Hahaha! Yes it is a cycle every year for candidates and also for Mids. Admissions process has honestly not changed much in several decades with the exception of social media and the portal. I think it makes a more informed candidate which is great and has really helped to reduce attrition. I am not sure it's a downside, but it can be for some. Having the constant portal access and 24/7 social media can get overwhelming and candidates freak out when they see LOAs and appointments. I always tell every candidate, there is only one thing you can control in this process... You. Don't worry about the rest of the stuff.
1. Get your app done early, but get it done right. Rushing and not having your best application is not the right answer either. You can always update scores and other itemsas they come along. It's easier to do an app now, without senior year classes started, 7 other college apps, and MOC paperwork.
2. Candidates need to own this process, not Parents. Some may disagree with me, but Candidates should be contacting their BGO, admissions and MOC offices. It's part of the learning process and ownership. Yes they are all busy, not busy enough they can't call at lunch or after class. All the paperwork should be done by them. Yes they might not know the details of their surgery at age 4, but it's a great time to sit down and review their medical history.
3. Practice your CFA over and over again. So many candidates just try certain events but not under test like conditions. Do it as you would an actual test with someone counting. Your body needs to learn how it will perform under those conditions. Also don't wait until the day before... Every year we hear... I got sick, it rained, I was in football shape. No excuses. If you start now, there is no reason you can't have it done before school starts.
4. You are not the exception to the rule. Part of the application process is filling it out as required. If you have a question ask your BGO. They also have lives, jobs, etc. Dont panic if they don't reply in 15 minutes. If they don't response in a few days, follow up. This is part of the learning process for a candidate to learn how to be professional.
5. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Even for that candidate who got an LOA they still need to complete DODMERB and get a Nom. It's not over yet. They might need a remedial. Heck they might decide Notre Dame is a better for for them.
4. This will not be the first time to you hurry up and wait in the military. It will become a common occurence in life. This is the first of many long waits... waiting for Plebe Year to end, summer training assignment, 1/C leadership billets, service assignment, ship assignments and School dates, graduation! Then comes what plane did I get? What unit am I going to? Did I get selected for school? What is my next unit/assignment? Did I get that next gig I really wanted so we don't have to move again! Did I get selected for promotion, command, another school, etc. it's never ending in the military. I always say its part of the learning process to hurry up and wait and gain patience.
Good luck to 2020 as they head off to I Day shortly. Go and relax with family and friends. Stay in shape, but don't hurt yourself. Don't do anything stupid either. Go have 1 more slice of pizza with your family and go see 1 more movie with your friends. Oh and sleep a lot and enjoy your sheets (you will understand this in about a month). And good luck to 2021 who is now starting the journey. Enjoy the journey, it's a long one that pushes you and will grow you.