A predicament

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bigsisbest

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Mar 5, 2021
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Hi all, I accepted an appointment through a principal nomination back in January to USMA. I had some questions regarding changes to extracurriculars and appointment status. In the past couple of weeks, Indoor and outdoor HS sports were cleared in California for play(very late, I know). My Candidate Activities Record(CAR) for my application included participation in both Varsity Basketball and Lacrosse for my senior year. At first, I was confused about whether or not I should include senior year activities when at the time, the sports season was uncertain; however, when I looked at the Applicant Instructions Booklet, it mentioned including activities grades 9 THROUGH 12, so I included them. Since it took so long for California sports to get cleared, these seasons will run simultaneously. So I will be unable to participate in both like I usually do.

Furthermore, after some discussion with my parents and brief browsing of this forum, I wonder if it's even worth playing sports in my situation. The seasons will run from late April and into June with the inclusion of League Championships and playoffs. I risk injury and the possibility of contracting COVID less than a month from R-day(June 28). The DoDMERB website mentions, "Current DOD guidance stipulates applicants who have been infected with COVID-19 can be qualified (or recertified) no earlier than 28 days after completing any recommended home isolation. This will be roughly 38 days for most applicants, from the time their symptoms began or they tested positive." If I play, I risk being unable to join this year's class due to injury or inadequate time to be COVID cleared. However, I am also concerned if a change to my CAR to more accurately represent my participation in sports this late in the game will cause a loss of appointment. Don't get me wrong. I would love to finish what I started and play senior year, but am hesitant to risk something I have worked so hard for. I have contacted my admissions counselor about this, but he is temporarily out of the office. Any advice would be appreciated, and I will adjust my plans accordingly.
 
Have you reached out to your coach to explain your situation? Perhaps you could participate until the date you would need to quarantine/meet the requirements for the appointment. I bet a high school coach might be empathetic to your situation, and we know that things with COVID have changed here every 2-3 weeks. It's possible that you might be able to get your season (or a good chunk) in before the requirements.

If the CAR asks that you also list things you believe you will be participating in, I'm sure there will be some understanding that things went a little wonky with COVID this year. I don't think not playing will have any baring on your appointment, but that's just my thoughts. North Carolina was slow to open sports as well and sports are being played at very different intervals than normal, spring football, anyone?
 
No one can answer this but you. You either live your life expecting the worst and use an abundance of caution, or you do not. I wouldn't judge either. Here in Texas, Wrestling just started last night (but it doesn't go until June) and he never for a second thought about not going, and I don't think he would ever not show for his team, but he's a team captain. That's just his mentality about a possible injury, and he believes that if something happened that He had a reason for the challenge (that's his thought, doesn't have to be anyone else's).

On your question of 2 sports and the CAR, I would contact your rep. WP isn't looking to job candidates, you've done absolutely nothing wrong or dishonest, this situation was thrust upon you and all of us. I can't answer for them, but I from the folks I have met, they would completely understand if you were forced to pick one and go.

As far COVID and the 28 days, if that is a concern, I would suggest finding out if you can get a vaccine pronto. Not sure if going into the ARMY (or USMA) would be a factor. I know we're going on a fishing and hiking trip in Colorado, but it's outdoor, we're certainly not locking down in June.
 
I was once told that once DS/DD received an appointment and accepted - they should be wrapped in bubble wrap until their report day. Just my two cents. But on the flip side - you could simply trip walking outside an get injured. Do what makes you feel comfortable and confident to get to June w/o an injury. Congrats! and best of luck to you!
 
You know, I have never thought about this and I know my DS has not either. Of course, he has not received an appointment yet but he is going on a Spring Break trip to the Bahamas with Young Life and he is certainly not going to, not play baseball! You can't live your life with the thought of trying not to get injured injured or sick. They are the very people who end up getting injured and sick!
 
bigsisbest said:
Hi all, I accepted an appointment through a principal nomination back in January to USMA. I had some questions regarding changes to extracurriculars and appointment status. In the past couple of weeks, Indoor and outdoor HS sports were cleared in California for play(very late, I know). My Candidate Activities Record(CAR) for my application included participation in both Varsity Basketball and Lacrosse for my senior year. At first, I was confused about whether or not I should include senior year activities when at the time, the sports season was uncertain; however, when I looked at the Applicant Instructions Booklet, it mentioned including activities grades 9 THROUGH 12, so I included them. Since it took so long for California sports to get cleared, these seasons will run simultaneously. So I will be unable to participate in both like I usually do.

Furthermore, after some discussion with my parents and brief browsing of this forum, I wonder if it's even worth playing sports in my situation. The seasons will run from late April and into June with the inclusion of League Championships and playoffs. I risk injury and the possibility of contracting COVID less than a month from R-day(June 28). The DoDMERB website mentions, "Current DOD guidance stipulates applicants who have been infected with COVID-19 can be qualified (or recertified) no earlier than 28 days after completing any recommended home isolation. This will be roughly 38 days for most applicants, from the time their symptoms began or they tested positive." If I play, I risk being unable to join this year's class due to injury or inadequate time to be COVID cleared. However, I am also concerned if a change to my CAR to more accurately represent my participation in sports this late in the game will cause a loss of appointment. Don't get me wrong. I would love to finish what I started and play senior year, but am hesitant to risk something I have worked so hard for. I have contacted my admissions counselor about this, but he is temporarily out of the office. Any advice would be appreciated, and I will adjust my plans accordingly.
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This year, imo, anything that makes sense...makes sense. I HIGHLY doubt that not playing your sport(s) will affect your appointment. Especially this year, with the reasonings/thoughts you laid out in your post.

I’m a mom, if you don’t feel passionate or comfortable playing due to Covid, I would 100 pct support/agree. And I absolutely wouldn’t recommend playing two at the same time. To much stress on the body at the varsity level, especially if you are a starter.

It really is a personal decision, imo. You can make a case for going either route. I would go with what makes sense to you, if you WANT to participate. But if you don’t? It very much makes sense, and is logical.

Congrats on your appointment 💯
 
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