Advantages to Early Filing

usna1234

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Apr 25, 2018
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What are the advantages to submitting your complete application in August vs October/November? I have read constantly that many people have already submitted their applications or are waiting on one last piece. I’m curious to know if early filing would give a huge advantage in the selection process. Or would it be better to take another month to train for the CFA, take a couple more weeks to double and triple check your essays, etc. I’ve heard the admissions board won’t start looking at files until the October time frame. Let me know your thought...
 
There is no magic eight ball for the admissions process. I'm sure you've read that or something similar many times on this board. If you are confident you're submitting your best self, go for it. My now Youngster filed mid-August and was happy it was complete and just patiently (NOT) waited for his nominations. Good luck!
 
Critical path runs through MOC nomination process and DoDMERB. There is debatable advantage to completing SA application by September, the one thing that stands out is getting an earlier DoDMERB exam invite which leaves more time for remedials and waivers if needed.

DS didn't do CFA until football was over in late Oct; everything went fine but we were scrambling around Xmas to send in remedial results for final DoDMERB OK.

IMHO get CFA done early, send in SAT/ACT and transcript, focus on nomination applications and interview prep, finish details of SA application as you go.
 
Agree with above. Don't submit early just to be early, however, submit the best application you can possibly submit as early as possible. Besides getting the DoDMERB process kicked off, having it out of the way allows more focus for backup plans B, C, D,E, F, and G.
 
Something we are finding out is it can be very difficult to get teachers and guidance counselor over summer break. DS got evaluations from all three before school let out but guidance counselor is not responding to emails or phone calls (or returning voicemails). Her attention to verifying DS’s Candidate activities record has been languishing for over a month. DS looked up her home address and broke the 4th plane by writing her a snail mail letter asking her to look at her email (nicely).
 
Something we are finding out is it can be very difficult to get teachers and guidance counselor over summer break. DS got evaluations from all three before school let out but guidance counselor is not responding to emails or phone calls (or returning voicemails). Her attention to verifying DS’s Candidate activities record has been languishing for over a month. DS looked up her home address and broke the 4th plane by writing her a snail mail letter asking her to look at her email (nicely).

My DD’s counselor is sort of the same way in that he’s off for the summer.

The only difference is he’s very responsive.

He says that he can go into the school to get the stuff knocked out (his input is needed for USNA and USAFA apps so far) if there’s an absolute need. Otherwise, he says he can do it when school gets back in session.

My DD decided it’s not an emergency or critical, so she told the counselor it can wait until school gets back in the middle of August.

The only sticking point was trying to get enough requirements done with the USNA to trigger the DODMERB exam. DD wanted to do that before school starts. She was trying to get all her USNA requirements done, less the stuff only the counselor can do, to trigger DODMERB.

Fortunately, the USAFA app came up and it said if she did 3 out of 6 (or maybe 7) requirements, then the DODMERB exam would be triggered.

Had my DD known the counselor wouldn’t be readily available during the summer, she would have gotten more requirements from him done before school let out. By the time school let out in late May, only the USNA app was available. USAFA app didn’t open for her until 4 July.

Teachers have been wonderful. DD asked some of them for LORs for noms from MOCs. The teachers dropped off the LORs at the school and DD just picked them up. I thought that was nice of them to do.
 
For this latest class (2022), the first one to post an accepted Offer of Appointment here was;

TechFlier7/self/LOA/September 18th/ Accepted/Presidential Nomination/Direct Appoint/State of California
 
There are alot of posts here on topic... getting it in early shows interest and motivation, and gets it out of the way. That being said, its not a race and chances of admission probably don't materially change -- you are who you are, regardless of when submitted. In other words, a weak applicant is not going to get a leg up if submitted early, and a stellar applicant isn't going to be denied because he/she completed the application in October. Just a few years ago, I had an applicant who didn't even submit his initial application to USNA until December (after he received a Nomination), and completed his application at or near the deadline, get an Appointment.

One thing to keep in mind --unless you happen to get get an LOA (and I hesitate to even raise the spectre of LOA, as that is a special circumstance that gets too much focus on this Forum), Candidate will likely be waiting until February/March to hear anything. Despite characterization as "rolling admissions" -- the Admissions Board starts meeting in September, but once the Admissions Board determines you are "Qualified" , Noms and Appointments really can't get to work on filling the class until all Nominations are in, and every application from a particular congressional district has been reviewed.

Bottom line -- show initiative, get it done, but be prepared to wait.
 
Agree with the above posts. Rushing to get your application in early has nothing to do with increasing your chance of an appointment. You aren't standing in line for a sold-out concert and things like applying for MOC NOM's are on their deadline over which you have no control. Work toward completing items in a timely manner so you don't have to rush at the last minute (i.e. DODMERB & CFA, etc.). You CAN run OUT of time for things like DODMERB remedials, so you do need to keep the process moving. You can also update your application as you go in the event you have additional accomplishments to report.

Too many on here obsess over the day/time/frequency that admissions meets and that is also another of those factors you can't control and shouldn't focus on.
 
Critical path runs through MOC nomination process and DoDMERB. There is debatable advantage to completing SA application by September, the one thing that stands out is getting an earlier DoDMERB exam invite which leaves more time for remedials and waivers if needed.

DS didn't do CFA until football was over in late Oct; everything went fine but we were scrambling around Xmas to send in remedial results for final DoDMERB OK.

IMHO get CFA done early, send in SAT/ACT and transcript, focus on nomination applications and interview prep, finish details of SA application as you go.

I am curious about DODMERB issues and the need for waivers. Were you and others that have had DODMERB issues aware of them before the medical exam or are there a number of DODMERB medical exam specifics that result in candidates requiring waivers? I ask in that we are not aware of any medical issues with DS other than fracturing his wrist twice at 13 and 15 years old and I was just curious if new medical items popped up or just documentation of already known medical conditions. Thanks.
 
There is another area of this Forum dedicated to DODMERB and waivers. The answer is across the board, of course eveyone knows about broken bones and surgeries. On the other hand, the DODMERB regs are very detailed, and cover things that many people might not give a a whole lot of thought about (for example eczema) . If you want to be aware, I'd suspect their is a link to the DODMERB regs somewhere on the site. On the other hand, I suspect that reading the regs will cause alot of unnecessary angst -- just attend the DODMERB exam, answer the screen truthfully but without self-diagnosis., and if a waiver is required, deal with it then. Keep in mind, the DODMERB process is not designed to keep people out of the Service, but there is a reason (good or otherwise) for each of the criteria.
 
Could be anything known or unknown beforehand.

SA admissions rep drilled this point in seminar - the one thing he cannot control. Leave time for any waivers if needed - no waiver no appointment and time can run out on you.
 
Here’s what my current Plebe/MIDN 2022 did for his USNA Apps. There's a lot of advantage applying early. Most of all, you can better time manage and pace the stress, have enough time to respond, and better able to deal with many deadlines. I am sharing my DS experience. We were very content with all his Apps to the Academies and Colleges. It is as detail as I can remember. As you can see, it took 1.5 years for the USNA Plebe Journey from start of Application to Reporting on I-Day: you need patience, energy, motivation, determination, qualifications, completion - earlier the better, and a continuing desire to be a Plebe at the United States Naval Academy. I am now finding time to assure other Plebe Parents on facebook to stay positive and encouraged as they hear from their Plebes with mixed ups and downs of emotions during the Plebe Summer. It is a challenging time for both parents and Plebes.

Once there, you will either thrive, cry, struggle, suffer, hate, or quit. Most will endure and complete and join the Brigade following the Reform after PPW.

I am happy to report that my Plebe is thriving and absolutely enjoying everything as a Summer Plebe at the Academy including things that will suck during Plebe Summer because he sees it as temporary and as a journey to get him ready and to earn his place in the Brigade in August. He’s made many friends and reconnected with friends from his hometown and those he met at West Point SLE and USAFASS. He absolutely enjoys Sailing and plans taking the family on sailing during PPW. He's now trying out Varsity Rowing-Crew. He was also invited to Varsity Pistol. It is his first time in Rowing but he really enjoys it. In Spring, he was invited by the Rowing Coach to join the Crew this Summer. In middle school - high school he did Varsity Swim, XC, Mixed Martial Arts, and Marksmanship.

A detail break down is provided for those who are actively competing for the Class of 2023. DS process was almost identical to other SAs with some similarities applying to ROTC Scholarships.

DS’ USNA JOURNEY Jan 2017 - Present:

Jan 30, 2017 - USNA Apps Open for NASS. Completed Part 1 of the Application.

April 2017 - Latest Scores on ACT sent to USNA

June 1 - Faculty, Guidance Report, Other References (Total 14) Completed and Ready for Submission. Informed the school to send type of references as requested by Colleges.

July 16 - Started Part 2 USNA App

July 30 - Completed USNA Apps

Aug 3 - BGO Interview

Aug 10 - BGO Interview Submitted

Aug 11 - CFA Submitted (Accepted)

Aug 14 - DODMERB Triggered

Aug 16 Contacted by Admissions with a Congratulations from Regional Commander for completing the Apps and got invited to CVW

Sep 7 - School sends all relevant references, Senior Classes, latest transcripts, confirms Student activities as truly stated

Sep - College Board Subject Tests Sent to USNA and other Academies and Colleges

Sep 29 - Received an LOA from USNA via email and Status on Portal changed to LOA - Conditional Letter of Appointment.

Oct 2-16: DODMERB Approves and Qualifies Medical for USNA, USMA, USAFA, USCGA, NROTC, AFROTC, AROTC

Nov 1-3: Received invitations to MOC Interviews: District Rep and Senators.

Dec 7 - Interview with District Congressman Nominating Committee

Dec 14 - Interview with Senator’s Office

Dec 26 - Received a call from Congressman’s Office Chairman of the Selection Committee on the Offer of Nomination.

Jan 3, 2018 - Received a call from Congressman himself to congratulate DS on Nomination to the Naval Academy.

Jan 5 - Status on USNA Candidate Portal changes to Full Appointment - Congratulations!

Jan 10 - Received the Official Nomination Letter from Congressman’s DC Office

Jan 12 - Received the Official Appointment Certificates and
a Letter from the Superintendent.

April 7 - Accepted the Naval Academy Appointment.

April 10 - Submitted Police Report to USNA

May 1 - Sent all documents fulfilling Permit to Report requirements including completed Security Clearance form, body and shoe measurements for uniforms, eye prescription, complete security clearance forms for parents seeking to get MIDN Parents IDs.

Join the USNA Alumni Association for DS and Parents. Join the USNA Club House for $150 for all 3 members for 9 years. Unlike the other Academies, USNA Parents also become members of the USNA Alumni Association.

June 16 - attend USNA Parents Picnic to meet and greet.

June 27 - Made Parents USNA ID Cards at the Visitors Center. ID Card can be used for Academy access and proof of USNA MIDN Parents whole on Academy ground. Each card holder can escort 5 people, so 10 total.

June 27 - Received temporary MIDN Store Card. Parents get same buying privileges at the MIDN Store.

June 28, 2018 - Reported to the Alumni Hall on I-Day

Plebe Summer Kicks-Off!

Plebes practicing 5 formal parade in front of visiting 3 Star Vice Admiral parties, most important is the parade on PPW and Reform.

Received 2 Phone Calls from DS lasting 30 minutes each, and weekly letters about 7 letters to-date. Most Plebes get about 25 minutes of free time daily. Most morning on Sundays are for you. Liberty ends at 12 Noon.

Parents send their Plebes goody snack boxes almost weekly enclosed in plastic sealed boxes to prevent from getting eaten by rodents. But I stopped sending now, sent too many! ^^

Now entering Week 5 and preparing for PPW - Plebe Parents Weekend on Aug 9-12.

Continuing to enjoy photos taken by: Legacy Studio, Thorton Studio, MIDN Parents on the Academy Ground, USNA Alumni Association - via facebook and emailing list.

The rest is History! I hope this has been helpful. Good luck candidates and to dedicated parents and sponsors!
 
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Crew Dad's post is interesting, but a caution to all the Candidates out there, is not typical - DS received an LOA in September, which changes the entire dynamics of the process. Plenty of commentary (perhaps too much) here about LOA's , but you should understand the LOA is the exception rather than rule. Most candidates will be waiting until March or so before they hear anything.
 
For this latest class (2022), the first one to post an accepted Offer of Appointment here was;

TechFlier7/self/LOA/September 18th/ Accepted/Presidential Nomination/Direct Appoint/State of California
Presidential Nom - so is this some Admiral's kid?
 
Here’s what my current Plebe/MIDN 2022 did for his USNA Apps. There's a lot of advantage applying early. Most of all, you can better time manage and pace the stress, have enough time to respond, and better able to deal with many deadlines. I am sharing my DS experience. We were very content with all his Apps to the Academies and Colleges. It is as detail as I can remember. As you can see, it took 1.5 years for the USNA Plebe Journey from start of Application to Reporting on I-Day: you need patience, energy, motivation, determination, qualifications, completion - earlier the better, and a continuing desire to be a Plebe at the United States Naval Academy. I am now finding time to assure other Plebe Parents on facebook to stay positive and encouraged as they hear from their Plebes with mixed ups and downs of emotions during the Plebe Summer. It is a challenging time for both parents and Plebes.

Once there, you will either thrive, cry, struggle, suffer, hate, or quit. Most will endure and complete and join the Brigade following the Reform after PPW.

I am happy to report that my Plebe is thriving and absolutely enjoying everything as a Summer Plebe at the Academy including things that will suck during Plebe Summer because he sees it as temporary and as a journey to get him ready and to earn his place in the Brigade in August. He’s made many friends and reconnected with friends from his hometown and those he met at West Point SLE and USAFASS. He absolutely enjoys Sailing and plans taking the family on sailing during PPW. He's now trying out Varsity Rowing-Crew. He was also invited to Varsity Pistol. It is his first time in Rowing but he really enjoys it. In Spring, he was invited by the Rowing Coach to join the Crew this Summer. In middle school - high school he did Varsity Swim, XC, Mixed Martial Arts, and Marksmanship.

A detail break down is provided for those who are actively competing for the Class of 2023. DS process was almost identical to other SAs with some similarities applying to ROTC Scholarships.

DS’ USNA JOURNEY Jan 2017 - Present:

Jan 30, 2017 - USNA Apps Open for NASS. Completed Part 1 of the Application.

April 2017 - Latest Scores on ACT sent to USNA

June 1 - Faculty, Guidance Report, Other References (Total 14) Completed and Ready for Submission. Informed the school to send type of references as requested by Colleges.

July 16 - Started Part 2 USNA App

July 30 - Completed USNA Apps

Aug 3 - BGO Interview

Aug 10 - BGO Interview Submitted

Aug 11 - CFA Submitted (Accepted)

Aug 14 - DODMERB Triggered

Aug 16 Contacted by Admissions with a Congratulations from Regional Commander for completing the Apps and got invited to CVW

Sep 7 - School sends all relevant references, Senior Classes, latest transcripts, confirms Student activities as truly stated

Sep - College Board Subject Tests Sent to USNA and other Academies and Colleges

Sep 29 - Received an LOA from USNA via email and Status on Portal changed to LOA - Conditional Letter of Appointment.

Oct 2-16: DODMERB Approves and Qualifies Medical for USNA, USMA, USAFA, USCGA, NROTC, AFROTC, AROTC

Nov 1-3: Received invitations to MOC Interviews: District Rep and Senators.

Dec 7 - Interview with District Congressman Nominating Committee

Dec 14 - Interview with Senator’s Office

Dec 26 - Received a call from Congressman’s Office Chairman of the Selection Committee on the Offer of Nomination.

Jan 3, 2018 - Received a call from Congressman himself to congratulate DS on Nomination to the Naval Academy.

Jan 5 - Status on USNA Candidate Portal changes to Full Appointment - Congratulations!

Jan 10 - Received the Official Nomination Letter from Congressman’s DC Office

Jan 12 - Received the Official Appointment Certificates and
a Letter from the Superintendent.

April 7 - Accepted the Naval Academy Appointment.

April 10 - Submitted Police Report to USNA

May 1 - Sent all documents fulfilling Permit to Report requirements including completed Security Clearance form, body and shoe measurements for uniforms, eye prescription, complete security clearance forms for parents seeking to get MIDN Parents IDs.

Join the USNA Alumni Association for DS and Parents. Join the USNA Club House for $150 for all 3 members for 9 years. Unlike the other Academies, USNA Parents also become members of the USNA Alumni Association.

June 16 - attend USNA Parents Picnic to meet and greet.

June 27 - Made Parents USNA ID Cards at the Visitors Center. ID Card can be used for Academy access and proof of USNA MIDN Parents whole on Academy ground. Each card holder can escort 5 people, so 10 total.

June 27 - Received temporary MIDN Store Card. Parents get same buying privileges at the MIDN Store.

June 28, 2018 - Reported to the Alumni Hall on I-Day

Plebe Summer Kicks-Off!

Plebes practicing 5 formal parade in front of visiting 3 Star Vice Admiral parties, most important is the parade on PPW and Reform.

Received 2 Phone Calls from DS lasting 30 minutes each, and weekly letters about 7 letters to-date. Most Plebes get about 25 minutes of free time daily. Most morning on Sundays are for you. Liberty ends at 12 Noon.

Parents send their Plebes goody snack boxes almost weekly enclosed in plastic sealed boxes to prevent from getting eaten by rodents. But I stopped sending now, sent too many! ^^

Now entering Week 5 and preparing for PPW - Plebe Parents Weekend on Aug 9-12.

Continuing to enjoy photos taken by: Legacy Studio, Thorton Studio, MIDN Parents on the Academy Ground, USNA Alumni Association - via facebook and emailing list.

The rest is History! I hope this has been helpful. Good luck candidates and to dedicated parents and sponsors!
Rowing is the best sport ever! Hope he signs up.
 
For this latest class (2022), the first one to post an accepted Offer of Appointment here was;

TechFlier7/self/LOA/September 18th/ Accepted/Presidential Nomination/Direct Appoint/State of California
Presidential Nom - so is this some Admiral's kid?

:) almost,.... just one of the nomination sources: "An unlimited number of presidential nominations are available for children and legally adopted children of career officer and enlisted personnel of the armed forces, active or reserve, including the Coast Guard."
 
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