Color Vision Waiver Criteria

E

EngineerDad19

Member
Joined
Apr 10, 2019
Messages
16
Can anyone help understand the criteria for color vision waivers?
Is there anything else from a health standpoint that impacts this? Is it political or alumni related?
If a candidate has the following criteria, would they not be pretty deserving of a waiver:
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

In this case, the color vision was included as a part of the applications as well.
 
EngineerDad19 said:
Can anyone help understand the criteria for color vision waivers?
Is there anything else from a health standpoint that impacts this? Is it political or alumni related?
If a candidate has the following criteria, would they not be pretty deserving of a waiver:
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

In this case, the color vision was included as a part of the applications as well.
Click to expand...
No need to make essentially the same post on multiple forums. The knowledgeable people read them all.
The number of waivers for any condition are limited and therefore extremely competitive if it is even a waiverable condition (some are not). If your DS wants to serve there are other options available: USMA, AROTC, NROTC Marine Option where color vision is not as much of an issue. He might want to pursue those routes when the next opportunity becomes available, if a waiver is not granted this year.
 
As noted on other threads, USNA must limit the number of colorblindness waivers due to the need for red/ green perception in most of the career fields. Thus, even truly exceptional candidates who are colorblind face an uphill battle. They are competing for about 12 spots in the class. And for those accepted, options on commissioning are limited to USMC ground and restricted line/staff corps.

No one here can explain why one colorblind person received a waiver or an appointment and another didn’t other than to say that ones who didn't weren’t in the top 12 (more or less).
 
Since our C/O 20 got his color blind waiver, I've talked to a lot of people with some knowledge about them. First, our BGO and Congressional office both said you can forget politics. They argue that even if politics played a role ever, color deficiency gives them the easy out. In fact, our Congressional office told me he was one of their top candidates in years, but they were convinced he would not get in. I've got my theory about what that was in his package that made the difference, but there's no way to really know.

An admissions guy I met last year raised his eyebrows when I said one of our Mids had that waiver. He asked if he was a recruited athlete. No. He then said, "Well, without talking out of school, I'll just say this. Something jumped out of his package at us, particularly since it came in January."

In other words, don't focus on external factors. That decision comes from within the application. Good luck.
 
Thanks for the help. I did post on other forums about a more detailed mapping from his optometrist. His deficiency is pretty mild. He sees red vs. green, but slides on the red/purple category mostly.
He didn't have that in his initial application because he just knew he didn't get all if the Ishihara tests. Maybe getting that into the right hands will help.
 
EngineerDad19 said:
Thanks for the help. I did post on other forums about a more detailed mapping from his optometrist. His deficiency is pretty mild. He sees red vs. green, but slides on the red/purple category mostly.
He didn't have that in his initial application because he just knew he didn't get all if the Ishihara tests. Maybe getting that into the right hands will help.
Click to expand...

It may help. You've got a basic issue with the results of the exam which is different than the waiver. As I understand it, unless DODMERB makes the change, DQ is the status. Then, it's whether Admissions wants to proceed. Wish I could tell you more, but it really is up to them to decide everything at that point.
 
If you want to attend a sea-faring SA (USNA, USCGA, USMMA or related ROTC programs) and are red/green colorblind, go ahead and apply. Just understand that, even if you're an absolutely terrific candidate, the odds are stacked against you. So, be realistic in your expectations and be fully prepared to go another route.
 
EngineerDad19 said:
Can anyone help understand the criteria for color vision waivers?
Is there anything else from a health standpoint that impacts this? Is it political or alumni related?
If a candidate has the following criteria, would they not be pretty deserving of a waiver:
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

In this case, the color vision was included as a part of the applications as well.
Click to expand...
Lets say there is another person who is
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

but isnt color blind. Wouldnt it make sense to take that person over someone who is colorblind.
 
Last edited:
Humey said:
EngineerDad19 said:
Can anyone help understand the criteria for color vision waivers?
Is there anything else from a health standpoint that impacts this? Is it political or alumni related?
If a candidate has the following criteria, would they not be pretty deserving of a waiver:
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

In this case, the color vision was included as a part of the applications as well.
Click to expand...
Lets say there is another person who is
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

but isnt color blind. Wouldnt it make sense to take that person over someone who isnt colorblind.
Click to expand...

I assume you meant who is colorblind.

No.

If you have an LOA and are 3q - you are in. With any nom - principal or not.

My son was LOA and colorblind. They gave him a waiver which made him 3q.

They would both be in.

The question becomes if a similarly qualified person without an LOA should get the appointment. They will make the decision they want to make when comparing them - based on their goals for the class.

It is an easy call too. If they want to get rid of the LOA color blind candidate, they will just deny the waiver.
 
Last edited:
A1Janitor said:
Humey said:
EngineerDad19 said:
Can anyone help understand the criteria for color vision waivers?
Is there anything else from a health standpoint that impacts this? Is it political or alumni related?
If a candidate has the following criteria, would they not be pretty deserving of a waiver:
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

In this case, the color vision was included as a part of the applications as well.
Click to expand...
Lets say there is another person who is
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

but isnt color blind. Wouldnt it make sense to take that person over someone who isnt colorblind.
Click to expand...

I assume you meant who is colorblind.

No.

If you have an LOA and are 3q - you are in. With any nom - principal or not.

My son was LOA and colorblind. They gave him a waiver which made him 3q.

They would both be in.

The question becomes if a similarly qualified person without an LOA should get the appointment. They will make the decision they want to make when comparing them - based on their goals for the class.

It is an easy call too. If they want to get rid of the LOA color blind candidate, they will just deny the waiver.
Click to expand...
yes and thanks for catching it. I corrected it
 
A1Janitor said:
Humey said:
EngineerDad19 said:
Can anyone help understand the criteria for color vision waivers?
Is there anything else from a health standpoint that impacts this? Is it political or alumni related?
If a candidate has the following criteria, would they not be pretty deserving of a waiver:
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

In this case, the color vision was included as a part of the applications as well.
Click to expand...
Lets say there is another person who is
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

but isnt color blind. Wouldnt it make sense to take that person over someone who isnt colorblind.
Click to expand...

I assume you meant who is colorblind.

No.

If you have an LOA and are 3q - you are in. With any nom - principal or not.

My son was LOA and colorblind. They gave him a waiver which made him 3q.

They would both be in.

The question becomes if a similarly qualified person without an LOA should get the appointment. They will make the decision they want to make when comparing them - based on their goals for the class.

It is an easy call too. If they want to get rid of the LOA color blind candidate, they will just deny the waiver.
Click to expand...
A1,

Your DS must be a total boss to get the LOA and Appt. with color blindness. If you don’t mind, what were his stats? There is some crazy stuff being posted here like 36 ACT Eagle Scouts with sports getting TWEd. Trying to figure out how one actually gets an Appt
 
Stork103 said:
A1Janitor said:
Humey said:
EngineerDad19 said:
Can anyone help understand the criteria for color vision waivers?
Is there anything else from a health standpoint that impacts this? Is it political or alumni related?
If a candidate has the following criteria, would they not be pretty deserving of a waiver:
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

In this case, the color vision was included as a part of the applications as well.
Click to expand...
Lets say there is another person who is
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

but isnt color blind. Wouldnt it make sense to take that person over someone who isnt colorblind.
Click to expand...

I assume you meant who is colorblind.

No.

If you have an LOA and are 3q - you are in. With any nom - principal or not.

My son was LOA and colorblind. They gave him a waiver which made him 3q.

They would both be in.

The question becomes if a similarly qualified person without an LOA should get the appointment. They will make the decision they want to make when comparing them - based on their goals for the class.

It is an easy call too. If they want to get rid of the LOA color blind candidate, they will just deny the waiver.
Click to expand...
A1,

Your DS must be a total boss to get the LOA and Appt. with color blindness. If you don’t mind, what were his stats? There is some crazy stuff being posted here like 36 ACT Eagle Scouts with sports getting TWEd. Trying to figure out how one actually gets an Appt
Click to expand...

I sent you a private message.

And don’t ask me why. All of these kids look good to me.
 
Stork103 said:
Trying to figure out how one actually gets an Appt
Click to expand...

People have been trying to figure out exactly what the secret formula is on this Forum since it was created. The Answer is there is no secret formula. USNA Admissions is unlike any other schools , except USMA and USAFA,, and perhaps USMMA on a smaller scale).

There are many variables at play, including the 3Q's (Admissions Board, CFA, Medical) and Nominations. The formula for the Admissions Board Q is actually pretty straightforward, ie. exemplary academics (including SAT/ACT), leadership, athletics, and community involvement. We get many many applicants that have that Admissions "Q", and those are the stats you see quoted here so often. However, the Admissions "Q" , and even being 3Q is only part of the equation.
 
Stork103 said:
A1Janitor said:
Humey said:
EngineerDad19 said:
Can anyone help understand the criteria for color vision waivers?
Is there anything else from a health standpoint that impacts this? Is it political or alumni related?
If a candidate has the following criteria, would they not be pretty deserving of a waiver:
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

In this case, the color vision was included as a part of the applications as well.
Click to expand...
Lets say there is another person who is
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

but isnt color blind. Wouldnt it make sense to take that person over someone who isnt colorblind.
Click to expand...

I assume you meant who is colorblind.

No.

If you have an LOA and are 3q - you are in. With any nom - principal or not.

My son was LOA and colorblind. They gave him a waiver which made him 3q.

They would both be in.

The question becomes if a similarly qualified person without an LOA should get the appointment. They will make the decision they want to make when comparing them - based on their goals for the class.

It is an easy call too. If they want to get rid of the LOA color blind candidate, they will just deny the waiver.
Click to expand...
A1,

Your DS must be a total boss to get the LOA and Appt. with color blindness. If you don’t mind, what were his stats? There is some crazy stuff being posted here like 36 ACT Eagle Scouts with sports getting TWEd. Trying to figure out how one actually gets an Appt
Click to expand...


Sorry to reply late. I have not been on the forum.
Stork103 - you asked about stats and how he got the LOA and Appointment. He does have strong stats. 36ACT score. Eagle Scout with 2 palms. Lifeguard, captain of three HS sports teams (Track, Cross Country, Swimming). Tons of service hours. NC Youth and Government office. HS Class president one year...VP another year. I'm not sure what else I would add, but he interviews well.

Still no TWE, but his portal stated waiver denied, no admission granted a few weeks before I started looking at the form for answers. He's pursued several angles.

My son has kind of moved on and is focusing on his next steps for college. He's accepted a scholarship at a great engineering school, but his heart still wants the USNA.

For all of you who sent supportive or informative comments, thank you so much. Best of luck to all of you.
 
EngineerDad19 said:
Stork103 said:
A1Janitor said:
Humey said:
EngineerDad19 said:
Can anyone help understand the criteria for color vision waivers?
Is there anything else from a health standpoint that impacts this? Is it political or alumni related?
If a candidate has the following criteria, would they not be pretty deserving of a waiver:
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

In this case, the color vision was included as a part of the applications as well.
Click to expand...
Lets say there is another person who is
- Triple qualified
- Principle candidate for his Representative in her nomination
- Letter of Assurance (LOA) from the admissions team welcoming him to the class of 2023

but isnt color blind. Wouldnt it make sense to take that person over someone who isnt colorblind.
Click to expand...

I assume you meant who is colorblind.

No.

If you have an LOA and are 3q - you are in. With any nom - principal or not.

My son was LOA and colorblind. They gave him a waiver which made him 3q.

They would both be in.

The question becomes if a similarly qualified person without an LOA should get the appointment. They will make the decision they want to make when comparing them - based on their goals for the class.

It is an easy call too. If they want to get rid of the LOA color blind candidate, they will just deny the waiver.
Click to expand...
A1,

Your DS must be a total boss to get the LOA and Appt. with color blindness. If you don’t mind, what were his stats? There is some crazy stuff being posted here like 36 ACT Eagle Scouts with sports getting TWEd. Trying to figure out how one actually gets an Appt
Click to expand...


Sorry to reply late. I have not been on the forum.
Stork103 - you asked about stats and how he got the LOA and Appointment. He does have strong stats. 36ACT score. Eagle Scout with 2 palms. Lifeguard, captain of three HS sports teams (Track, Cross Country, Swimming). Tons of service hours. NC Youth and Government office. HS Class president one year...VP another year. I'm not sure what else I would add, but he interviews well.

Still no TWE, but his portal stated waiver denied, no admission granted a few weeks before I started looking at the form for answers. He's pursued several angles.

My son has kind of moved on and is focusing on his next steps for college. He's accepted a scholarship at a great engineering school, but his heart still wants the USNA.

For all of you who sent supportive or informative comments, thank you so much. Best of luck to all of you.
Click to expand...
He sounds absolutely fantastic. USNA admissions is a very peculiar thing if your DS doesn’t make the cut.

Best of luck with whatever the future holds!
 
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