USNA Candidates Class of 2023

I received the candidate status email as well, but when I click the link for my eportal, it says my connection is not private. Anyone else??
 
I cannot stress enough that at this stage of the process, most of your questions can be answered OFFICIALLY at USNA.edu.
Open every drop-down menu and read, read, read. Click on every yellow LEARN MORE box.

The Admins and Mods here will do their level best at making sure that the answers you receive to questions here are accurate, but be advised that some answers or advice will be from a decidedly narrow vantage point.
What I mean by that is that most members will be more than happy to share how they got through whatever you just asked a question about, but their case may be specific only to them.

What was approved or waivered last year can have very little bearing on what will happen this year (and by "year", I mean the 11-month cycle which started yesterday and may not end until April 15th next year with Offers of Appointments, or Thin White Envelopes stating "better luck next time" or words to that effect).

The application process takes time. There are no awards for getting your application in ahead of everyone else, and your application will mean very little without a nomination. All Members of Congress (MOC) have different dates at which they open up their nomination application process (sometime in the Summer), and those nominations aren't typically handed out until November or December.

So take a deep breath. There is plenty of time to get all the items of the application done. Keep at it, and continue to chip away at the stuff you can do yourself, while you wait for your end-of-year academic transcript to be sent to USNA. (among other things out of your direct control).

Oh yes - if you haven't started already - you should run. One thing you will do a lot of in the military, is run.
@Capt MJ will help me out here. :)
 
My standard advice for those at the start of this journey:



The application process in itself is a test of YOUR perseverance, attention to detail, planning and execution skills. The traits of initiative and self-sufficiency are much valued in future junior officers. If you own the process, do the work, and are responsible for it, then you will understand more about the decision and be well-placed to make the right choices along the way.

If you haven’t already, read every page, drop down and link on USNA.edu. Take notes, build a timeline and plan of action and milestones (Navy term: “POAM”). Most answers are there.

Primary sources are your best route to current and accurate information. Put the time into your own research. This forum is an anonymous internet community where unofficial opinions, perspectives and experiences (and some good sea stories) are shared among generally kind posters.

Go to your elected representatives’ websites, research their SA process. Attend SA info nights.

Research other SAs and Services to figure out whether they are in play for you, so you can make informed choices.

Build parallel Plans B, Plan C, Plan D, or whatever meets your comfort level. Research NROTC. Research the senior military colleges (SMC), many of which have NROTC. Have a candid talk with your parents about money and what’s available for you if you end up going to civilian college.
https://m.goarmy.com/rotc/courses-and-colleges/military-colleges.m.html

There are things you can do this spring, giving teachers heads-up on what you’ll be asking them to do, getting their contact info so you can reach them over the summer.

Here on SAF, review the Acronym List over in Community Information. Read the Stickies at the top of the Nominations forum. Use the Search function with search strings “chances” and “stats” to get a feel for what other candidates bring to the table. Browse the USNA and ROTC forums.

Have a plan for summer - if NASS is out, Boys/Girls State, or other activities that show continued growth.

If you are currently taking meds for any ADHD or have an IEP, and certain other conditions, be aware there are “stopped taking medication no later than, diagnosed later than” dates. Browse the DODMERB forum here on SAF.

You family can help, especially when it comes to medical records and medical history, and support you as needed.

Take the time to look past USNA and be absolutely sure there are Navy or Marine Corps Officer career paths that appeal to you, and that you are prepared to do for at least 5 years after graduation. That’s the entire point of this - choosing a path where you can serve honorably and well as a junior officer for a specified time. After that, you can decide whether the mutual fit will take you to a full career of 20+ years. There is no way of knowing that now. “Life is what happens to you while you’re making other plans.” (often attributed to John Lennon of The Beatles but also earlier to others)

Continue to enjoy HS life and don’t do anything bone-headed that can derail your dreams. Check in with yourself along the way to make sure this is what YOU want, both for college and the period of obligated service.
 
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All perfectly said by Capt MJ.

I would like to add some tips and advice....perseverance is key, and identifying several back-up plans that you genuinely believe in is absolutely crucial. Only a small percentage will receive appointments, and it is important (and healthy) to completely grasp this now. Another important piece of advice...if your results from your eye/med exams are not accurate or you have a med condition, which results in a medical DQ, do not give up. There is a process in place with DoDMERB for second opinions and waivers (however, some conditions are non-waiverable.) Lastly, enjoy your senior year in high school. The application process can literally take over your life and impact the home environment, so enjoy the journey and get as much accomplished early on.

Best of luck!
 
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While it is fine for applicants to be excited about the process, recognize this is more of a marathon than a sprint. Candidates will need to be 3Q with a NOM to be in the RUNNING for an appointment. Virtually every question you are likely to have has already been discussed (probably MANY times) on here in the past. Take the initiative to search older threads rather then post a new thread each time you think of a question.

As mentioned above, the official USNA website should be your first source of current/accurate information. What may have been true last year or 5 years ago may no longer apply. Each MOC runs their own NOM process, so good to also thoroughly review their website as well. Part of the application process is attention to detail. If you miss the MOC application deadline (for example), you will NOT be eligible for one of their NOM's.

Applicants and their parents should plan to visit any college being seriously considered. Also work your Plan B since far more apply to SA's then will eventually get appointments.
 
I got my candidate package about a week ago and I'm so excited! I'm looking to connect with other candidates for the class of 2023, so we can support each other during the admissions process.
 
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