I apologize in advance for this long post.
DS just noticed that DODMERB has him listed as "Qualified" as of today. Could that information not being in the packet when reviewed be cause for a deferral letter? I don't think so, but I thought that I'd ask anyway.
EA decisions are made independently of DODMERB status.
We're just trying to make sense of the actual reason for the deferral letter.
Would like to talk with someone that could help us make sense of it all. Doesn't seem like admissions officer likes to speak with parents. I'm OK with that to a certain degree, but there are questions that we'd like to ask directly.
Perhaps your son, instead of you, should speak with the Admissions Officer. They may be more inclined to speak with the candidate rather than the parent.
Is it truly a holistic approach to the application process or is there a minimum ACT score as a minimum criteria? We saw somewhere that 24 was the Mean score on the ACT. DS got a 25. His reading score held him back.
Yes it is a holistic evaluation - scholastic achievement, volunteer involvement, work history, leadership, sports, character, essay, LORs, PFE, etc.
Not sure of your source, but the median ACT reading score for the Class of 2014 was 27 (not sure of the mean score, only the median).
The deferral letter is in my opinion too vague. It would be nice if it wasn't a form letter, but more of a specific letter based on the weak points of the application. Sure it could still be a form letter, but based on the weaker areas specific to that Cadet Canidate.
I doubt that Admissions has the resources to do this. Addressing the reasons specific to each deferral could be an overwhelming task for such a small staff.
We felt (probably like most parents) that our DS application was very strong. but now he needs to take the ACT again (too late to register for the last possible testing date), send in more letters of recommendation (how many...it doesn't provide any guidance on this), and list more accomplishments and community service projects, etc. (would these additional projects be accomplished for the correct reason?)
To have his file reviewed again under Regular Admissions, he needs to update it with new scores, new transcripts, or new LORs.
I'm just now dealing with a DS that doesn't want a plan B, but will be spending his senior year trying to figure out what he may need to do, when what he wants to do is (like most other students). He was considering not playing baseball this spring to avoid injury that could cost him an appointment (he is a catcher)...but now it looks like he should play...or shouldn't he? It's a risk either way.
I've always advised those who play sports or are involved in some activity to continue to play the sport or activity that they enjoy because they enjoy it and not because it may look good (or not) on their application or they may get hurt and lose an appointment.
If I've offended anyone by asking these questions I'm truly sorry, but like I said earlier, we are just trying to figure this thing out.
Thank you to anyone who could lend additional insight into this. We are hanging in there like the dozens of other parents on this sight. It is encouraging to know that deferrals do get appointments and become successful USCG officers. We just hope our DS is one who is in the ranks with those fine officers.
Indeed, deferrals are not rejections, and until they give you a definite "no" the answer is still "maybe."
When would the Scholars program candidates be offered that appointment?
In the past, CGAS appointment have come from EA as well as RA candidates.
I believe that we saw the 24 in the last (2010 version) of the US News Top Colleges book. Perhaps that portion is a little out dated.