My DS just received an email from one of his nomination sources asking if he was still interested in other service academies because USNA showed his status as "deferred". This is the first he has heard of this- especially since his portal states "complete pending review". Does anyone know what "deferred" means and why he was not notified?
Does anyone know what "deferred" means?
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usna1985
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Deferred means that the Admissions Board reviewed his record and did not deem him qualified nor did they reject him. Essentially, they decided they will re-review his record at a later time.
This could be or be due to any number of things. Early in the process, the Board may believe they have insufficient information on the quality of candidates this year and want to see more records before making a decision. At this point (late Nov.) that's probably not the reason, though it could be. More likely, they could be waiting for updated SATs or maybe 7th semester grades. Or there could be other reasons.
To be clear, deferral is not a rejection. The record will be re-reviewed. At that time, the candidate will be deemed qualified or rejected. If rejected, there is still a possibility of NAPS/Foundation.
As an aside, this is one of the reasons USNA typically doesn't comment on a candidate's Board status and why BGOs are told not to provide this information. A status like this exists today but could change any day. Passing on this information creates needless anxiety. But USNA can't control MOC offices. Also, for the above reason, Admissions is unlikely to discuss Board status with candidates.
This could be or be due to any number of things. Early in the process, the Board may believe they have insufficient information on the quality of candidates this year and want to see more records before making a decision. At this point (late Nov.) that's probably not the reason, though it could be. More likely, they could be waiting for updated SATs or maybe 7th semester grades. Or there could be other reasons.
To be clear, deferral is not a rejection. The record will be re-reviewed. At that time, the candidate will be deemed qualified or rejected. If rejected, there is still a possibility of NAPS/Foundation.
As an aside, this is one of the reasons USNA typically doesn't comment on a candidate's Board status and why BGOs are told not to provide this information. A status like this exists today but could change any day. Passing on this information creates needless anxiety. But USNA can't control MOC offices. Also, for the above reason, Admissions is unlikely to discuss Board status with candidates.
Thank you for the information. That makes perfect sense. Reading email from moc office just made it seem like a deferral status would be enough to cause a candidate to abandon the idea or hope of receiving an appointment. Needless to say, caused a little panic! DS did also email admissions counselor to inquire about deferral.
usna1985
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Being brutally honest, in this very competitive environment, most candidates need to win their nom slate in order to receive an appointment. Not all by any means but most. If your DS is deferred and someone else on the slate is already qualified, your DS's odds will likely be longer. Thus, I would ensure alternate Plan A/Plan B is in place. If he has new SATs, significant new ECAs/awards, etc. or terrific 7th semester grades, I suggest submitting those. A rejection could lead to NAPS/Foundation, but it's not something I would count on.
Also, if he does have interest in other SAs, it sounds like the MOC is willing to give him a nom to one of those. It's not that other SAs are "easier" but different SAs sometimes view the same candidate differently. So, if USMA, USAFA or USMMA is of interest to him (and he's applied or could still apply), that's an option. Of course USCGA is always an option as no nom is required.
Also, if he does have interest in other SAs, it sounds like the MOC is willing to give him a nom to one of those. It's not that other SAs are "easier" but different SAs sometimes view the same candidate differently. So, if USMA, USAFA or USMMA is of interest to him (and he's applied or could still apply), that's an option. Of course USCGA is always an option as no nom is required.
usna1985
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True, but any candidate who does not yet have an appointment is encouraged to submit improved SAT/ACT scores and any additional significant accomplishments that are received prior to the Jan. 31 deadline. There is never a disadvantage to improving one's application package.