Meaning of "Official Candidate"?

talligator

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2011
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Just got a little index-card-sized mail from USAFA saying they recieved my nomination and that I am now an "Official Candidate". But wasn't I already a candidate before? Does that mean I am 3Q?

Thanks.
 
All it means is that the Academy is aware that you have a nomination. Normally, the academy won't deem an applicant as a candidate until they receive a nomination. However, if they believe the applicant is competitive they may promote the applicant to a candidate before they receive a nomination - but this early candidate status would still require a nomination to receive an appointment. In your case, you were most likely deemed competitive early in your application process and became a candidate before you received your nomination. As for the 3Q, if your academic background is solid, you pass your medical exams, and your CFA is at or above mean scores then you are in good shape! :thumb:
 
All it means is that the Academy is aware that you have a nomination. Normally, the academy won't deem an applicant as a candidate until they receive a nomination. However, if they believe the applicant is competitive they may promote the applicant to a candidate before they receive a nomination - but this early candidate status would still require a nomination to receive an appointment. In your case, you were most likely deemed competitive early in your application process and became a candidate before you received your nomination. As for the 3Q, if your academic background is solid, you pass your medical exams, and your CFA is at or above mean scores then you are in good shape! :thumb:

I was promoted from applicant to candidate status when all I had turned in was my ACT scores, my "Candidate Personal Data Record," and my school transcript.
My ACT scores and transcript were good, but not outstanding.

I think everyone gets promoted to candidate status if they pass some basic checks and have a decent academic record. :rolleyes:
 
I was promoted from applicant to candidate status when all I had turned in was my ACT scores, my "Candidate Personal Data Record," and my school transcript.
My ACT scores and transcript were good, but not outstanding.

I think everyone gets promoted to candidate status if they pass some basic checks and have a decent academic record. :rolleyes:

no no, I've been a "candidate" in their website since september. That hasn't changed. But I've fully completed my application, and everything I need to have is on file and ready for review. but the mail I got recently said I was an "official candidate"
 
Yeah, I also received the same index-card mail from USAFA. In my case also, I was a Candidate or Competitive status in late July/early August maybe because they already had my stats from when I attended Summer Seminar. I think this is just sent out to everyone if you received a nomination. But there are also others who have not been qualified as a Candidate so if they do receive a nomination, they are classified as Official Candidate. This mail, in a way, just encourages you that you're on the right track to getting an appointment :thumb: Yay!
 
no no, I've been a "candidate" in their website since september. That hasn't changed. But I've fully completed my application, and everything I need to have is on file and ready for review. but the mail I got recently said I was an "official candidate"

I got that same postcard in the mail after I received my nomination. :rolleyes:

EDIT: Apparently cchung34 and I were posting at the same time. Fancy that. :smile: Yes, I do believe you aquire "official candidate" status after receiving a nomination.
 
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