Anyone else still waiting out there?

[scoutpilot]

SP - My original assertion was "I hope you are not a past, present or future representation of our military."

I also love all those in the camp of WP owes my son or daugther nothing, BUT, this or that can be done better. Sure sounds like you agree the process needs to, or should, improve. Thats all many were saying on this thread. Communicate to these kids, who have spent well over a year communicating to WP with every minutia of data, so they can make a major life decision.

Are you a candidate, RockyB?

And as I said, I'm fairly inclined to chalk your remark up to a total lack of knowledge. If you're a candidate, you might need to seriously reconsider the military. I'll be sure to tell the folks at USMA when I arrive today for the conference that I cannot take part because I've been deemed unfit to represent the military.

I'm sorry you feel so slighted by West Point over not hearing more. But there is a difference between what candidates would LIKE to hear and what they are OWED. You don't seem to grasp the difference.

Most of those who earned appointments seem quite satisfied, so I have little doubt that there is a significant sour grapes component to this. You can always strengthen your weak spots and try again.

 

[fritz]

I should start by saying that I agree with the majority consensus of this thread: no one/thing owes me or my kid anything in this world.

That said, the WP admissions process can go on much longer and be more involved than that of a civilian institution, with arguably more at stake. My daughter's application file was opened in December 2010 and it has been the primary focus for her emotional energy ever since. There are some things that would have helped make this ordeal easier for her, but I am not asserting that WP or any affiliates OWE her anything.

Nominations are listed in the candidate's portal. I'm wondering how difficult it would be to update the status of that slot when it changes. The first Senator's unranked nomination was received in early October, with the slot promptly awarded to another candidate (which we didn't find out about until recently). Notification that daughter was on the NWL didn't come until early January. She spent the entire holiday season meeting the postman on a daily basis, hoping for a BFE. That could have been avoided if the portal simply indicated that action had been taken and the slot was filled. Again, does WP OWE her this? Absolutely not. And we are grateful to have received a NWL letter, which some candidates have not. Is it a huge problem? NO. Is it difficult to watch my daughter experience this? YES. Does anyone else care? NO. Do I have the expectation that they should? NO

The second nomination came in late December, again unranked and again another candidate was offered the appointment. Daily visits to the postbox have been the norm for the past 6 months, to the point where the postman is trying to set daughter up with his son. A hopeful waste of time and emotional energy which a portal status update could have eliminated.

We've known USMA to be a longshot from the beginning, and Plans B and C have been concurrently humming along. We also acknowledge that the admissions folks have a really tough job, and that there are moving parts to this process that we're unaware of. This has been a really helpful forum for us to gather information, and to vent a bit, and for that we're grateful.

Jalpwc, very well said.

This is what quite a few us have been saying for awhile now without the success that you had in this post. I suspect that the key figure in all of this is the Congressional district coordinator. For us, we never heard from him. The good folks on here who try to help out seem to forget how totally frustrating that is to have hope for months while the entire time the slot was taken and they knew, and honestly in my sons case with one of his 3 nominations, he never had a shot but you don't find that out until April, they knew it back in Dec. for Gods sake.

I know the old " you never know, they have to keep you qual'd, this candidate might have something happen" stuff, but my point has always been; OK so it's not like the others become non-candidates just because they are told so, tell the other 7 and keep the top three in the dark, if you'd like but for three months my son waited and watched for something that was never coming and they knew it. Thats infuriating to find that out. the CDC has what 20 at most candidates and thats only every 4th yr. the other years its 10 candidates that he has to keep informed and he can't keep folks honestly apprised of whats going on, please. Thats either lazy or disinterested, in my opinion.

I believe that the policy of admissions should be to inform all non-vacancy winners as soon as the slot is offered so they can move on emotionally, this is not like other college admissions and should not be rolled up into a " they are better than the other colleges when it comes to notifying kids." Again they are not the same and for someone to intimate that they are is disingenuous, these kids are much more heavily invested in this application than any others, and for good reason.

BTW in the interest of full disclosure, the candidate who was awarded the slot in our district was entirely justified.
We can talk about my feeling that he should have been offered off of an rotc slate or some other list different from the congressional all day, but he was deserving, no doubt.
He was an AROTC sophomore in a Patriot league college. Now tell me thats not frustrating to know that thats your competition, it's your second time through while doing a prep year and you were kept in the dark with your hopes up for three months.

 

[RockyB]

Jalpwc, very well said.

This is what quite a few us have been saying for awhile now without the success that you had in this post. I suspect that the key figure in all of this is the Congressional district coordinator. For us, we never heard from him. The good folks on here who try to help out seem to forget how totally frustrating that is to have hope for months while the entire time the slot was taken and they knew, and honestly in my sons case with one of his 3 nominations, he never had a shot but you don't find that out until April, they knew it back in Dec. for Gods sake.

I know the old " you never know, they have to keep you qual'd, this candidate might have something happen" stuff, but my point has always been; OK so it's not like the others become non-candidates just because they are told so, tell the other 7 and keep the top three in the dark, if you'd like but for three months my son waited and watched for something that was never coming and they knew it. Thats infuriating to find that out. the CDC has what 20 at most candidates and thats only every 4th yr. the other years its 10 candidates that he has to keep informed and he can't keep folks honestly apprised of whats going on, please. Thats either lazy or disinterested, in my opinion.

I believe that the policy of admissions should be to inform all non-vacancy winners as soon as the slot is offered so they can move on emotionally, this is not like other college admissions and should not be rolled up into a " they are better than the other colleges when it comes to notifying kids." Again they are not the same and for someone to intimate that they are is disingenuous, these kids are much more heavily invested in this application than any others, and for good reason.

BTW in the interest of full disclosure, the candidate who was awarded the slot in our district was entirely justified.
We can talk about my feeling that he should have been offered off of an rotc slate or some other list different from the congressional all day, but he was deserving, no doubt.
He was an AROTC sophomore in a Patriot league college. Now tell me thats not frustrating to know that thats your competition, it's your second time through while doing a prep year and you were kept in the dark with your hopes up for three months.

Fritz - I agree with you. Sorry I missed this in all the SP BS. Great post!

 

[scoutpilot]

Fritz - I agree with you. Sorry I missed this in all the SP BS. Great post!

RockyB, your posts are sad and completely out of line. You are offering nothing to the discussion and continue to make yourself look like petulant. I have reported you to the moderator, since you can't seem to take the hint to act like a grown-up.

Oh, and you still avoided the question: are you a candidate?

Fritz:

Believe it or not, despite how callous and indifferent or outright forgetful you think we may be, we actually invest quite heavily in the process. I remember being a candidate. It is hard. It's emotional. It can be exhausting. It's the first taste of real competition for a lot of kids who've always been told they're unstoppable (and many of then have been up to this point).

Candidates do invest heavily in the process, and West Point invests heavily in candidates. Speaking from knowing the insides of the process, I submit to you that you really don't know what USMA "knew" and when. The process is so intricate and they account for many factors and very few decisions are made without a specific purpose. The process is still frustrating, sure, but it ultimately boils down to choosing who's best for the Academy and the Army.

There has been a growing divide in recent years between the mission of the Academy and what parents/candidates see as the mission. Their has been a steady creep of ex post facto discussion of who "wanted it" more and how long Johnny or Suzy had his/her heart set on USMA. Emotional attachment to the idea of West Point is great, until it starts leading to blinding anger and resentment.

At the end of the day, the RCs and Recruiters keep schedules that make all but a few of us look like we have it easy. It's important to remember that you only have to worry about one file. Each RC starts the year with several THOUSAND which he can eventually whittle down to a few HUNDRED.

Emotional investment is good, but it doesn't put the onus on West Point to hold every candidates hand and tell them everything they ever wanted to know. If you have dealt with Ivy League admissions, you'll know that there's no less emotional investment on the part of those kids.

Will there always be friction points? Of course. Human beings are involved. I have no issue with people who have individual cases and strange problems. It's the wholesale griping about a system that already provides you more info than almost any other admissions process that is uncalled for and insulting to the people who dedicate their free time to getting you that information.

Believe me, we know it's hard. It's hard to interview a kid and tell him he doesn't have a good chance. The best thing parents and candidates can do is remember that West Point isn't a goal. It's a pathway to a goal. Not getting accepted isn't the end of the world. The next best thing they can do is be proactive. If you need an answer, ask for one. So often people say "I haven't heard anything yet!" and I say "Have you talked to your AFF/MALO/RC?" If the answer is no, then you have your starting point.

 

[fritz]

RockyB, your posts are sad and completely out of line. You are offering nothing to the discussion and continue to make yourself look like petulant. I have reported you to the moderator, since you can't seem to take the hint to act like a grown-up.

Oh, and you still avoided the question: are you a candidate?

Fritz:

Believe it or not, despite how callous and indifferent or outright forgetful you think we may be, we actually invest quite heavily in the process. I remember being a candidate. It is hard. It's emotional. It can be exhausting. It's the first taste of real competition for a lot of kids who've always been told they're unstoppable (and many of then have been up to this point).

Candidates do invest heavily in the process, and West Point invests heavily in candidates. Speaking from knowing the insides of the process, I submit to you that you really don't know what USMA "knew" and when. The process is so intricate and they account for many factors and very few decisions are made without a specific purpose. The process is still frustrating, sure, but it ultimately boils down to choosing who's best for the Academy and the Army.

There has been a growing divide in recent years between the mission of the Academy and what parents/candidates see as the mission. Their has been a steady creep of ex post facto discussion of who "wanted it" more and how long Johnny or Suzy had his/her heart set on USMA. Emotional attachment to the idea of West Point is great, until it starts leading to blinding anger and resentment.

At the end of the day, the RCs and Recruiters keep schedules that make all but a few of us look like we have it easy. It's important to remember that you only have to worry about one file. Each RC starts the year with several THOUSAND which he can eventually whittle down to a few HUNDRED.

Emotional investment is good, but it doesn't put the onus on West Point to hold every candidates hand and tell them everything they ever wanted to know. If you have dealt with Ivy League admissions, you'll know that there's no less emotional investment on the part of those kids.

Will there always be friction points? Of course. Human beings are involved. I have no issue with people who have individual cases and strange problems. It's the wholesale griping about a system that already provides you more info than almost any other admissions process that is uncalled for and insulting to the people who dedicate their free time to getting you that information.

Believe me, we know it's hard. It's hard to interview a kid and tell him he doesn't have a good chance. The best thing parents and candidates can do is remember that West Point isn't a goal. It's a pathway to a goal. Not getting accepted isn't the end of the world. The next best thing they can do is be proactive. If you need an answer, ask for one. So often people say "I haven't heard anything yet!" and I say "Have you talked to your AFF/MALO/RC?" If the answer is no, then you have your starting point.

Don't go making my post something different than what it is, please. I speak specifically about my sons situation as it relates to his CDC, who has 10-20 candidate files, not thousands. I said nothing about an RC or a recruiter.

"despite how callous and indifferent or outright forgetful you think we may be, we actually invest quite heavily in the process",
I never said anything like that. I said, my son never heard anything from his CDC and I think thats either lazy or indifferent, period. You can make up all the stuff you want to suit your argument, buts that a fact, jack.
I wasn't even talking about his RC, who he received 2 or 3 emails from in the 7 months that his application was complete.

"There has been a growing divide in recent years between the mission of the Academy and what parents/candidates see as the mission. Their has been a steady creep of ex post facto discussion of who "wanted it" more and how long Johnny or Suzy had his/her heart set on USMA. Emotional attachment to the idea of West Point is great, until it starts leading to blinding anger and resentment."
Then fix it. Somehow you think the problem was created by the recent applicants or thier parents. I suggest that the problem existed all along and is just now getting exposed based on the budget, the economy, the FOIA, the internet. We didn't make the process this way, we are meerly pointing out it's deficiencies. Just because you either don't believe it or choose to turn a blind eye to it, doesn't mean it isn't real for a lot of folks on here.

 

[globalview2]

Most of the people complaining about the process are acting like a five year old. I am a candidate who was appointed on the second try after a case last year where they straight up told me they screwed up, but it happens, not as much as you are making it out to be. Start acting like an adult and move on. If West Point is so messed up why did you apply?

 

[M2inOR]

How about back to some data about what the current situation is:

COL McDonald, West Point Director of Admissions, spoke at the Parent Leaders Meeting on Friday, April 20.

She indicated that well over 1100 appointees have accepted, and that there were still 100 offers still outstanding. Between now and May 1st, there will be closure on those last 100 offers.

On May 1st, the class will be filled, but there will still be adjustments until R-Day.

Could an offer still be made after May 1st? Yes, but not likely, as it depends on how many of those outstanding offers are accepted, and how many appointments are rescinded or declined up until R-day.

For those still waiting, your regional commander is the one to direct your questions to. And it is the candidate who should make that contact.

From my vantage point, what I heard was that all offers for appointments have been made.

In retrospect, reading these various threads for several years, I believe West Point has one of the more open admission processes that we've experienced; and my son did apply to several colleges and universities for his plan B. Kudos to our field force representatives, our regional commander, and even the admissions office for being there, and for answering our questions in a respectful manner. Yes, our son got an LOA ad eventual appointment by Thanksgiving, but we are thankful for the advice provided by the field force to get everything done early.

I understand the frustration of the applicants and their parents. In these days of social networking and easy communication, many of us have higher expectations of information about the process. We may worry that a SPAM blocker may have prevented delivery of an important email. We wonder if the postman delivered that important envelope to the wrong home. We suspect that an important document may be stuck in some mailbox bin, only to be found months are years later. The anxiety level is high.

From my son, his advice is to "trust, but verify". The system works, but it does not hurt to follow-up and ask; but to ask the appropriate person with the knowledge and the responsibility.

On the other side, my son now sees what happens after R-Day, Beast, and A-day. The many cadets who worked so hard to get in, only to not keep up with the challenges they all are expected to accept and meet. The majority accept the challenges with gusto, but unfortunately not all. What is the most frustrating to him, is when a few fellow cadets may lose sight as to why they are there, and how hard they worked to get there.

It is not a cake walk.

So congrats to all who have made it this far, and for those who have not received the final answer, just remember that it is not over until it is over. And for those not selected, you have a few more years to try again, just as long as you are 23 or less on that year's R-day. My son is good friends with a prior service cadet who got in quite close to that age of 23. I'm not exactly sure what side of 23, but he is an outstanding cadet there.

 

[scoutpilot]

Don't go making my post something different than what it is, please. I speak specifically about my sons situation as it relates to his CDC, who has 10-20 candidate files, not thousands. I said nothing about an RC or a recruiter.

"despite how callous and indifferent or outright forgetful you think we may be, we actually invest quite heavily in the process",
I never said anything like that. I said, my son never heard anything from his CDC and I think thats either lazy or indifferent, period. You can make up all the stuff you want to suit your argument, buts that a fact, jack.
I wasn't even talking about his RC, who he received 2 or 3 emails from in the 7 months that his application was complete.

"There has been a growing divide in recent years between the mission of the Academy and what parents/candidates see as the mission. Their has been a steady creep of ex post facto discussion of who "wanted it" more and how long Johnny or Suzy had his/her heart set on USMA. Emotional attachment to the idea of West Point is great, until it starts leading to blinding anger and resentment."
Then fix it. Somehow you think the problem was created by the recent applicants or thier parents. I suggest that the problem existed all along and is just now getting exposed based on the budget, the economy, the FOIA, the internet. We didn't make the process this way, we are meerly pointing out it's deficiencies. Just because you either don't believe it or choose to turn a blind eye to it, doesn't mean it isn't real for a lot of folks on here.

Then you don't understand the process you're complaining about, because on the one hand you call the CDC lazy and indifferent. Then in the very next line you start complaining about what "Admissions" should have to do. If you have a problem with one guy, then take it up with him. How many times were you proactive? If you asked him three or four times and got nothing, it's on him. If you waited silently, you bear some responsibility for your level of information.

As for your flippant "then fix it" comment: uh uh. We can't fix that. That's on YOU and all the other parents to teach your kid the realities of not winning every time. We can't make kids have realistic values and expectations. Lately, it seems like their parents are having trouble teaching them as well.

 

[RockyB]

How about back to some data about what the current situation is:

COL McDonald, West Point Director of Admissions, spoke at the Parent Leaders Meeting on Friday, April 20.

She indicated that well over 1100 appointees have accepted, and that there were still 100 offers still outstanding. Between now and May 1st, there will be closure on those last 100 offers.

On May 1st, the class will be filled, but there will still be adjustments until R-Day.

Could an offer still be made after May 1st? Yes, but not likely, as it depends on how many of those outstanding offers are accepted, and how many appointments are rescinded or declined up until R-day.

For those still waiting, your regional commander is the one to direct your questions to. And it is the candidate who should make that contact.

From my vantage point, what I heard was that all offers for appointments have been made.

In retrospect, reading these various threads for several years, I believe West Point has one of the more open admission processes that we've experienced; and my son did apply to several colleges and universities for his plan B. Kudos to our field force representatives, our regional commander, and even the admissions office for being there, and for answering our questions in a respectful manner. Yes, our son got an LOA ad eventual appointment by Thanksgiving, but we are thankful for the advice provided by the field force to get everything done early.

I understand the frustration of the applicants and their parents. In these days of social networking and easy communication, many of us have higher expectations of information about the process. We may worry that a SPAM blocker may have prevented delivery of an important email. We wonder if the postman delivered that important envelope to the wrong home. We suspect that an important document may be stuck in some mailbox bin, only to be found months are years later. The anxiety level is high.

From my son, his advice is to "trust, but verify". The system works, but it does not hurt to follow-up and ask; but to ask the appropriate person with the knowledge and the responsibility.

On the other side, my son now sees what happens after R-Day, Beast, and A-day. The many cadets who worked so hard to get in, only to not keep up with the challenges they all are expected to accept and meet. The majority accept the challenges with gusto, but unfortunately not all. What is the most frustrating to him, is when a few fellow cadets may lose sight as to why they are there, and how hard they worked to get there.

It is not a cake walk.

So congrats to all who have made it this far, and for those who have not received the final answer, just remember that it is not over until it is over. And for those not selected, you have a few more years to try again, just as long as you are 23 or less on that year's R-day. My son is good friends with a prior service cadet who got in quite close to that age of 23. I'm not exactly sure what side of 23, but he is an outstanding cadet there.

Great post. Thanks! Now I ask myself why can't the Director of Admission send out this type of information to those waiting, or to the various liaisons so they can communicate to their respective applicants?

 

[scoutpilot]

Most of the people complaining about the process are acting like a five year old. I am a candidate who was appointed on the second try after a case last year where they straight up told me they screwed up, but it happens, not as much as you are making it out to be. Start acting like an adult and move on. If West Point is so messed up why did you apply?

Your attitude will likely make you a very successful cadet and officer. Good on you!

 

[BillSL]

Great post. Thanks! Now I ask myself why can't the Director of Admission send out this type of information to those waiting, or to the various liaisons so they can communicate to their respective applicants?

My Regional Commander did tell us during SLS that they (the Admissions Office) are not the only source of information. He specifically told us to check the "Service Academy Forums".

 

[M2inOR]

Great post. Thanks! Now I ask myself why can't the Director of Admission send out this type of information to those waiting, or to the various liaisons so they can communicate to their respective applicants?

We were at a conference for parent leaders of West Point Parents Clubs from across the country. We met with various department representatives who provided information to share with our parent club members.

I expect that this information is also shared with regional commanders, hence my suggestion that those on the NWL or those who have heard nothing, contact their admissions rep or regional commander for the most up to date info.

In talking to some parents and cadet candidates, many can't or don't make the effort to make these contacts. Sometimes, even I have this tendency as I don't want to overstep, or worse, I don't want to know the answer.

A few tips for those working on future applications:
- meet with your local field force representative
- follow their advice; my son was advised to prepare a weekly email for him as well as the regional commander. This email simply had a few points about what my son was doing in HS sports and activities. Not a long dissertation; just a few bullet items. I asked if this "brag list" was proper, as it was not something my son would typically do. The reply was to find a balance, that kept him and the RC informed with info that might be useful in his file. The end result, really, was that my son had no problem contacting his RC or MALO, as the dialog was already underway. Just keep it short and simple.
- attend any AIM and visit West Point. We attended an AIM for a different state as our state's AIM conflicted with a state Lacrosse tournament. At another of the AIMs, an assistant Director of Admissions attended in addition to the MALO, RC, and congressional office liaison. After the introductions and formal presentation, applicants were encouraged to spend a few minutes with the RC, and to visit with the other WP reps in attendance. My son took the initiative to introduce himself and his parents to this COL, and we talked for quite awhile. He took my son's name as he wanted to know more about my son's small HS, and it's history of academy appointments -- very few, and quite some time since the last one; just a handful in the schools 150 year history. My son made it a point to ask for contact info, and to follow-up each meeting with a thank you. We all believe, it was that last COL's meet with my son that helped to push his file for the eventual LOA, and his frequent email contact with his MALO that helped with the nomination being granted.

My point in all this?

Leadership is an important trait. Those who wait are followers. Those who take their future into their own hands, are motivated, and who do their best in all the endeavors demonstrate the leadership traits that may lead to an appointment at WP, and a successful time there. Our sons and daughters have to navigate this path. We parents cannot and should not do their work for them; we can help when they ask, though.

In the beginning, all applicants start with the same blank sheet. How they fill that sheet, describing what they bring to the academy, determines how strong that application will be. Some work very hard, and the admissions team evaluates this information to make a determination as to who should get that appointment. It's a tough job, but I believe the admissions team evaluates all information to select those who will meet the Army's future needs.

 

[RockyB]

We were at a conference for parent leaders of West Point Parents Clubs from across the country. We met with various department representatives who provided information to share with our parent club members.

I expect that this information is also shared with regional commanders, hence my suggestion that those on the NWL or those who have heard nothing, contact their admissions rep or regional commander for the most up to date info.

In talking to some parents and cadet candidates, many can't or don't make the effort to make these contacts. Sometimes, even I have this tendency as I don't want to overstep, or worse, I don't want to know the answer.

A few tips for those working on future applications:
- meet with your local field force representative
- follow their advice; my son was advised to prepare a weekly email for him as well as the regional commander. This email simply had a few points about what my son was doing in HS sports and activities. Not a long dissertation; just a few bullet items. I asked if this "brag list" was proper, as it was not something my son would typically do. The reply was to find a balance, that kept him and the RC informed with info that might be useful in his file. The end result, really, was that my son had no problem contacting his RC or MALO, as the dialog was already underway. Just keep it short and simple.
- attend any AIM and visit West Point. We attended an AIM for a different state as our state's AIM conflicted with a state Lacrosse tournament. At another of the AIMs, an assistant Director of Admissions attended in addition to the MALO, RC, and congressional office liaison. After the introductions and formal presentation, applicants were encouraged to spend a few minutes with the RC, and to visit with the other WP reps in attendance. My son took the initiative to introduce himself and his parents to this COL, and we talked for quite awhile. He took my son's name as he wanted to know more about my son's small HS, and it's history of academy appointments -- very few, and quite some time since the last one; just a handful in the schools 150 year history. My son made it a point to ask for contact info, and to follow-up each meeting with a thank you. We all believe, it was that last COL's meet with my son that helped to push his file for the eventual LOA, and his frequent email contact with his MALO that helped with the nomination being granted.

My point in all this?

Leadership is an important trait. Those who wait are followers. Those who take their future into their own hands, are motivated, and who do their best in all the endeavors demonstrate the leadership traits that may lead to an appointment at WP, and a successful time there. Our sons and daughters have to navigate this path. We parents cannot and should not do their work for them; we can help when they ask, though.

In the beginning, all applicants start with the same blank sheet. How they fill that sheet, describing what they bring to the academy, determines how strong that application will be. Some work very hard, and the admissions team evaluates this information to make a determination as to who should get that appointment. It's a tough job, but I believe the admissions team evaluates all information to select those who will meet the Army's future needs.

I think its safe to say a majority of these kids are leaders in one way or another. The simple fact is there are only so few spots for so many qualified candidates. I will say, it sounds as if you had an idle communication process/situation. We could only wish it could be replicated (and accepted) in all districts. I will tell you the weekly update email was not looked upon fondly in our district.

Best of luck to your son.

 

[Falcon74]

Additional appointments unlikely

I attended the same briefing Friday afternoon.

Bottom line: If even 10% of outstanding appointment offers are accepted (current aceptance rate is closer to 85-90%), WP will be above their target of 1150. I would not want to count on additional appointment offers.

 

[BigNick]

GlobalView2 -

Good attitude. Learn the system and work thru it rather than complain.

I feel somewhat sorry for the DS of the complainers. The Army and West Point way is to size up the task, make a plan to overcome the obstacles, and then execute that plan. Constant complainig is teaching your DS bad lessons that must be overcome later. Teach and guide your DS to success and quit complaining.

My son is in the Class of 2015 (35 more days as a Plebe) so we have recently gone thru this difficult process. My son took the initiative and kept in close contact with the local Field Force and the Regional Admissions officer. He wrote them short emails every 2-4 weeks keeping them up to date on his activities and reaffairming his desire and determination to be a WP Cadet. He personally phoned them about once a month and told them positive things about his recent accomplishments. THEY KNEW WHO HE WAS AND ABOUT HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND DESIRES.

Do not be a pest, but do not sit-back and wait for people to come to you. I found that all of the WP officials were VERY forthcoming with information EVERYTIME they were asked. Leaders make things happen and do not wait until something happens.

I also got the information that about 1100 have accepted and that about 100 offers are pending. These 100 must accept by midnight 30 April - one week from today - or lose their offer. I expect about 80 or more will accept leaving VERY FEW new offers. As memtioned, a few others will lose their offers due to injuries, problems with police, bad last semester grades etc. I would guess (no specific inside info) that about 10-20 more people will get offers in May. If you are at the top of the NWL you still have a chance - you should know in about 2 weeks.

Good luck to all - if you do not make it and still want to go to WP check with your Regional Admissions Officer and find out where you need to improve and them chart a specific plan to accomplish that improvement.

Optimism is contagious - pessimism is also contagious

 

[fritz]

BigNick, it's all in the name isn't it..

Nice insult, but you won't get reprimanded because your opinion happens to agree with the mods.. You almost feel sorry for our kids, you have some nerve.

Just so you know, my son has no idea I'm on this site, so your generalizations are dead wrong again. You folks kill me with your condesending attitudes. Your world is OK so you don't want to pull back the curtain, your DS/DD has an appt or received an early LOA, you don't have any idea what we're saying, you've been having your cake and ice cream for months now, but you know how we feel or why we feel this way.

Just because your process was terrific doesn't mean that the 434? other districts is or was. Just so you know, I thought along the way that my sons was but as I'm finding out, not so much. Thats whats so infuriating.

Scout: Come on man, I don't understand the process very well. It's not that hard. You may think it's rocket science, and there may be a little of that, I probably won't fully understand it in the end, but what I know, that you are unwilling to see is that there is also a fair amount of smoke and mirrors too.
Evidence by the last handfull of posts about folks not inside admissions knowing information that most of us would never know and who knows what else that the rest of us don't Please explain to me how that happens. Oh ya if only I was a member of the "parent club" or maybe the friend of a member. Or if my son knew about SLS or if I had maybe know someone in Legion to be able to get my son in Boys State. Whats fair is fair then right? If I only knew what you knew, then we'd be even.

Fritz out

BTW Nick, it's very easy to be optimistic when your DS/DD has an appt. For what it's worth, I am extremely optimistic about my sons college and his future in general. this discussion isn't about either of those.

 

[billyb]

Fritz,

I am sure your DS has some other great options. As I get older I realize there are many paths to reach a goal and each of them have their pluses and minuses. Enjoy the path your DS has. Too much negative energy wasted worrying about what was or should have/could have been. Time to move on and enjoy what is in front of you.

For everyone out there.... some of the best officers I served with were from ROTC and not from the most prestigious of colleges at that. If you have the "right stuff" then you will be a General no matter that you went to State U as opposed to USMA.

Best of luck to you.

 

[fritz]

Best of Luck to you too BillyB and thank you for your kind words.

The best officer I ever served with came from the enlisted ranks, if you can believe that. He ended up flying in the presidential detail.

 

[globalview2]

BigNick, it's all in the name isn't it..

Nice insult, but you won't get reprimanded because your opinion happens to agree with the mods.. You almost feel sorry for our kids, you have some nerve.

Just so you know, my son has no idea I'm on this site, so your generalizations are dead wrong again. You folks kill me with your condesending attitudes. Your world is OK so you don't want to pull back the curtain, your DS/DD has an appt or received an early LOA, you don't have any idea what we're saying, you've been having your cake and ice cream for months now, but you know how we feel or why we feel this way.

Just because your process was terrific doesn't mean that the 434? other districts is or was. Just so you know, I thought along the way that my sons was but as I'm finding out, not so much. Thats whats so infuriating.

Scout: Come on man, I don't understand the process very well. It's not that hard. You may think it's rocket science, and there may be a little of that, I probably won't fully understand it in the end, but what I know, that you are unwilling to see is that there is also a fair amount of smoke and mirrors too.
Evidence by the last handfull of posts about folks not inside admissions knowing information that most of us would never know and who knows what else that the rest of us don't Please explain to me how that happens. Oh ya if only I was a member of the "parent club" or maybe the friend of a member. Or if my son knew about SLS or if I had maybe know someone in Legion to be able to get my son in Boys State. Whats fair is fair then right? If I only knew what you knew, then we'd be even.

Fritz out

BTW Nick, it's very easy to be optimistic when your DS/DD has an appt. For what it's worth, I am extremely optimistic about my sons college and his future in general. this discussion isn't about either of those.

Let's just end the thread here, this is just bad.

 

[BillSL]

Evidence by the last handfull of posts about folks not inside admissions knowing information that most of us would never know and who knows what else that the rest of us don't Please explain to me how that happens.

I just read a lot about the process from various sources and asked questions when I had them.