Can somebody explain to me how someone can say they have "committed" to USMA for a particular sport if they are only a Junior in High School and it is only November 1?
I have been following this forum for a long time, particularly the admissions process/timeline etc. I am not seeing how it really means anything to "commit" to a service academy for a sport at this point in the process. Or, is it just saying I am "committing" to your program assuming I can jump through all of the other hoops and actually get in?
Thanks.
I believe you are referring to the non-binding verbal commitment used by colleges and athletes.
The "commitment" to USMA and by USMA works the same as any other college. It signifies the intent by both parties that the student will
probably attend the school and that the school will
probably accept the student. A student/athlete can de-commit if a better offer comes along. The coach can de-commit if a better athlete comes along or the coach's evaluation of the athlete changes.
Admissions departments will normally give an initial read on the file to determine if the athlete is in an acceptable range before the coach can make a commitment, but each college establishes its own procedures. Therefore, it is very unlikely that the athlete will be rejected as long as the coach maintains his support. A
qualified candidate/athlete for a service academy that has the endorsement of a varsity coach will almost certainly receive an appointment. The difference with a service academy is that there are many things that can disqualify an applicant besides academics, so the likelihood of an appointment is slightly lower than at a regular college.
For example, College Hockey Inc lists all Division I hockey commitments. USAF and USMA both list current commitments for the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 years, although none of those candidates has an appointment yet. But, as long as they are qualified and keep their games up, they will receive appointments.
