Does the CGA issue LOA's to applicants waiting for Waivers?

Impulsive

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I am just wondering....my DS is currently awaiting word regarding his DoDMERB remedial. He was told the new material would take a minimum of 30 days to process, maybe longer. If the remedial is not resolved or becomes a waiver issue after those 30 days, does the Academy issue LOA's to those candidates who they want to let know the Academy wants, or do they just keep quiet until April and then let you know?

Also, does the Academy "Conditionally" appoint cadets pending waiver prior to R-Day?
 
I received a conditional appointment for CGA in January, conditional on a waiver. I did not have a LOA.
 
Congrats then!!! Great News. Maybe if things work out you will get to meet my son this summer...:) What major are you thinking about? My son wants CGA because he loves and wants to be a Naval Architect/Marine Engineer and the CGA is one of the top four schools nationwide.
 
Congrats then!!! Great News. Maybe if things work out you will get to meet my son this summer...:) What major are you thinking about? My son wants CGA because he loves and wants to be a Naval Architect/Marine Engineer and the CGA is one of the top four schools nationwide.
Thanks! I'm thinking of electrical engineering- CGA has great STEM programs. Good luck to your son!
 
If extended an offer. They will wait for the DoDMerb. An only rescind if the issue is not resolved. Or a permanent waiver given.
 
He has no issues academically, physically, or medically. I was just curious if the CGA issued what USMA does (an LOA) that basically holds open a spot until you decide, but you know you have that spot if you want it. It appears as if CGA does NOT do things that way. Either EA, or wait till sometime in April....or later to hear. Does anyone know if CGA issues "last minute" appointments?? I have read here that people have received phone calls a day or two prior to reporting or induction day...to me that is CRAZY!
 
Yes it is crazy. It does happen two days before reporting day. Some with offers reject to go to another Academy. Some get in trouble. Others may get injured. That is how it happens.
 
My son received a LOA thru EA then received a conditional appointment in January pending waiver review. He was told it must be granted by May 1. It was granted today! Big sigh of relief!
 
My son received a LOA thru EA then received a conditional appointment in January pending waiver review. He was told it must be granted by May 1. It was granted today! Big sigh of relief!

I’m in a similar situation, just waiting on my DoDMERB decision. How long did it take for you?
 
I’m in a similar situation, just waiting on my DoDMERB decision. How long did it take for you?
Forever to this Mom. But in reality, DS had to go thru the AMI three different times, several weeks apart. Only then did his file go to the academy for waiver review. Probably a month or so, if I were to guess for the actual review process of the waiver.
 
He has no issues academically, physically, or medically. I was just curious if the CGA issued what USMA does (an LOA) that basically holds open a spot until you decide, but you know you have that spot if you want it. It appears as if CGA does NOT do things that way. Either EA, or wait till sometime in April....or later to hear. Does anyone know if CGA issues "last minute" appointments?? I have read here that people have received phone calls a day or two prior to reporting or induction day...to me that is CRAZY!

CGA grants LOAs early in the process (usually in September), and are very limited in number (in the past around 25 total). Other SAs will utilize LOAs throughout their admissions cycle, but CGA does not. As for last minute appointments, the incoming class is typically finalized by June 1 in order to have time to clear necessary paperwork.
 
@alaska66, Thanks for good input. Our DS was told almost all the remaining appointments will be out beginning in early April, I was hoping someone would tell me that as the Admissions Committee approved appointments that maybe they sent out LOA's to those people so that they knew they had a spot and didn't have to sweat Plan "B"...:) Guess we sweat like everyone else, and hope, knowing DS has a solid Plan B ready if needed. The very fact that almost all the academies plan for and factor in last minute appointments are understandable, but in reality if a really good Plan B is in effect, highly qualified candidates may not wait. In fact the more we read and learn on here, the more we like Plan B for both our sons. USMA and USCGA are like going to a 4 yr boot camp, where cadets are really insulated from normal life and in a very controlled environment. Doing ROTC or College with OCS definitely has advantages in life skills, socialization, and flexibility (15-18 credits vs 20-24 credits @The academies). I know I am going to get hit for saying what I am saying from the academy grads.....and there is advantages to the academies. You have the networking with other grads, the career advantages of the academy, and that ever important "Ring" that in reality means a lot. You become a member of a very elite club that helps each other thru life and that too is important.

I think personally, that if our sons want a 20+ yr career, the academies are definitely the way to go, but if they want to graduate college debt free, possible grad school in a fast manner, then a Reserve career or AD career out of college planning to serve less than 20 yrs active duty and a civilian career as maybe their own boss, then OCS or ROTC are better. JMHO...:)
 
@alaska66, Thanks for good input. Our DS was told almost all the remaining appointments will be out beginning in early April, I was hoping someone would tell me that as the Admissions Committee approved appointments that maybe they sent out LOA's to those people so that they knew they had a spot and didn't have to sweat Plan "B"...:) Guess we sweat like everyone else, and hope, knowing DS has a solid Plan B ready if needed. The very fact that almost all the academies plan for and factor in last minute appointments are understandable, but in reality if a really good Plan B is in effect, highly qualified candidates may not wait. In fact the more we read and learn on here, the more we like Plan B for both our sons. USMA and USCGA are like going to a 4 yr boot camp, where cadets are really insulated from normal life and in a very controlled environment. Doing ROTC or College with OCS definitely has advantages in life skills, socialization, and flexibility (15-18 credits vs 20-24 credits @The academies). I know I am going to get hit for saying what I am saying from the academy grads.....and there is advantages to the academies. You have the networking with other grads, the career advantages of the academy, and that ever important "Ring" that in reality means a lot. You become a member of a very elite club that helps each other thru life and that too is important.

I think personally, that if our sons want a 20+ yr career, the academies are definitely the way to go, but if they want to graduate college debt free, possible grad school in a fast manner, then a Reserve career or AD career out of college planning to serve less than 20 yrs active duty and a civilian career as maybe their own boss, then OCS or ROTC are better. JMHO...:)

Regular admission decisions will be released April 1, however all appointees have until May 1 to make their decision. Historically, Admissions has retained some applicants on a waitlist in order to shape the incoming class. Last year, that list remained active until June 1.

CGA, along with other SAs, understand that highly qualified candidates may not wait for a decision, but I personally feel that if an applicant is not willing to wait for a SA’s decision, then a SA is probably not a good fit for that applicant.

As for CGA vs OCS regarding career length, I can assure you there are many cadets at CGA who, if asked, will state they are intending to “5 and dive”, and have no desire for a 20+ year career. Of course, as a young 20-something, those plans can change. Grad school is very common for CGA graduates, and I know several who have chosen the reserves once their 5 year commitment is up.

Attending CGA does require one to give up a “normal” college experience, but most cadets will tell you that the experiences they are provided at CGA, and the friendships they develop, are what make it worthwhile to attend CGA. It is common for cadets to say that they “live for the summers”, because the summer training is beyond compare. Add to that the fact that they are active duty upon entering CGA, earn a salary, and receive a bachelors degree basically “free”, make the 4 years at least tolerable. But SAs are not for everyone. In fact, every year there are cadets who leave CGA because they determine it is not the place for them.

It is important that the decision to attend a SA is made by the applicant, and not the parents. Every year, there are parents on this forum who spend a lot of time trying to read the tea leaves, or playing “what ifs”, and end up sounding like they are the applicants. My suggestion would be once the applicant has submitted all the necessary admission items, they, and their parents, should relax and not over stress. Let the process run it’s course. Enjoy your time together...because once your child enters a SA, their leave time is very limited and you’ll wish you had these days back.

Best of luck to your sons on whatever path they choose!
 
@alaska66, I am not criticizing any of the SA, I was just trying to relate that my sons' have never had more than 20 people in their "Class" in middle or high school and that being athletes and nerds they have not had that usual HS opportunity to "let loose a little" , and instead are either practicing or studying. It may be good for them to get a "real life experience" in College before having to fend for themselves in the real world. Both of them have SA's as their dreams, but as parents, we need to stay in the background let them decide and be available, just in case they don't get their dreams...:)
 
Not sure about CGA, but USMA pays something just north of $1000 a month, but 80% of that goes into a "Cadet Account" which pays for uniforms, shoes, jackets, and other "expenses". In reality we were told that they would be able to deposit maybe $300 a month into a checking or savings account, but that they can't touch that money until their Junior year??? I think that is what people on this forum told us was the case for all the SA's. So the "salary" is basically the same for ROTC or the Academy...$300 a month to the cadet. This is just what we have read here and been told, it is not correct PLEASE help!
 
My son received a LOA thru EA then received a conditional appointment in January pending waiver review. He was told it must be granted by May 1. It was granted today! Big sigh of relief!

I’m in a similar situation, just waiting on my DoDMERB decision. How long did it take for you?
DS was cleared literally a couple of days before Day One last year. This was for a muscle strain that he had suffered many months prior at MMI. The year before he went through the process with a sports hernia. Lots of fun.
 
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