I can't help wondering if Admissions personnel are reading these forums and if so, what they must be thinking about all of our anxiousness and speculating. I kind of imagine them laughing about how off base we are, or thinking "if they only knew . . ."
I was lucky to be able to attend BGO training in person this past summer on the Yard. A very well designed, thoughtful, complete and in depth training.
Staying in Bancroft was an added layer of experience, and having fun with fellow BGOs in training or those with many years of experience was awesome. Some grads, some active duty. Some paying it forward as parents as I am hoping to do.
I have always thought of the modern day USNA appointment office as a machine. A bunch of super computers fine tuning data and algorithms.
That may be partly true. But the lengths to which these human beings go to make sure every candidate is evaluated and considered is incredible.
The human component is there and present. For me, that makes waiting longer worth it. They do take every thing into account as they try to build the class each year.
Are there too many qualified stellar candidates? Yes.
Do I wish there were more seats at the table? Sure. Of course.
I just had my first candidate turned down. That will be a difficult conversation.
The admission staff knows you are all anxious and waiting and have hopes and dreams tied to this. They appreciate and respect that. That much was evident during BGO training.