Acceptance Rate?

I think if I were the student, I would go in thinking that I probably wasnt going to get into the academy of choice and after sending all the applications, concentrate on the Plan B schools. Then if I did get into an academy it would be a great surprise. That way, the Plan B school wouldnt be my second choice

I agree. In life I always prepare myself for the worst and if it doesn’t happen then I’m pleasantly surprised. My DS’ plan C is local state university, enroll in non-scholarship NROTC and work his butt off. The chance of success with Plan C is VERY high
 
Remember that every MOC can nominate 10 per slate - if every MOC has one seat open in a given year that is 5350 nominations not including VP and Presidential.

So 3Q or not this swag says less than appx 20% of nominees get appointments on average.

If we just looked at MOC nominations, there would be 5350 nominations for 535 openings. The rest of the class is filled through other nomination sources then you have the qualified alternates and additional appointees.

The Bottom Line is really seen in the academy profile:

12000 Files Started
4000 Nominated
2200 3Q with a Nomination
1200 Admitted

You can do the math with these numbers to determine what you really want to know.
 
It basically comes down to this: If an SA wants someone badly enough, they’ll find a way to extend offer of appointment. No nomination? They’ll find you one. Not the principle nominee in your district? They’ll find a way. It’s very competitive at both the district and the national level. But every year we read about examples of candidates beating the odds and getting the BFE — because the SA really, really wanted that person.

I've heard this also. But is this mainly referring to athletes and URM? Also, I thought that if you are in the position of not getting on your congressman or senator's slate, then you were pretty much done with the process.
 
I've heard this also. But is this mainly referring to athletes and URM? Also, I thought that if you are in the position of not getting on your congressman or senator's slate, then you were pretty much done with the process.

This applies to everyone and not just recruited athletes. It’s unusual to find a top candidate without a nom, but it does happen.

In our state, the MOCS share their lists to ensure no duplicates, hence maximizing the number of candidates who get a nom. DD received noms for USNA and USMA (for that one, the principle nom), but not for USAFA. But because USAFA wanted her bad enough, they “found” a nom and told her about it just a couple days before national commitment day.

Now, I wouldn’t count on that happening often. Which is why the wise ones on SAF constantly counsel the need for Plan B, C, D.... But even without a nom, it ain’t over until you actually get a TWE.
 
If we just looked at MOC nominations, there would be 5350 nominations for 535 openings. The rest of the class is filled through other nomination sources then you have the qualified alternates and additional appointees.

The Bottom Line is really seen in the academy profile:

12000 Files Started
4000 Nominated
2200 3Q with a Nomination
1200 Admitted

You can do the math with these numbers to determine what you really want to know.

Thanks to all the prior posters. I am an admitted stats nerd and probably spend way too much time thinking about stats, looking for trends, discerning the bigger picture, etc. Anyway, can I take from the above stats that nearly half of the nominated applicants were ultimately not 3Qed, and is the reason usually resting with a failed physical and absence of waiver? Seems pretty high if that's the case, but I suppose it makes sense that only the fittest should be members of the armed forces.
 
Anyway, can I take from the above stats that nearly half of the nominated applicants were ultimately not 3Qed, and is the reason usually resting with a failed physical and absence of waiver?

Not sure how you’re getting to that conclusion. The stats that have been published are that in recent years, 40% - 45% of applicants to DOD SAs who are 3Q with nomination receive offer of appointment. The conditions to which you refer, and the conclusion that you’re drawing, are new to me.
 
Not sure how you’re getting to that conclusion. The stats that have been published are that in recent years, 40% - 45% of applicants to DOD SAs who are 3Q with nomination receive offer of appointment. The conditions to which you refer, and the conclusion that you’re drawing, are new to me.

Thank you. I just referred to the above-cited stat that there were 4000 nominations in that particular sample year, but only 2200 with 3Q and a nomination. If that's accurate, that surprised me that so many people who got the nomination were eventually deemed to not be qualified.
 
Thank you. I just referred to the above-cited stat that there were 4000 nominations in that particular sample year, but only 2200 with 3Q and a nomination. If that's accurate, that surprised me that so many people who got the nomination were eventually deemed to not be qualified.
Not everyone who is nominated finishes their application. Remember that some MOCs do noms without interviewing. Also, some candidates who complete their packages and get noms are not deemed to be qualified academically by the Admissions Board.
 
Not everyone who is nominated finishes their application. Remember that some MOCs do noms without interviewing. Also, some candidates who complete their packages and get noms are not deemed to be qualified academically by the Admissions Board.
I believe DoDMERB DQ's also play into that number. Correct me if I am wrong though!
 
I believe DoDMERB DQ's also play into that number. Correct me if I am wrong though!
The post I responded to said that, I was merely pointing out OTHER things that cause the from from 4000 noms to 2200 3Q with a nom
 
I like those odds! Now to become "qualified!"
Yes, if you consider yourself to be a highly qualified applicant, the odds are much better than the general population. The problem however is knowing all of the criteria to be considered QUALIFIED. Making it into the category does move the needle from 10% acceptance to 50% in most cases. However, there are people every year who do not find a seat on the bus but were considered worthy and QUALIFIED. This is partially why reapplicants do well because they typically were QUALIFIED the prior year and they TOOK ACTION via self prep or sponsored prep to move the needle just a little further in their favor to be more competitive in the QUALIFIED pool.
 
If the posted acceptance rate indicates that it's very tough to get into a service academy, with all the various and comprehensive requirements, then I think those statistics have conveyed an accurate picture.
 
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