Principal Nominee with TWE

B

BB24

Member
Joined
Feb 12, 2019
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14
Anyone with experience and/or advice? Our son received his non select letter this morning with many others. He had a Principal Nomination from his congressman and the academy sought and granted him a waiver which we thought were all great signs he was moving towards an appointment. After much research, we thought his chances were excellent with the principal nomination. Honestly, a little heartbroken and blindsided by the news this morning as we were really holding out hope. Are the non-select letters generic, or do they really provide insight to where an applicant needs to improve for the next round? Finally, what resources can help him understand his “weaknesses” so that he can improve his chances should he navigate round two? Thank you in advance! Congratulations to all appointees and applicants!
 
I think the letters are pretty generic and lay out the obvious areas of improvement as a whole.
 
BB24 said:
Anyone with experience and/or advice? Our son received his non select letter this morning with many others. He had a Principal Nomination from his congressman and the academy sought and granted him a waiver which we thought were all great signs he was moving towards an appointment. After much research, we thought his chances were excellent with the principal nomination. Honestly, a little heartbroken and blindsided by the news this morning as we were really holding out hope. Are the non-select letters generic, or do they really provide insight to where an applicant needs to improve for the next round? Finally, what resources can help him understand his “weaknesses” so that he can improve his chances should he navigate round two? Thank you in advance! Congratulations to all appointees and applicants!
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear this news, I know the feeling all too well from last year with our recruit. Last years TWE's were pretty generic for reference. Talked about ROTC, etc. Came out a little later for our recruit, around May 11th to be exact. Not to go off subject, but I was wondering, our recruit got a nomination last year, and I was wondering if the nomination letter mentions principle nomination in the letter. I have often wondered how one finds out if they are nominated vs. principal nominated. Anyhow sorry to hear the news, and from what I have observed here on the forum, it looks like reapplications do have many success stories, from what I read. Tell your recruit to keep up the good fight!
 
BBBRRRTT said:
BB24 said:
Anyone with experience and/or advice? Our son received his non select letter this morning with many others. He had a Principal Nomination from his congressman and the academy sought and granted him a waiver which we thought were all great signs he was moving towards an appointment. After much research, we thought his chances were excellent with the principal nomination. Honestly, a little heartbroken and blindsided by the news this morning as we were really holding out hope. Are the non-select letters generic, or do they really provide insight to where an applicant needs to improve for the next round? Finally, what resources can help him understand his “weaknesses” so that he can improve his chances should he navigate round two? Thank you in advance! Congratulations to all appointees and applicants!
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear this news, I know the feeling all too well from last year with our recruit. Last years TWE's were pretty generic for reference. Talked about ROTC, etc. Came out a little later for our recruit, around May 11th to be exact. Not to go off subject, but I was wondering, our recruit got a nomination last year, and I was wondering if the nomination letter mentions principle nomination in the letter. I have often wondered how one finds out if they are nominated vs. principal nominated. Anyhow sorry to hear the news, and from what I have observed here on the forum, it looks like reapplications do have many success stories, from what I read. Tell your recruit to keep up the good fight!
Click to expand...
My son was called personally by his congressman with the news of his nomination. In the conversation he was told he was receiving his Principal Nomination. He did not receive an email or letter from his office, just the personal phone call. Thank you for the encouragement! We hope the sting will fade quickly and he is ready to go for it again on July 1. Best of luck to your applicant!
 
Sorry to hear the news. One thing struck me as odd. I thought the SAs would only request a waiver for a DQ if the DS/DD had received a LOA? The idea being why dedicate resources to a candidate when there has been no decision yet. I can see how getting the waiver would cause you to think all was ok.
 
BB24 said:
BBBRRRTT said:
BB24 said:
Anyone with experience and/or advice? Our son received his non select letter this morning with many others. He had a Principal Nomination from his congressman and the academy sought and granted him a waiver which we thought were all great signs he was moving towards an appointment. After much research, we thought his chances were excellent with the principal nomination. Honestly, a little heartbroken and blindsided by the news this morning as we were really holding out hope. Are the non-select letters generic, or do they really provide insight to where an applicant needs to improve for the next round? Finally, what resources can help him understand his “weaknesses” so that he can improve his chances should he navigate round two? Thank you in advance! Congratulations to all appointees and applicants!
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear this news, I know the feeling all too well from last year with our recruit. Last years TWE's were pretty generic for reference. Talked about ROTC, etc. Came out a little later for our recruit, around May 11th to be exact. Not to go off subject, but I was wondering, our recruit got a nomination last year, and I was wondering if the nomination letter mentions principle nomination in the letter. I have often wondered how one finds out if they are nominated vs. principal nominated. Anyhow sorry to hear the news, and from what I have observed here on the forum, it looks like reapplications do have many success stories, from what I read. Tell your recruit to keep up the good fight!
Click to expand...
My son was called personally by his congressman with the news of his nomination. In the conversation he was told he was receiving his Principal Nomination. He did not receive an email or letter from his office, just the personal phone call. Thank you for the encouragement! We hope the sting will fade quickly and he is ready to go for it again on July 1. Best of luck to your applicant!
Click to expand...
Seems odd to me that he had principal nom but got non-select, unless he was deemed unqualified for some reason. He should reach out to admissions counselor or the nominating authority for answers....
 
DEMJACK said:
Sorry to hear the news. One thing struck me as odd. I thought the SAs would only request a waiver for a DQ if the DS/DD had received a LOA? The idea being why dedicate resources to a candidate when there has been no decision yet. I can see how getting the waiver would cause you to think all was ok.
Click to expand...

This isn’t true at all.

My son had an LOA and got the waiver request. At the time, it was clear that they would start the waiver request if a candidate was competitive. Had nothing to do with the LOA.

Someone can correct me if I am misremembering.
 
BB24 said:
Anyone with experience and/or advice? Our son received his non select letter this morning with many others. He had a Principal Nomination from his congressman and the academy sought and granted him a waiver
Click to expand...
Was he PPQ (potentially pilot qualified) or CQ (Commission Qualified or "Qualified")? I think this had a larger impact this year and, if the superintendent instructed admissions to generate a class >50% PPQ, that could possibly negate any Principal Noms or rankings. Just my guess.
 
SomeGaveAll said:
BB24 said:
Anyone with experience and/or advice? Our son received his non select letter this morning with many others. He had a Principal Nomination from his congressman and the academy sought and granted him a waiver
Click to expand...
Was he PPQ (potentially pilot qualified) or CQ (Commission Qualified or "Qualified")? I think this had a larger impact this year and, if the superintendent instructed admissions to generate a class >50% PPQ, that could possibly negate any Principal Noms or rankings. Just my guess.
Click to expand...
Dunno. We were PPQ so you would think longer leash but nope ‍♀️ Oh well. DS mentioned applying again to my shock
 
BB24 said:
My son was called personally by his congressman with the news of his nomination. In the conversation he was told he was receiving his Principal Nomination. He did not receive an email or letter from his office, just the personal phone call. Thank you for the encouragement! We hope the sting will fade quickly and he is ready to go for it again on July 1. Best of luck to your applicant!
Click to expand...
DD received a phone call and letter from MOC, and in both was told she was his principal nominee and assured an appointment as long as she remained physically & academically qualified and didn't get into any trouble. So, I was very surprised to see this post, as I believed that a principal nomination was essentially a guaranteed appointment (pending remaining fully qualified). I do know the parent's feeling of rejection however, as this is DD's second attempt. Out of high school, she heard nothing at all till she received her TWE (both portal update and letter). Because of that, I can attest that despite the initial rejection and how awful it feels, especially being blindsided as you all were, that extra year can truly turn out to be a blessing and a gift, as it can be an opportunity for retaking SAT/ACT, military prep school, improving fitness, etc,... I've seen many times in these posts that a re-applicant was extremely grateful for that extra year of preparation, feeling so much more ready and capable of handling SA rigors after finally receiving their appointment. I truly hope that turns out to be the case for your DS, and you, as his supportive parent, whatever road he chooses to take from this point.
 
Our DS was also a principal nominee and TWE-ed this morning. He was PPQ too.

He's got a great Plan B and has taken the news of no appointment in stride but it was a bit surprising to read the email this morning of the rejection.

There was a thread a while back about what exactly are the minimum qualifications a principal nominee must meet to be 'minimally qualified.' That thread had no real conclusion. CFA and medical are easier to figure out. But the published academic qualifications are squishy at best. From what was published our DS met those academic qualifications yet still the TWE.

He says he'll reapply and we'll support him no matter what. I know he left nothing on the table this go-round.
 
DEMJACK said:
Sorry to hear the news. One thing struck me as odd. I thought the SAs would only request a waiver for a DQ if the DS/DD had received a LOA? The idea being why dedicate resources to a candidate when there has been no decision yet. I can see how getting the waiver would cause you to think all was ok.
Click to expand...
We too thought the waiver initiation was a good sign for that very reason. Perhaps it was wishful thinking on our end :).
 
SomeGaveAll said:
BB24 said:
Anyone with experience and/or advice? Our son received his non select letter this morning with many others. He had a Principal Nomination from his congressman and the academy sought and granted him a waiver
Click to expand...
Was he PPQ (potentially pilot qualified) or CQ (Commission Qualified or "Qualified")? I think this had a larger impact this year and, if the superintendent instructed admissions to generate a class >50% PPQ, that could possibly negate any Principal Noms or rankings. Just my guess.
Click to expand...
Just CQ’d, but not sure why.
 
SomeGaveAll said:
BB24 said:
Anyone with experience and/or advice? Our son received his non select letter this morning with many others. He had a Principal Nomination from his congressman and the academy sought and granted him a waiver
Click to expand...
Was he PPQ (potentially pilot qualified) or CQ (Commission Qualified or "Qualified")? I think this had a larger impact this year and, if the superintendent instructed admissions to generate a class >50% PPQ, that could possibly negate any Principal Noms or rankings. Just my guess.
Click to expand...
Just CQ’d, but not sure why.
animal10 said:
BB24 said:
My son was called personally by his congressman with the news of his nomination. In the conversation he was told he was receiving his Principal Nomination. He did not receive an email or letter from his office, just the personal phone call. Thank you for the encouragement! We hope the sting will fade quickly and he is ready to go for it again on July 1. Best of luck to your applicant!
Click to expand...
DD received a phone call and letter from MOC, and in both was told she was his principal nominee and assured an appointment as long as she remained physically & academically qualified and didn't get into any trouble. So, I was very surprised to see this post, as I believed that a principal nomination was essentially a guaranteed appointment (pending remaining fully qualified). I do know the parent's feeling of rejection however, as this is DD's second attempt. Out of high school, she heard nothing at all till she received her TWE (both portal update and letter). Because of that, I can attest that despite the initial rejection and how awful it feels, especially being blindsided as you all were, that extra year can truly turn out to be a blessing and a gift, as it can be an opportunity for retaking SAT/ACT, military prep school, improving fitness, etc,... I've seen many times in these posts that a re-applicant was extremely grateful for that extra year of preparation, feeling so much more ready and capable of handling SA rigors after finally receiving their appointment. I truly hope that turns out to be the case for your DS, and you, as his supportive parent, whatever road he chooses to take from this point.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your solid advice, it is appreciated. Best of luck to your daughter!!!
 
MMShape said:
Our DS was also a principal nominee and TWE-ed this morning. He was PPQ too.

He's got a great Plan B and has taken the news of no appointment in stride but it was a bit surprising to read the email this morning of the rejection.

There was a thread a while back about what exactly are the minimum qualifications a principal nominee must meet to be 'minimally qualified.' That thread had no real conclusion. CFA and medical are easier to figure out. But the published academic qualifications are squishy at best. From what was published our DS met those academic qualifications yet still the TWE.

He says he'll reapply and we'll support him no matter what. I know he left nothing on the table this go-round.
Click to expand...
Sorry for the disappointment for your son. We too studied the minumum qualifications and thought he met them as well. Here is to the applicants for 2024!
 
BB24 said:
DEMJACK said:
Sorry to hear the news. One thing struck me as odd. I thought the SAs would only request a waiver for a DQ if the DS/DD had received a LOA? The idea being why dedicate resources to a candidate when there has been no decision yet. I can see how getting the waiver would cause you to think all was ok.
Click to expand...
We too thought the waiver initiation was a good sign for that very reason. Perhaps it was wishful thinking on our end :).
Click to expand...
Same here. We were under the [wrong] impression a request for a waiver meant more than it actually turned out to mean.
 
What about the CFA? Bust one portion and you busted the entire exam. USAFA never publishes the mins for the CFA. You can't be 3 Q if you did not pass the CFA.

I am sorry to hear about this, but ask for an exit review with your ALO and maybe they can tell you exactly where it went awry. I know for USNA that the last couple of yrs they have had this occur.
 
A1Janitor said:
DEMJACK said:
Sorry to hear the news. One thing struck me as odd. I thought the SAs would only request a waiver for a DQ if the DS/DD had received a LOA? The idea being why dedicate resources to a candidate when there has been no decision yet. I can see how getting the waiver would cause you to think all was ok.
Click to expand...

This isn’t true at all.

My son had an LOA and got the waiver request. At the time, it was clear that they would start the waiver request if a candidate was competitive. Had nothing to do with the LOA.

Someone can correct me if I am misremembering.
Click to expand...

Per the admissions site, "If you are competitive for an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy or one of our preparatory programs, we will automatically process a medical waiver for USAFA on your behalf." - I don't recall ever seeing a USAFA-generated statistic showing how the size of the "competitive" candidate pool compares to the number of Qualified Candidates (which is included on demographic profile each year).

Personally, there are so many variables to the admissions equation, there would no way to accurately predict a candidate's probably of appointment even if we had all of the source data (since we know that we'll never have access to the "secret formula" that generates the objective Weighted Composite score and the holistic Selection Panel Rating).
 
I would encourage anyone who received a principal nom to contact their MOC staff to inquire what happened if the service academy admissions staff won’t answer your questions about why you didn’t get in and what disqualified you ! Doesn’t seem fair to me to have a principal nom from a MOC and have the academy not provide any answers as to why that MOC’s first pick was not accepted . Just what I would have DS do if he were in that situation ! Our elected officials have a voice into how the academies do business and there is a house oversight committee I believe as well . We as private citizens apparently can be not told anything about the secretive ways things are done in the process but I certainly believe there must be some transparency granted to our MOC’s should they question things. Just my opinion !
 
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