2020 Hopefuls

[Dadx4]

Congratulations to all! For all of you parents out there (like us) with kids who didn't get LOAs or appointments, be proud of your DS or DD for all of the hard work they put forth during this process. I'm so proud of my DD for the exceptional young woman she's become. Even though she didn't get selected, there are many options left for her to explore!

 

[2020 Parent]

Dadx4,

I hope you realize that LOA's will continue to be issued all fall, and more importantly, the nomination process---at least the interviews and actual nomination---has not yet begun for most of us. My kid doesn't have the congressional interviews until November. This is far from over. Your daughter is definitely still in the mix!

 

[Dadx4]

Dadx4,

I hope you realize that LOA's will continue to be issued all fall, and more importantly, the nomination process---at least the interviews and actual nomination---has not yet begun for most of us. My kid doesn't have the congressional interviews until November. This is far from over. Your daughter is definitely still in the mix!

Thanks 2020 Parent. No, I think she was passed over. Her application was complete in late August, and it didn't get reviewed again. It looks like the examiners screen applicants and send up the ones that are competitive to be briefed at the board.

http://management.ind.in/forum/usna-admission-board-69745.html

 

[john555]

First post here. USNA candidate for 2020. I had a completed application (CFA, Interview, DODMERB, all forms, etc. - a nomination) on July 3rd. That day I received the status "complete pending review." I take it I had to be one of the first applicants done. Looking for honest answers. Do you think I was looked over for an LOA? Thanks for your time.

Keegan

 

[momusna2020hopeful]

Is there any way to tell if the admission board has already reviewed application? Does the portal update from completed pending review to completed?

 

[hopeful1998]

Just curious, Do all LOA's recipients have their Dodmerb complete? Mine qualification status is tied up in review. Everything else is complete and I think my packet is pretty competitive.

 

[MammaMia]

Dadx4,

I hope you realize that LOA's will continue to be issued all fall, and more importantly, the nomination process---at least the interviews and actual nomination---has not yet begun for most of us. My kid doesn't have the congressional interviews until November. This is far from over. Your daughter is definitely still in the mix!

Thanks 2020 Parent. No, I think she was passed over. Her application was complete in late August, and it didn't get reviewed again. It looks like the examiners screen applicants and send up the ones that are competitive to be briefed at the board.

http://management.ind.in/forum/usna-admission-board-69745.html

I wouldn't assume that's an authoritative source, Dadx4. There is no indication where the information came from, and that forum is hosted in a foreign country. Also, there's no way to tell on a candidate's portal that an application package has been reviewed, so you wouldn't know if her application has gone before the board, even if it was complete two to three weeks ago (which is really not much time!).

 

[Dadx4]

Dadx4,

I hope you realize that LOA's will continue to be issued all fall, and more importantly, the nomination process---at least the interviews and actual nomination---has not yet begun for most of us. My kid doesn't have the congressional interviews until November. This is far from over. Your daughter is definitely still in the mix!

Thanks 2020 Parent. No, I think she was passed over. Her application was complete in late August, and it didn't get reviewed again. It looks like the examiners screen applicants and send up the ones that are competitive to be briefed at the board.

http://management.ind.in/forum/usna-admission-board-69745.html

I wouldn't assume that's an authoritative source, Dadx4. There is no indication where the information came from, and that forum is hosted in a foreign country. Also, there's no way to tell on a candidate's portal that an application package has been reviewed, so you wouldn't know if her application has gone before the board, even if it was complete two to three weeks ago (which is really not much time!).

I thought about the source too, but it's fairly detailed, written almost from the perspective of a trainer or an IT familiar with the board process. I sat on officer promotion boards, and this is almost exactly what we did (minus the screening for competitiveness). But you're right, I'm not 100% sure how it all works.

 

[NavyHoops]

No, LOA recipients do not have to have DoDMERB done. Each LOA will have a list of items that must be completed to secure an appointment. For all those lurkers who aren't getting LOAs, do not panic, do not worry. The end game is not an LOA, it is an appointment just as DAD2020 stated a few posts back. A thread awhile ago discussed LOAs. If there are ~6000 folks who end being scholastically qualified and they only issue 150-200 LOAs (this number isn't official, but most BGOs seem to agree that it is a pretty decent approximation) that is around 3-4% of folks who get them. Remember some of these folks might not end up being 3Q with a nom either. Some may not pass the CFA, obtain a a medical qualification/waiver or get a nom. Don't get wrapped around the LOA, focus on the best package possible and your nomination. Also if you package goes before the admissions board and gets scored realize it will probably sit for quite awhile until nominations are in and everyone on your slate has been scored. This is why for those of us who have been through this process, are familiar with it in some capacity, etc say to hang on until spring. To those who do get LOAs or early appt, Congrats! Don't let up. Enjoy the moment, celebrate. But, its a long ways until July, get on top of your nominations and work on Plan B and C (you never know what can happen and a good officer is always thinking about what if scenarios!).

 

[MammaMia]

Even if it details the exact review process, nothing indicates that applications are reviewed in the order received, or the rate at which they are reviewed. The goal is an appointment, not an LOA - and appointments go out into April. There's likely work yet to be done on nominations - keep pressing forward on those.

In response to @momusna2020hopeful's question - no, the portal doesn't change when the file has been reviewed. I don't think DS's portal changed until he received his appointment - which arrived in the mail before it showed up on his portal.

 

[hopeful1998]

My app was done in July EXCEPT for the June ACT scores, which were not entered because of computer issues at USNA - very frustrating if they reviewed as completed in this scenario . After 1.5 months, 4 e-mails and 5 phone calls, the scores were updated

 

[Dadx4]

Thanks MammaMia and Hoops for the advice! Plans B-Z in place. Now I just want DD to enjoy her senior year. In some ways it's a relief!

 

[NavyHoops]

My app was done in July EXCEPT for the June ACT scores, which were not entered because of computer issues at USNA - very frustrating if they reviewed as completed in this scenario . After 1.5 months, 4 e-mails and 5 phone calls, the scores were updated

Even if your package is done early it doesn't mean you will know anything. They will review it, give it a Q or not, and score it. For most cases it will sit and wait for the nominations to come. Remember MOCs have until the end of January to submit. Most interviews are done Oct-Dec. If your MOC submits an unranked slate, which the majority are, they will score everyone on the slate before giving an appointment. Even if a MOC gives a ranked slate and the person listed #1 or is a principle, but that applicant doesn't complete their application until the last day possible, you could be sitting awhile to hear something. I could go on an on about scenarios. Sure an LOA is nice, its always nice to be wanted by a school, but remember its not the finish the line. For those who don't get one, its really not the end of the world. Most people do not get one and there is no special LOA line on I Day. No one cares about that stuff the minute you walk into Alumni Hall and get a bad haircut! And Dadx4 brings up a great point... senior year should be fun!

 

[john555]

My app was done in July EXCEPT for the June ACT scores, which were not entered because of computer issues at USNA - very frustrating if they reviewed as completed in this scenario . After 1.5 months, 4 e-mails and 5 phone calls, the scores were updated

Even if your package is done early it doesn't mean you will know anything. They will review it, give it a Q or not, and score it. For most cases it will sit and wait for the nominations to come. Remember MOCs have until the end of January to submit. Most interviews are done Oct-Dec. If your MOC submits an unranked slate, which the majority are, they will score everyone on the slate before giving an appointment. Even if a MOC gives a ranked slate and the person listed #1 or is a principle, but that applicant doesn't complete their application until the last day possible, you could be sitting awhile to hear something. I could go on an on about scenarios. Sure an LOA is nice, its always nice to be wanted by a school, but remember its not the finish the line. For those who don't get one, its really not the end of the world. Most people do not get one and there is no special LOA line on I Day. No one cares about that stuff the minute you walk into Alumni Hall and get a bad haircut! And Dadx4 brings up a great point... senior year should be fun!

Any advice for my question asked a few posts prior? Thanks in advance.

 

[yrangd]

Are complete applications presented to the board by the admissions counselor (by region)?

 

[Navy Dad]

keegs086 the answer to your question is that there is no way to know. The process for reviewing applicants is speculated on by everyone and the people who truly know cannot say anything on this board or any other. The best you can do is work to continue to improve your package, complete your nomination packages, and develop good backup plans.

This process is very brutal and the wait is difficult. As has been said many times if you get an LOA which could happen at any time between now and March next year then great. In the long run an LOA is not what matters an appointment is the ultimate goal and most of those will not start going out until early next year. Keep your head up and be proud of what you have accomplished. The best destinations often are preceded by very long roads that leave even the best traveller with a blister.

 

[NavyHoops]

I have no idea if you were looked over for an LOA or not. None of us know what admissions is really looking for this year. I know its really hard being in your shoes, but the bottom line is, does it matter if you were looked at for an LOA? Its not an appointment and only gets you one if you get a Nom and complete the other portions required. Control what you can in this process... whether you get an LOA is not one of them. Also an LOA honestly has no indication of how well someone does at USNA. I have seen kids who took 3 attempts to get in do very well and those with stellar resumes sink. Workout, focus on plan B and your Noms. And have some fun. Its senior year, its supposed to be a ton of fun. Spend time with your family. I know time right now is crawling, but before you know it you will be wishing you spent an extra dinner with them or just played a board game with them.

 

[nodiva]

Maybe it's just this post, but it seems like a lot more LOA's coming out this year than last year at this time.

 

[john555]

keegs086 the answer to your question is that there is no way to know. The process for reviewing applicants is speculated on by everyone and the people who truly know cannot say anything on this board or any other. The best you can do is work to continue to improve your package, complete your nomination packages, and develop good backup plans.

This process is very brutal and the wait is difficult. As has been said many times if you get an LOA which could happen at any time between now and March next year then great. In the long run an LOA is not what matters an appointment is the ultimate goal and most of those will not start going out until early next year. Keep your head up and be proud of what you have accomplished. The best destinations often are preceded by very long roads that leave even the best traveller with a blister.

Navy dad,

Thank you very much for these wise words... helps during this time. Thank you.

 

[john555]

I have no idea if you were looked over for an LOA or not. None of us know what admissions is really looking for this year. I know its really hard being in your shoes, but the bottom line is, does it matter if you were looked at for an LOA? Its not an appointment and only gets you one if you get a Nom and complete the other portions required. Control what you can in this process... whether you get an LOA is not one of them. Also an LOA honestly has no indication of how well someone does at USNA. I have seen kids who took 3 attempts to get in do very well and those with stellar resumes sink. Workout, focus on plan B and your Noms. And have some fun. Its senior year, its supposed to be a ton of fun. Spend time with your family. I know time right now is crawling, but before you know it you will be wishing you spent an extra dinner with them or just played a board game with them.

Thank you very much for replying! Very helpful.

Thanks.