Why has my application not yet been reviewed by the board?

[HeyClaire]

The problem with the early LOAs is that it contradicts everything that one reads or is told about the USNA admissions process. It is understood that the Review Board doesn't start the admission process until the beginning of September (although my son's BGO told us that the Board would start to meet once a week beginning in mid-August). Everyone just assumes that LOAs won't be handed out until AFTER the Review Board starts the process because that is what has been implied in the information - so when news of early LOAs (July/August) is disclosed, everyone is "startled" because they weren't expecting to hear anything until after the Board meets beginning in September.

This news then becomes frustrating because most parents(and candidates) believe that their student is worthy and deserves to receive an LOA. When the question is asked "Why did that particular candidate receive an LOA?", it is usually answered with responses such as "The USNA thinks that he is a outstanding candidate based on his strong application and they want to express their interest in him before other academies or colleges garner his interest." Well, there are many candidates who have strong applications and are in the top 5% of their class with strong leadership qualities, etc... who won't be receiving LOAs so it just makes the parent (or the candidate himself) ask the question - "What makes that candidate who has already received an LOA better than me? What is the difference between him and me? I could be just as good (or better) than that student so why haven't I also received an LOA?"

Even though it is still very early in the Admissions process, news of early LOAs make other prospective candidates nervous because they begin to question their own credentials in qualifying for the Academy. One just shouldn't describe the candidates who have already received LOAs as "stellar" or "outstanding" (as was written on another board) because there are many, many "stellar" and "outstanding" candidates who won't receive LOAs.

In regards to BGOs - It appears that if you have a very interested and hard working BGO and/or Regional Director then it can work towards your advantage (as was the case with Marciemi's son - Congrats!) My son's BGO's interviewing skills were not that impressive. (He spent 30+ years in the military and his son also had a military career). He just asked questions from a checklist that he kept referring to and he spent 5 minutes talking to my son about NAPS - and my son would never be a candidate for NAPS as he is in the top 2-3% of his class. That discussion was a waste of time. This man has been a BGO for a very long time but when he left, we all questioned what he would write in his interview as he never once asked my son any type of personal, "getting to know you" questions. He wanted my husband and I to stay for the entire interview so he never had any one-on-one time with my son. And we weren't going to excuse ourselves as our presense was requested by him. My son felt a bit "aprehensive" after the interview but we reminded him that the BGO stated that since he attended NASS and that the Academy already had a file on him with his NASS leader's evaluation in it, that the BGO's interview was deemed not as important as compared to an interview with a candidate who did not attend NASS. (Just stating what our BGO told us - his words, not mine!).

 

[Mom1315]

Officer Visit

Has anyone here ever had an Officer visit their home from the Academy? Not a Blue Gold Officer, but an enlisted Officer from the Academy?

Last year our son received a visit at home from an Ensign from the Admissions office.
She had just graduated from USNA and was temporarily assigned to the Admissions office. She was assigned a region of applicants and was very industrious. She traveled to our home (about 1.5 hours from the Academy) and spoke with our son for about 3 hours. She explained that she had been tasked with getting a better profile of candidates and would be adding her observations to his application. This was news to most on this forum. It is by no means the norm, we decided she was just someone who had the time while on Temp. duty and did a great job.
Our son received an LOA in November after a phone interview with his Regional Director (admissions officer assigned to him) who was not the same person who came to the house but a Lt. on staff at the Academy. He received his appointment in February after the nomination process was over.
All the best to all candidates here. I know how hard it is to be patient, but stay on this board, read everything you can on here, don't get overwhelmed. Moms and Dads, enjoy the last months of your son or daughter's High School years. Stalk that mailman (can't tell you not to . Candidates! Be patient and concentrate on school work and fun!!!

 

[usna1985]

Back when I was applying for the Naval Academy in 1975 - I don't recall corresponding with any Blue & Gold Officer. There was no interview requirement with a Blue & Gold Officer in those days. If I had a Blue & Gold Officer, I had no idea who he was. Nor was I, at every turn, instructed to "ask your Blue & Gold Officer."

Also, back then, Blue & Gold Officers were mostly (if not all) academy graduates. Nowadays, some are mothers who never even served in the military. I'm sure they've had the requisite training - and that's great. But it's a big difference I've noticed.

I did not get the impression that the Blue & Gold Officer for my sons knew any more about the admissions process, or life at the academy, than I did.

It just seems that not all Blue & Gold Officers are equal. Some seem to be much more "in the loop" and knowledgeable than others.

But then again - we had an attrition rate that came very close to 30% in those days. So, perhaps today's system is better.

Six years behind you, I had a BGO but only met him once -- for the requisite interview. The introduction of BGOs may have been a result of increasing numbers of applicants -- don't know.

You're right that some BGOs aren't grads and some are old grads (myself included). If USNA could do it, they'd use only recent grads as BGOs. However, most of those folks are active duty or otherwise really involved in career and/or family and don't have the time to commit. So they take what they can get.

It's also true that some BGOs are "better" than others in terms of knowledge and commitment. We are all supposed to get training once every five years; ideally it would all be one week at USNA. However, USNA can't afford to send all 3000 odd BGOs to that training and many of these folks can't afford to take off a full week. So, they get the one-day "Readers' Digest" version -- better than nothing but not really good enough.

It's unfortunate that some folks don't have the services of a good BGO. It truly is. Forums like this can help but are not a substitute for the real thing.

Finally, I would not attribute the lowering attrition rate to BGOs. I think there are many reasons for it; BGOs may be one of them but, in my view at least, not a major one.

 

[ENSmom]

My information was contained in a news report on the Superintendent's address to the Board of Visitors.

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/top/2009/09/15-25/Academy-stressing-military-training.html

I think that applicants might find the message very interesting.
EM

 

[Memphis9489]

The problem with the early LOAs is that it contradicts everything that one reads or is told about the USNA admissions process. It is understood that the Review Board doesn't start the admission process until the beginning of September (although my son's BGO told us that the Board would start to meet once a week beginning in mid-August). Everyone just assumes that LOAs won't be handed out until AFTER the Review Board starts the process because that is what has been implied in the information - so when news of early LOAs (July/August) is disclosed, everyone is "startled" because they weren't expecting to hear anything until after the Board meets beginning in September.

This news then becomes frustrating because most parents(and candidates) believe that their student is worthy and deserves to receive an LOA. When the question is asked "Why did that particular candidate receive an LOA?", it is usually answered with responses such as "The USNA thinks that he is a outstanding candidate based on his strong application and they want to express their interest in him before other academies or colleges garner his interest." Well, there are many candidates who have strong applications and are in the top 5% of their class with strong leadership qualities, etc... who won't be receiving LOAs so it just makes the parent (or the candidate himself) ask the question - "What makes that candidate who has already received an LOA better than me? What is the difference between him and me? I could be just as good (or better) than that student so why haven't I also received an LOA?"

Even though it is still very early in the Admissions process, news of early LOAs make other prospective candidates nervous because they begin to question their own credentials in qualifying for the Academy. One just shouldn't describe the candidates who have already received LOAs as "stellar" or "outstanding" (as was written on another board) because there are many, many "stellar" and "outstanding" candidates who won't receive LOAs.

In regards to BGOs - It appears that if you have a very interested and hard working BGO and/or Regional Director then it can work towards your advantage (as was the case with Marciemi's son - Congrats!) My son's BGO's interviewing skills were not that impressive. (He spent 30+ years in the military and his son also had a military career). He just asked questions from a checklist that he kept referring to and he spent 5 minutes talking to my son about NAPS - and my son would never be a candidate for NAPS as he is in the top 2-3% of his class. That discussion was a waste of time. This man has been a BGO for a very long time but when he left, we all questioned what he would write in his interview as he never once asked my son any type of personal, "getting to know you" questions. He wanted my husband and I to stay for the entire interview so he never had any one-on-one time with my son. And we weren't going to excuse ourselves as our presense was requested by him. My son felt a bit "aprehensive" after the interview but we reminded him that the BGO stated that since he attended NASS and that the Academy already had a file on him with his NASS leader's evaluation in it, that the BGO's interview was deemed not as important as compared to an interview with a candidate who did not attend NASS. (Just stating what our BGO told us - his words, not mine!).

I agree, the news of early LOAs can be very disconcerting for many candidates. It would be much better if the admissions catalog just came right and said that LOAs can be issued at ANY TIME.

But it sounds to me that what is really happening is that people are actually just being TOLD that they are going to get an LOA.

Your story about the B&G interview was interesting. I think everybody has a different experience.

My wife and I met the Blue & Gold Officer (who we already knew) and said, "We're going to get some ice cream. You can let yourself out whenever you're done." And we left. My sons (twins) called me when it was over.

As an academy grad myself, I knew my sons were going to be subjected to the standard question, "Is this YOUR idea to attend or your PARENT'S idea?" I wanted to make sure I was nowhere to be seen if this issue came up because I wanted my sons to answer freely and I wanted the B&G officer to realize that they were answering freely.

They both got in so we don't even talk about this stuff any more. The admission process becomes such a dim memory and seems so unimportant once you actually get to the academy.

 

[Memphis9489]

Finally, I would not attribute the lowering attrition rate to BGOs. I think there are many reasons for it; BGOs may be one of them but, in my view at least, not a major one.

I had one B&G Officer (who was a grad) explain to me that he thought the dramatic drop in attrition had a lot to with the information network out there - not the least of which is the internet.

To quote him, "These kids know so much more about what they're getting into than we did." And he's right!

Heck, you can go on YouTube and watch somebody give a chowcall. I didn't even know what a chowcall was until I got there. I know they're just clowning around but, nonetheless:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMODjGQhhuE

If many of you didn't know, the Class of 2013, who just finished Plebe Summer - had the lowest Plebe Summer attrition in the history of the academy. Only 15 quit!

But I have a theory about that and tease my sons about it all the time. (That's half the fun of being a grad and having sons there!)

This past summer was one of the most moderate summers (temperature-wise) in Annapolis history. In fact, I don't think it got about 90-degrees until the Sunday of Plebe Parent's Weekend, when the training was nearly complete. In fact, for the most part, throughout the summer, the high's were in the mid-to-low 80's. During the nights, it frequently got down into the 60's. Plus, the humidity was extremely low.

It wasn't Plebe Summer at all ... it was Plebe SPRING!

Now, you might be asking: What does that have to with attrition?

The debilitating heat & humidity, historically, is part of the Plebe Summer experience. We didn't even have air-conditioning back in my days. Our sweat was even sweating. Nor did we carry around canteens everywhere we went like it was some kind of Teddy Bear. We weren't even issued canteens. If you were thirsty, that was just too bad.

Plebe Summer can be challenging enough, but that kind of exposure to the heat can drain your body and it chisels away at your psyche. If you are inclined to throw in the towel, the weather could very well be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Plus, we had no cellphones. I know the Plebes only get three calls during the Summer - but those are HUGE to their morale.

In the past, the calls have been very short - I've heard as short as 5 minutes. This year they were 30 minutes or more! It was a logistic nightmare at my house since we had twins. We had to use the 3-way call feature of our phones. Hell, we ran out of things to say and I suggested they call some of their friends. So they did!

Then the academic year starts and you can essentially communicate with them every day via cellphone, texting, email, Facebook ... etc.

In short, in years past, we were hot and we were lonely & cutoff. I think those two things are making the difference in lowering the attrition.

That's just a theory on my part.

As Dennis Miller always concludes ... "I could be wrong."

 

[marciemi]

But it sounds to me that what is really happening is that people are actually just being TOLD that they are going to get an LOA.

I agree that seems to be the case in July and August, and then the LOA's are actually sent in early September. However, my son's B&G officer and Congressman had been notified about it back in mid-August when he contacted them, so it must not just have been a rumor or anything. I don't know if they were called, emailed, or had something actually sent to them.

From the kids my son knows who received LOA's from WP (all of whom received them before they had even officially started an applicaton - just from their SLS applications), it sounds like they were sent an email notifying them that if everything was as "represented", then they'd be offered an LOA. So those pre-LOA's were based on just what the candidates themselves reported - no official SAT scores, no official transcript, etc. But I know some of those kids received the real, hard copy, LOA in August once they provided everything requested. So again it sounds like a way to entice the kids over to their academy (or make them think about it) before the official process even begins.

 

[Memphis9489]

From the kids my son knows who received LOA's from WP (all of whom received them before they had even officially started an applicaton - just from their SLS applications), it sounds like they were sent an email notifying them that if everything was as "represented", then they'd be offered an LOA. So those pre-LOA's were based on just what the candidates themselves reported - no official SAT scores, no official transcript, etc. But I know some of those kids received the real, hard copy, LOA in August once they provided everything requested. So again it sounds like a way to entice the kids over to their academy (or make them think about it) before the official process even begins.

I have heard the West Point has a different system for LOAs. They are more numerous and issued much sooner. So, I have no doubt that what you are saying about the USMA LOAs is true.

 

[Just_A_Mom]

The "mystique" of the West Point LOA.
West Point does get a jump on the admissions process for very highly qualified candidates. The first LOA's target those who attend SLS. West Point advertises SLS as a Summer program for "highly talented" rising seniors. Admission is extrememly competitive and the program is much smaller than the Navy program NASS.
In order to be accepted to SLS you are already targeted as "scholastically qualified".
While the "Official" academy application is not yet completed, it doesn't have to be since West Point already knows enough about these top candidates to offer them admission.
Remember the SLS application is the preliminary application. When a candidate attends SLS they are interviewed and take the CFA. West Point also requires 6th semester transcripts to be sent before offering the LOA.
Trust me - if any self-reported information is falsely reported the LOA will be withdrawn. The Candidate still needs to complete the remainder of the application which is basically just the recommendations and the essay. Any irregularities may force the LOA to be withdrawn.
West Point may issue more LOA's only because they issue them early and some change their mind and do not complete the process - this is why West Point puts a timetable on completion for their LOA. If a candidate is not interest after the offer is made, Admissions will move on. It's all done by order of merit. If the top candidate backs out they just keep moving down the list. It's all part of the strategy to admit a class with a good combination of scholars, leaders and athletes.

Not getting an LOA: This means NOTHING!!! I understand how disconcerting it can be for parents who read about others who have LOA's when their child hasn't received one. Your kids are now small fish in a very big sea. The admissions process goes on through the spring and it's only September.
The important thing is to make your file look the best it can. Keep updating it. One drawback for early completion is that kids forget to update it - anything significant should be sent to admissions. Send your 7th semester grades and keep taking the SAT/ACT through the fall and winter. Kids have had positive admissions decisions based on January scores!!
If you have a question about your file - call admissions! Find a reason to touch base with your admissions counselor. I see kids and parents post questions on here and they should really be talking to admissions. Don't be afraid to make that phone call and chat. They are not scary people! If you can't get answers through your BGO, ALO or MALO then call Admissions!
Visit the academy! Schedule a visit through admissions - show the love!
These are proactive steps you can take to increase your chances while you are waitng for the next 6 months or so for the decision.

 

[SCMOMof4]

Home visit

There was a question in this thread about someone from the academy visiting their home. My son had such a visit last week. When the admissions rep (she was an officer) called she said she just "wanted to get to know" my son. We had not heard of such a visit, but figured they noticed that our son was a bit slow in his application process. She told him during the visit he had been "flagged" and wanted to encourage him to complete his application. Not sure what that really means, other than he had an 800 Math SAT and 750 Reading SAT. He remains highly motivated (he loved the summer seminar) but did not finish everything before school started. Also, he realized he should consider other "civilian" options (just in case), so he has been a little distracted by that. He has is getting tons of mail from top tier schools (Harvard, Yale, etc.). He is not really interested, but knows he should have other options.
I know this is long. Please advise.

 

[Mom1315]

There was a question in this thread about someone from the academy visiting their home. My son had such a visit last week. When the admissions rep (she was an officer) called she said she just "wanted to get to know" my son. We had not heard of such a visit, but figured they noticed that our son was a bit slow in his application process. She told him during the visit he had been "flagged" and wanted to encourage him to complete his application. Not sure what that really means, other than he had an 800 Math SAT and 750 Reading SAT. He remains highly motivated (he loved the summer seminar) but did not finish everything before school started. Also, he realized he should consider other "civilian" options (just in case), so he has been a little distracted by that. He has is getting tons of mail from top tier schools (Harvard, Yale, etc.). He is not really interested, but knows he should have other options.
I know this is long. Please advise.

Hi, just a short note. Definitely look into the civilian options, and also the NROTC and/or other academies. This is just what my son did a year ago. It was an arduous application season, between the civilian school applications (3) the NROTC possible schools (5), the service academy applications (3) he made his HS counselors crazy with the requests for transcripts and letters. He did get that well organized and asked for most of them in groups (as listed above). He did also get the visit from the Academy wanting to "know him better" he was told something very similar to your son. He is currently a Plebe at USNA and doing well, happy with the choice he made. USNA was always his first choice, but ultimately he just wanted to serve, so he would have gone to any of the others or NROTC if USNA had not come through. I hope this helps and good luck!!!

 

[Telur]

Home Visit

There was a question in this thread about someone from the academy visiting their home. My son had such a visit last week. When the admissions rep (she was an officer) called she said she just "wanted to get to know" my son. We had not heard of such a visit, but figured they noticed that our son was a bit slow in his application process. She told him during the visit he had been "flagged" and wanted to encourage him to complete his application. Not sure what that really means, other than he had an 800 Math SAT and 750 Reading SAT. He remains highly motivated (he loved the summer seminar) but did not finish everything before school started. Also, he realized he should consider other "civilian" options (just in case), so he has been a little distracted by that. He has is getting tons of mail from top tier schools (Harvard, Yale, etc.). He is not really interested, but knows he should have other options.
I know this is long. Please advise.

I too had a meeting from an admisssions rep, and was also left very confused as to what had happened.

It's part of the Academy's Outreach program. I was able to talk to the director of the program, Davede Alexander, and he said it was a way of making sure the Academy has the candidates they want to not to lost interest during the application stage, finish their application and apply.

 

[WBK]

I had a similar interview, believe the title was "Field Diversity Officer" or something like that. I believe that it does go into your application file, as she mentioned something about doing a write-up on me. So, it is at least somewhat important.

 

[kay]

Hi...Yes, we had a similar visit, nice young man, just graduated from the Academy in May, 09'...Spent 2 hours with my son , my husband and I, had no suggestions re- my son being more completitive for the Appointment process... very fun, informative, casual meeting...his app was comlete except the Blue Gold Officer meeting and his English eacher eval(she had a difficult time logging into the address they sent her) now alll is complete...our son is a 4.o GPA, will graduate 1st in his class, President of the National Honor Society for his school, spanish club vice prsident, math tutor, Altar server at our church, Big Brother with "The Big Brother, Big Sister program" in our area, captain of the Golf team, Captain of the Academic Prep Bowl team...TONS of academic and community service...in fact the officer here said he had 4 pages of info on most kids and 9 pages on our son...We feel he has a good chance at an poointment, but we are just hoping his app doesn't get misplaced in all of the apps they have recieved. We are going nutts waiting!!

 

[kay]

sorry for all the type errors...I was typing a bit fast...OPPPS!!!

 

[mmb5]

Will Board look at file without CFA?

Will the Admissions Board review a file before the CFA score is submitted, or does that have to be in? I read different things --that it's part of the consideration, but also that LOAs are issued with condition of passing.

 

[marciemi]

I know for AF they have to have the CFA in. For WP they definitely don't. Navy seems to be the "who knows?" one! I do know that for my son, back in July he was trying to get his CFA and one form from his principal in. Once he submitted this information, he was called about his LOA just a couple hours later, so it seems like they were holding off on him completing his application.

I will say that on the LOA itself, my son's only has checked the Nomination box, as what he has outstanding in order to get an appointment. But there is a whole section under Candidate Record, and CFA is one of the choices that they could check to issue to LOA and make it dependent on that. So I'd say it's definitely possible, but don't know if they actually ever do that.

 

[Apamerica]

Yes. My son received a call about a a visit by an admissions officer. He hadn't even met with his BOG. It was mostly an informational meeting and took place in early August.