

[wildblueyonder]

Hi Daretodream,


You have some pretty good credentials so far; nice job! I am guessing you probably have more extracurriculars than just CAP and sports, but if you don't, definitely try to get some more this year (job, tutoring, volunteering, etc.). You can update your application with these activities later. A couple other things--you have a great ACT score and what seems to be a solid senior schedule. However, your GPA is a little on the low side--try your hardest to bring it up higher during this year. I would also suggest considering retaking the SAT if you scored below 650 in reading or math.

I would strongly discourage you from anticipating an early appointment. It is true that you will receive a decision on your file by January if you submit your application before November (assuming the process hasn't changed from last year). However, based on my experience and that of others on this forum, I can say with reasonable certainty that relatively few candidates received a yes/no answer by January. The vast majority of us (myself included) received the dreaded "deferred", which means you'll hear back in March or April instead. It certainly won't hurt to get your application submitted early (you can update it easily until the end of January, and even afterward if you're willing to step through some red tape), but don't count on getting an official decision until mid-March at the earliest. If you are fortunate enough to receive an early appointment, it will come as a wonderful surprise.

Overall, though, it looks like you're preparing well. Keep up the effort and motivation, and good luck to you!