Frankly, this is just a casual observation on my part based on 18 years as a BGO and 12 years as an Area Coordinator. In my area, at least, we had several more LOAs on the books than in past years. I think part of it may be attributed to the quality of the applicants we are attracting as well as the larger number of applicants in the past couple of years - about 4,000 more. Also, NAVY has a rep for being more deliberate in its selection for offers and that tended to work against us vs AFA and WP. I suspect that the earlier and more LOAs was a counter to that situation. Again, just conjecture on my part - take it for what it is. The best counter -- do your absolute best and keep your file up to date! Best wishes for good news.
The Waiting Thread...
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usna1985
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^^^
I personally did not see more LOAs this year. However, that clearly can vary from BGO to BGO for all sorts of reasons.
What I did see this year for the first time is a number of highly qualified candidates, more than one with an LOA, not get noms even though they applied for them. I do live in a very, very competitive geographic area but, given the qualifications of the kids with whom I work, typically only have maybe one who doesn't get a nom from any source. This year, the number is much higher. I'm very interested to see how this plays out.
USNA is always competitive and, this year, especially so. It is critical for everyone who does not have an appointment in hand (and even those who do as medical issues can always intervene) to have a Plan B.
I personally did not see more LOAs this year. However, that clearly can vary from BGO to BGO for all sorts of reasons.
What I did see this year for the first time is a number of highly qualified candidates, more than one with an LOA, not get noms even though they applied for them. I do live in a very, very competitive geographic area but, given the qualifications of the kids with whom I work, typically only have maybe one who doesn't get a nom from any source. This year, the number is much higher. I'm very interested to see how this plays out.
USNA is always competitive and, this year, especially so. It is critical for everyone who does not have an appointment in hand (and even those who do as medical issues can always intervene) to have a Plan B.
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I'm not sure where you live, but you may know the answer to this question. I live in the Austin, TX area roughly. Do you know how competitive this area is? Thank you -officer
Daughter in tough situation. Offered merit scholarship to one of her Plan B schools...deadline to accept/decline is March 1st. NAVY is her clear number one, she attends CVW Feb. 25th. and has two nominations. All "signs" for NAVY have been positive, attended NASS, called by 2 mids, academically qualified ltrs., nominations and CVW invite...but we live in the MOST competitive area...I'm sure many others are in similar situations. The wait is amplified by the stress of having to possibly pass on another opportunity.
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I think our wait is over. DoDMERB status changed to Offer Extended!
shortmom: So, what if........what if she accepts. And then gets an offer from USNA? What would the consequences be of changing her mind?
It is indeed a dilemma. We worked with Texas A&M, making sure they understood all the way that son had accepted USNA and intended to follow through. They knew he was headed to I-Day and would only show up in College Station to claim significant scholarships, etc if something catastrophic happened that prevented him from attending USNA.
Call the school, explain the situation. SA's are a bit different than all the civilian schools who do the early decision, early admission processes. SA's are required, by law, to offer appointments through the nomination process. Maybe your other school will be understanding.
I would carefully word that telephone call exploring the options....a face to face visist might be even better......
It is indeed a dilemma. We worked with Texas A&M, making sure they understood all the way that son had accepted USNA and intended to follow through. They knew he was headed to I-Day and would only show up in College Station to claim significant scholarships, etc if something catastrophic happened that prevented him from attending USNA.
Call the school, explain the situation. SA's are a bit different than all the civilian schools who do the early decision, early admission processes. SA's are required, by law, to offer appointments through the nomination process. Maybe your other school will be understanding.
I would carefully word that telephone call exploring the options....a face to face visist might be even better......
First question: is he medically qualified and passed the CFA? If so he is 3Qd and fully eligible for consideration for an appointment. Also, he is on the Qualified Alternate list which will be used to fill the holes in the Class of 2014. In the meantime, he should be updating his candidate's file at USNA with new grades, athletic awards, etc.
Best wishes to him.
Best wishes to him.
NYRower182
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What is this qualified alternates list?
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Shortmom: my son has received and accepted full rides to 2 schools, and partials to another, but once he makes his decision about his USNA appointment, he will send letters to all but one. We will keep one in our pocket until summer and then withdraw.
1964BGO - Yes, I also have question regarding "Qualified Alternate list". DS also just received a scholastically qualified letter dated Feb. 16. He is Dodmerb qualified, completed and submitted CFA end of January.
DS was just thinking at this point the letter would have been some kind of decision, but maybe more information on the Alternate list would shed some light. Thank you
parentofmen
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Curious too. My son also received one of these letters. Would love to know what the chances are at this point.
NYRower182
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Navy has a statistic on their site somewhere. About 2000 people are found 3Q'd and of that 2000, 1500 are offered an appointment.
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Hey, I'm over in MoCo also. Apparently the most competitive states are Maryland, Virginia, California, Georgia, Texas, and Florida so take that as you will. Good luck
Generally, any state with a lot of military presence will produce a lot of applicants to the SAs because they are aware of the SAs and the military lifestyle, and many of them will qualify for a Presidential nomination based upon a parent who is on active duty or retired career military.
On to the Qualified Alternates' list or pool. All of the academies have a target number of new admissions they need to reach and maintain a desired strength and produce the number of graduates they need for their service. Not all MOC's will produce qualified candidates to receive appointments for various reasons. Also, add up the nominations listed in the catalogue - do they add to 1230? Surprise! There are some discretionary slots available, and they will be filled from the Qualified Alternates pool. Guess what else... the fillers will be ranked by order of merit and pretty much receive offers accordingly. This is one big reason to focus on making yourself the most qualified candidate you can be. Hope this helps, and best wishes to you
On to the Qualified Alternates' list or pool. All of the academies have a target number of new admissions they need to reach and maintain a desired strength and produce the number of graduates they need for their service. Not all MOC's will produce qualified candidates to receive appointments for various reasons. Also, add up the nominations listed in the catalogue - do they add to 1230? Surprise! There are some discretionary slots available, and they will be filled from the Qualified Alternates pool. Guess what else... the fillers will be ranked by order of merit and pretty much receive offers accordingly. This is one big reason to focus on making yourself the most qualified candidate you can be. Hope this helps, and best wishes to you