Accepting My Offer of Admission

[hungflungpoo]

Hello,

I’ve recently been offered an appointment to the Class of 2026 and I’m so excited! I’ll be leaving for basic training (as I’ve joined the National Guard) in a couple days, and I want to accept the offer before I leave. Of course, it would be difficult to communicate efficiently while at Ft Leonard Wood for me. I received nominations from all of my congressmen, and they’ve all called me about my offer. I’ve also received a correspondence from West Point offering the admission officially in my file. The issue is, I do not know how to accept this. My FFR told me all the information would be in my file, though I can’t see anything allowing me to accept this great honor. If anyone could point me in the right direction, I’d be very thankful.

It also may be important to note that my certificate of appointment has not yet been received in the mail. I’m not sure if it’s relevant to my ability to accept, however, I’d like to mention it nonetheless.

 

[Warrior-Poet]

On your portal, click on the Overview Tab and all the relevant instructions for accepting your appointment should be there.

 

[ALF648]

Congratulations! DS is a plebe at USMA. My memory is that there is no real way to speculate on when the required documents and instructions will appear in the portal. But don't worry because they will appear. If I remember correctly last cycle there was typically a 2 week lag between the time that an official correspondence appeared and then the required documentation or "buttons to click" appeared. You have lots of time to make it official

 

[AROTC Parent]

Hello,

I’ve recently been offered an appointment to the Class of 2026 and I’m so excited! I’ll be leaving for basic training (as I’ve joined the National Guard) in a couple days, and I want to accept the offer before I leave. Of course, it would be difficult to communicate efficiently while at Ft Leonard Wood for me. I received nominations from all of my congressmen, and they’ve all called me about my offer. I’ve also received a correspondence from West Point offering the admission officially in my file. The issue is, I do not know how to accept this. My FFR told me all the information would be in my file, though I can’t see anything allowing me to accept this great honor. If anyone could point me in the right direction, I’d be very thankful.

It also may be important to note that my certificate of appointment has not yet been received in the mail. I’m not sure if it’s relevant to my ability to accept, however, I’d like to mention it nonetheless.

Wait????? Why are you going to Basic Training for the NG if you have an acceptance to USMA? You will now have to get a DD368 to be released from the NG after Basic Training to go to USMA. Call USMA admissions and determine if attending Basic Training and continuing with your NG enlistment prior to RDay at USMA is a reasonable 'choice'.

 

[Capt MJ]

Wait????? Why are you going to Basic Training for the NG if you have an acceptance to USMA? You will now have to get a DD368 to be released from the NG after Basic Training to go to USMA. Call USMA admissions and determine if attending Basic Training and continuing with your NG enlistment prior to RDay at USMA is a reasonable 'choice'.

Ditto!
If you are injured in basic training, depending on recovery time and fitness for full duty, it could derail your ability to report to USMA and your appointment. Get smart on what is required here ASAP.

 

[HopefulDad2026]

As far as the correspondence and not seeing the Accept button, my DS is in the same boat. I think it will show up in a few days. We've had that throughout almost the entire process, that the correspondence it posted and then a couple of days later the actual portal updates. If it's already been more than a week, then I would reach out to admissions.

 

[DrMom]

You need to talk to you admissions representative at West Point.

 

[hungflungpoo]

Wait????? Why are you going to Basic Training for the NG if you have an acceptance to USMA? You will now have to get a DD368 to be released from the NG after Basic Training to go to USMA. Call USMA admissions and determine if attending Basic Training and continuing with your NG enlistment prior to RDay at USMA is a reasonable 'choice'.

USMA is aware of my enlistment and I will be graduating from OSUT on May 13th, so everything should line up. I was told that I will simply be put into an inactive status while I attend the academy.

 

[DrMom]

Sounds like a plan. You should enough time to do all of the paperwork between now and OSUT and your graduation and R-Day.
You will be very busy these next few months but let's hope you show up for R-Day in great shape!

 

[DDmom]

I would tend to agree with other posters that this might be more complicated than you think. If your national gaurd service is not a requirement of your acceptance I would think you could better spend your days in college classes at a local college than with the national guard. As others have said if you are injured during OSUT then you will likey be dropped from class of 2026.

 

[Old Enlisted Marine]

I assume you didn't get this far being stupid so I also assume you have this all planed out. Motor on! Best of luck to you. I love the determination. No worse off than those still out playing sports and working out! I get the bubble wrap idea but.......

 

[JCSDVM1]

Hello,

I’ve recently been offered an appointment to the Class of 2026 and I’m so excited! I’ll be leaving for basic training (as I’ve joined the National Guard) in a couple days, and I want to accept the offer before I leave. Of course, it would be difficult to communicate efficiently while at Ft Leonard Wood for me. I received nominations from all of my congressmen, and they’ve all called me about my offer. I’ve also received a correspondence from West Point offering the admission officially in my file. The issue is, I do not know how to accept this. My FFR told me all the information would be in my file, though I can’t see anything allowing me to accept this great honor. If anyone could point me in the right direction, I’d be very thankful.

It also may be important to note that my certificate of appointment has not yet been received in the mail. I’m not sure if it’s relevant to my ability to accept, however, I’d like to mention it nonetheless.

Be careful and do not get hurt at basic!!! There are plenty of horror stories of kids getting hurt and having to reapply the following year.

 

[justdoit19]

Also have contingency plans…my basic date was moved 3 times. Even up to a week before leaving!

Curious, if you care to share, why you are doing this? Very interesting!!

 

[kinnem]

Basically I think the risk of jnjury is too great. I also see absolutely no need to attend basic as it accomplishes virtually nothing for you. 3This is a very bad idea.

Also, is the Guard aware of your appointment? Are they still OK with you doing Basic? Are they going to release you?

 

[hungflungpoo]

Also have contingency plans…my basic date was moved 3 times. Even up to a week before leaving!

Curious, if you care to share, why you are doing this? Very interesting!!

I have done my research and there should be plenty of buffer time in between R-Day and my OSUT graduation I case my start date is postponed.

Be careful and do not get hurt at basic!!! There are plenty of horror stories of kids getting hurt and having to reapply the following year.

I will do my best! I plan to work hard, but remain gentle where it counts and not overdo it. Too much is at stake, naturally.

I assume you didn't get this far being stupid so I also assume you have this all planed out. Motor on! Best of luck to you. I love the determination. No worse off than those still out playing sports and working out! I get the bubble wrap idea but.......

This is essentially my mindset!

Basically I think the risk of jnjury is to great. I also see absolutely no need to attend basic as it accomplishes virtually nothing for you. 3This is a very bad idea.

Also, is the Guard aware of your appointment? Are they still OK with you doing Basic? Are they going to release you?

I went to MEPS a month ago after trying for months to join my state’s guard. I did not know at the time that I would be admitted to West Point, so this course of action was taken more to supplement any of my other alternative plans without keeping me from attending the Military Academy, if given the chance.

My state’s guard is very well aware of my appointment and has written quite a few articles on me. I don’t believe they plan to derail my plans, as it would be counterintuitive for them more than me at this point in the game. Like I’ve said before, the guard has told me that they will reclassify my MOS as inactive before I leave, so that I am permitted to miss my training dates.

Further, I don’t believe backing out now would be a better idea, if that’s what you’re proposing. It’s the only reason you would make that reply in fact, unless you’re simply adding to what you perceive as insult to injury. I was admitted to West Point having a no-quit attitude, and I don’t plan to quit what I took an oath to accomplish now, simply because there is some risk of failure. I’ve waited my whole life to be a soldier.

 

[kinnem]

I don't think you're at risk of failure. I think your at risk of an injury that could keep you out of the academy. I'm sure you could wait to be a soldier for a few more months

It's your call. I'm just here to provide a different perspective.

 

[justdoit19]

I have done my research and there should be plenty of buffer time in between R-Day and my OSUT graduation I case my start date is postponed.

I will do my best! I plan to work hard, but remain gentle where it counts and not overdo it. Too much is at stake, naturally.

This is essentially my mindset!

I went to MEPS a month ago after trying for months to join my state’s guard. I did not know at the time that I would be admitted to West Point, so this course of action was taken more to supplement any of my other alternative plans without keeping me from attending the Military Academy, if given the chance.

My state’s guard is very well aware of my appointment and has written quite a few articles on me. I don’t believe they plan to derail my plans, as it would be counterintuitive for them more than me at this point in the game. Like I’ve said before, the guard has told me that they will reclassify my MOS as inactive before I leave, so that I am permitted to miss my training dates.

Further, I don’t believe backing out now would be a better idea, if that’s what you’re proposing. It’s the only reason you would make that reply in fact, unless you’re simply adding to what you perceive as insult to injury. I was admitted to West Point having a no-quit attitude, and I don’t plan to quit what I took an oath to accomplish now, simply because there is some risk of failure. I’ve waited my whole life to be a soldier.

There is some serious knowledge here. From people that have “been there, done that”. With really good experience. They aren’t being flippant, or rude. They know what’s at stake. The chances of injury, delay, illness…heck, even not making it through basic and being held back (is that the right phrasing? I know it happened in my enlisted sons class). It’s the military, they can do whatever they want. When my son went…smack dab in the middle something called a global pandemic hit. EVERYTHINGGGGG changed (he was the first class to be halted in place, in the field actually). And they don’t care your are USMA bound. You are nothing.

You won’t have the opportunity to ‘do your best, but remain gentle where it counts and not overdo it’. It’s BOOTCAMP. You will do what your told. Period. It’s not easy

To keep up with a commitment, that you can be relaeased from, with blessing? For an honorable reason? That’s soooooo risky! Most prudent/common advice is to bubble wrap the summer before you report. Some even drop their spring sport.

I’ve got 2 at USNA. Who went through plebe summer. And one who went to the same basic trainnng you will be. NO WAY attending basic, before reporting, makes even a little bit of sense. I get what you are saying about your oath. But I don’t think you are dishonoring your oath. BC you are allowed to be released.

Keep in mind, your recruiter gets their pay based off their recruiting. If that’s part of what’s going on here (your recruiter getting you to go). I believe I have read they don’t get their credit if you don’t report.

I hope you seriously reconsider. Be open to not going and accepting the release that’s offered to you. There is no shame in making a prudent, wise choice for your future. The release is there for this very reason. Yours is a good one!! If something happens, that results in not attending with your USMA class, I’m confident you will regret going to basic.

It is your choice. Good on you for ‘honoring your commitment’. But also know, that there is a release in play for a reason. There is nothing dishonorable in utilizing the options you have. It a mature person that makes a choice for the best outcome. And you ARE still going to serve. So still honoring your oath.

Good luck to you!

 

[HopefulDad2026]

As far as the correspondence and not seeing the Accept button, my DS is in the same boat. I think it will show up in a few days. We've had that throughout almost the entire process, that the correspondence it posted and then a couple of days later the actual portal updates. If it's already been more than a week, then I would reach out to admissions.

The portal changed overnight for my son, so took about 3 days. Might be part of that maintenance they speak of every Thursday.

 

[shock-n-awe]

USMA is aware of my enlistment and I will be graduating from OSUT on May 13th, so everything should line up. I was told that I will simply be put into an inactive status while I attend the academy.

I have done my research and there should be plenty of buffer time in between R-Day and my OSUT graduation I case my start date is postponed.

I will do my best! I plan to work hard, but remain gentle where it counts and not overdo it. Too much is at stake, naturally.

This is essentially my mindset!

I went to MEPS a month ago after trying for months to join my state’s guard. I did not know at the time that I would be admitted to West Point, so this course of action was taken more to supplement any of my other alternative plans without keeping me from attending the Military Academy, if given the chance.

My state’s guard is very well aware of my appointment and has written quite a few articles on me. I don’t believe they plan to derail my plans, as it would be counterintuitive for them more than me at this point in the game. Like I’ve said before, the guard has told me that they will reclassify my MOS as inactive before I leave, so that I am permitted to miss my training dates.

Further, I don’t believe backing out now would be a better idea, if that’s what you’re proposing. It’s the only reason you would make that reply in fact, unless you’re simply adding to what you perceive as insult to injury. I was admitted to West Point having a no-quit attitude, and I don’t plan to quit what I took an oath to accomplish now, simply because there is some risk of failure. I’ve waited my whole life to be a soldier.

Sounds like you have it all figured out.

You had plan A to attend WP
Plan B to enlist in the NG and serve as a soldier (your ultimate goal)

You did well and forged ahead with plan B just in case plan A didn’t work out, but now plan A has presented itself as a reality.
IMO you need to embrace plan A fully.
Your obligation to serve in the NG should be trumped by your attending an SA. You should not be put into an “inactive MOS status”, your obligation should be none with NG. You will not be obligated to any training with them, the SA will be your new unit. The NG cannot “derail” your attending an SA.
Sounds like recruiter language to me.
I suggest talking to your WP RC and getting there guidance for your best course of action and take that advice. There will be the admissions packet to complete as well….
Do not look at this as “quitting “ plan B, you are “starting” your plan A.

 

[hungflungpoo]

The portal changed overnight for my son, so took about 3 days. Might be part of that maintenance they speak of every Thursday.

That’s what happened for me. I was just given the opportunity to accept and I did, thankfully.

There is some serious knowledge here. From people that have “been there, done that”. With really good experience. They aren’t being flippant, or rude. They know what’s at stake. The chances of injury, delay, illness…heck, even not making it through basic and being held back (is that the right phrasing? I know it happened in my enlisted sons class). It’s the military, they can do whatever they want. When my son went…smack dab in the middle something called a global pandemic hit. EVERYTHINGGGGG changed (he was the first class to be halted in place, in the field actually). And they don’t care your are USMA bound. You are nothing.

You won’t have the opportunity to ‘do your best, but remain gentle where it counts and not overdo it’. It’s BOOTCAMP. You will do what your told. Period. It’s not easy

To keep up with a commitment, that you can be relaeased from, with blessing? For an honorable reason? That’s soooooo risky! Most prudent/common advice is to bubble wrap the summer before you report. Some even drop their spring sport.

I’ve got 2 at USNA. Who went through plebe summer. And one who went to the same basic trainnng you will be. NO WAY attending basic, before reporting, makes even a little bit of sense. I get what you are saying about your oath. But I don’t think you are dishonoring your oath. BC you are allowed to be released.

Keep in mind, your recruiter gets their pay based off their recruiting. If that’s part of what’s going on here (your recruiter getting you to go). I believe I have read they don’t get their credit if you don’t report.

I hope you seriously reconsider. Be open to not going and accepting the release that’s offered to you. There is no shame in making a prudent, wise choice for your future. The release is there for this very reason. Yours is a good one!! If something happens, that results in not attending with your USMA class, I’m confident you will regret going to basic.

It is your choice. Good on you for ‘honoring your commitment’. But also know, that there is a release in play for a reason. There is nothing dishonorable in utilizing the options you have. It a mature person that makes a choice for the best outcome. And you ARE still going to serve. So still honoring your oath.

Good luck to you!

Sounds like you have it all figured out.

You had plan A to attend WP
Plan B to enlist in the NG and serve as a soldier (your ultimate goal)

You did well and forged ahead with plan B just in case plan A didn’t work out, but now plan A has presented itself as a reality.
IMO you need to embrace plan A fully.
Your obligation to serve in the NG should be trumped by your attending an SA. You should not be put into an “inactive MOS status”, your obligation should be none with NG. You will not be obligated to any training with them, the SA will be your new unit. The NG cannot “derail” your attending an SA.
Sounds like recruiter language to me.
I suggest talking to your WP RC and getting there guidance for your best course of action and take that advice. There will be the admissions packet to complete as well….
Do not look at this as “quitting “ plan B, you are “starting” your plan A.

I am currently in contact with the Guard/West Point liaison and they are in contact with my unit. I was just informed that I do in fact need a DD368 and that it will be given. I’m not sure if that means I’ll be going to basic still or not. Either way, I’m prepared to do what I must.

My situation is a bit unique in that I graduated HS at 16 through a military school and just recently turned 17. I didn’t apply for school this spring semester because I’ve really been anticipating going to training at that time. I either go to basic and make some money, get fed for a couple months, challenge myself, and learn some valuable lessons, or I do nothing the rest of winter and spring. I understand the appeal behind being cautious at home, but if I am cautious at my home away from home where I can gain relevant experience, I would choose the latter.

I want it to be known, despite my stubbornness about my seemingly rash decision, that I really do appreciate the constructive criticism. The posts in this thread meant to teach me something have been appreciated, as I understand everyone’s valuable time can always be spent elsewhere. With this being said, I’d like to thank those of you that this applies to.

If the guard and the academy reach a conclusion that I should be released early, I will do so. However, if I can still attend basic training without it clearly jeopardizing my appointment, I wish to and will.