a golden handshake is as stated above, when a Mid or Cadet graduates but does not commission
totally agree, however it appears that some look at it that wayWow, in what alternative universe is attending USNA, graduating, and not commissioning a "golden handshake?" Putting 4 years into getting through USNA and not wanting to serve seems alien to me.
For context, a golden handshake is as stated above, when a Mid or Cadet graduates but does not commission. Normally the only reason this happens is for medical disqualifications close to the time of graduation.
Medical is usually the biggie, but there have been numerous 1C's in every Academy that are not Commissioned upon graduation for physical fitness reasons. Failure to pass the Commissioning fitness testing is also grounds for separation, and even up to graduation if the academy grants that student the maximum time to pass. Many times it is the weight standard that causes problems, if you can't meet weight standards you don't Commission.