Anxious and Stressed: Possible Solutions to Nervously Waiting For Appointment

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Mar 13, 2023
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Hello all,
I am currently a senior applying for the class of 2027 at USNA. I completed everything in my package about three weeks ago, and I, like thousands of others, am waiting to hear back with an appointment or rejection.
I feel fairly confident (not in a prideful way, more of a fact-based way) with my application, as I am valedictorian with dual credit/APs, my school’s drum major, a part of many extracurriculars, a four-year varsity powerlifter, active in my church/missionary trips, 32 ACT, etc., but my stress and anxiety about hearing the decision has been growing exponentially. I completely understand that the board is swamped with applications, and many other individuals have strong(er) applications, but the waiting is driving me insane. I have tried to stay optimistic and positive, reassuring myself that I did the best that I could do and gave everything into each part of the application, but it hasn’t helped. I even go to the gym five days a week to lift and run and try and get my mind off of it, but I find myself checking my portal MANY times a day. Lately, I’ve been losing sleep due to overthinking and nerves, and I realized I need to find new strategies to deal with the wait and stress of CPR.
I am not asking for validation of my application or anything like that, as I no one knows what might happen and arrogance/pride towards myself and my application will simply destroy my humility and develop negative traits, but if anyone has advice towards dealing with the waiting and developing patience towards things out of my control, I would greatly appreciate it. I have been praying for peace and a calm heart that allows whatever happens to happen, but I also know that it is my responsibility to find ways to grow my patience and resilience, even during the difficult times of waiting.
Thank you for your thoughts and ideas :)
 
Start running. It will relieve the anxiety and put you in better shape for plebe summer if you get in.

It is out of your control. You put forth what appears to be a competitive package. You simply don’t know what puzzle pieces USNA is trying to fit in each spot. Nor do you know your competition’s stats.

Work on plan b and c.

Become optimistic. It is healthier.

No matter what happens, you will be successful.

I am pulling for you. Best of luck.
 
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Channel that energy into something productive. Spend more time improving your fitness. Join another club. Volunteer in your community. Do something to refocus your mind. As you are aware, this process is now completely out of your control. Don't waste your time letting your anxiety eat you up inside.
 
Impressive resume. The application process is a very busy time and once that work is done there seems to be nothing to replace that time for some candidates even though it looks like you are very busy. You‘re actually in the process of closing a chapter of your life and this time won’t come back. Your friends of today won’t necessarily be the same people you come back to on leave. Your family will change as well. I would encourage you to spend as much time as you can stand with the people that are closest to you.
 
Suggested professional reading linked below. Someone who knew he could only control how he felt, and how he handled what he could not control.

Along the PT lines noted above - challenge yourself with new goals or skills - but avoid injury, of course. SEAL-style plyometrics workouts. A yoga class. Rope-skipping and learning the fancy boxer steps. Break the patterns of comfortable workouts to give your brain and body a challenge

Volunteer at something where you stop thinking about yourself and realize how many in this world are worried about life’s basics. Volunteer to walk dogs at a local shelter, if you like dogs. They are great to talk to in times of stress, and you will do them good.

Serendipity: Learn to cook a dish that becomes a family favorite and your signature dish when you come home to visit.

Ask your parents if there is a project you can do for them or that you could do together. That is a gift to them, for if your wish comes true, the pattern of their lives faces just as big a shift as yours - for at least the next 9 years, you will only be visiting for brief periods. It will likely not be your full-time home again. The summer before I went to Navy OCS, my mother and I repainted my childhood bedroom, chose new bedding and rugs, changed wall art, etc. I went through all my “stuff,” and either ditched it, donated it or organized it in Rubbermaid storage bins. While it would still always be my room, it now looked like a fresh and inviting guest room.

Meditation and self-calming techniques as noted above. Try out the Calm app or similar on your phone. SEAL box breathing (google it). I just got back from a routine medical procedure this AM involving sedation. In the waiting room, in the prep area, while the IV was going in and other stress-inducing actions, I focused on my breathing and a mental image I have used for years of a perfect day on the water in our sailboat with wind rattling the rigging and the sounds of the boat knifing through the waves, the soft susurration of the water alongside, the perfect temperature, the salt tang of the breeze. The nurse commented on how slow and steady my heartbeat was and how my blood pressure was in a good low range. No “white coat syndrome.” You have a powerful mind; you too can master techniques to combat the brain hamsters run amok feeling.


 
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Go spend time with your family/friends, cook, do whatever brings you joy because if you receive an appointment it’s only 108 days to I-Day and a whole different lifestyle that will have more restrictions.
 
I agree with A1Janitor. Running can help de-clutter the mind and give you endorphins that relax you. On top of having a healthier heart and training for plebe summer, you’ll feel a lot calmer and at ease. I’ve been running a couple years and I can confidently say it works quite well. Not everyone will experience the runner’s high but it’s worth a shot.

Your resume is quite impressive as a lot of people have said. You’ve done everything in your power to the best of your abilities, and that is very commendable. Now it’s solely up to Admissions to do their thing. Perhaps doing something you love or finding new hobbies could help take your mind off things.

That’s really all the advice I can provide. I hope some of it helped a bit.

Best of luck to you 😁
 
You didn't mention nominations, CFA score, medical, and where you're from. All of those also have an affect on the decision.

But ..... take all of the advice above. You have done everything within your control. Let the process play out and you'll have an answer one way or the other by mid-April.
 
You didn't mention nominations, CFA score, medical, and where you're from. All of those also have an affect on the decision.

But ..... take all of the advice above. You have done everything within your control. Let the process play out and you'll have an answer one way or the other by mid-April.
That is a fair point, thank you for pointing that out! I received both a representative and senator nomination, passed my CFA (not with flying colors, but working on meeting and exceeding female standards), passed my medical exam with no waivers required (passed my orthodontic questionnaire), and I am from Western Wisconsin.
 
Suggested professional reading linked below. Someone who knew he could only control how he felt, and how he handled what he could not control.

Along the PT lines noted above - challenge yourself with new goals or skills - but avoid injury, of course. SEAL-style plyometrics workouts. A yoga class. Rope-skipping and learning the fancy boxer steps. Break the patterns of comfortable workouts to give your brain and body a challenge

Volunteer at something where you stop thinking about yourself and realize how many in this world are worried about life’s basics. Volunteer to walk dogs at a local shelter, if you like dogs. They are great to talk to in times of stress, and you will do them good.

Serendipity: Learn to cook a dish that becomes a family favorite and your signature dish when you come home to visit.

Ask your parents if there is a project you can do for them or that you could do together. That is a gift to them, for if your wish comes true, the pattern of their lives faces just as big a shift as yours - for at least the next 9 years, you will only be visiting for brief periods. It will likely not be your full-time home again. The summer before I went to Navy OCS, my mother and I repainted my childhood bedroom, chose new bedding and rugs, changed wall art, etc. I went through all my “stuff,” and either ditched it, donated it or organized it in Rubbermaid storage bins. While it would still always be my room, it now looked like a fresh and inviting guest room.

Meditation and self-calming techniques as noted above. Try out the Calm app or similar on your phone. SEAL box breathing (google it). I just got back from a routine medical procedure this AM involving sedation. In the waiting room, in the prep area, while the IV was going in and other stress-inducing actions, I focused on my breathing and a mental image I have used for years of a perfect day on the water in our sailboat with wind rattling the rigging and the sounds of the boat knifing through the waves, the soft susurration of the water alongside, the perfect temperature, the salt tang of the breeze. The nurse commented on how slow and steady my heartbeat was and how my blood pressure was in a good low range. No “white coat syndrome.” You have a powerful mind; you too can master techniques to combat the brain hamsters run amok feeling.


Thank you for the advice, it is greatly appreciated.
 
I completed everything in my package about three weeks ago,

I completely understand that the board is swamped with applications, and many other individuals have strong(er) applications, but the waiting is driving me insane.
Three weeks ago ? That is mid February and the application deadline was January 31. ( DODMERB doesn't count if that is what you are referring to). I trust you realize that there are many who submitted applications last fall and are still CPR ? Completing the application and expecting a response in 3 weeks is not reasonable. Relax and worry about what you can control.
 
I appreciate all of the advice and encouragement, thank you all. As a 17-year-old female candidate from an area in Wisconsin with little to no exposure of the Naval Academy, it is incredibly helpful to hear the advice, opinions, and views of others. My application process has been an independent journey for sure, but being able to talk with others who have experience with service academies has made the journey much easier. I will take all of your advice and try and integrate it into my routine, especially the running. I have a passion for music, especially my band and choir classes, so I will work to enjoy and cherish that over my AP English and Dual-Credit Calc 2 😅. Thank you again!
 
Three weeks ago ? That is mid February and the application deadline was January 31. ( DODMERB doesn't count if that is what you are referring to). I trust you realize that there are many who submitted applications last fall and are still CPR ? Completing the application and expecting a response in 3 weeks is not reasonable. Relax and worry about what you can control.
I 100% agree, I definitely was checking my portal the day after my DODMERB went through, with very high and unrealistic expectations :) For reference, I was CPR during the end of December, once my nomination went through. I waited to complete my CFA until January, as I was sick and failed my first attempt and needed extra training, and my DODMERB was marked qualified in the middle of February.
But you make a fair point, I should be thankful that I have only been CPR for a couple of months, and have only had to wait with a completed application for a few weeks. Thank you for putting that into perspective, I feel like candidates, myself especially, tend to forget the amount of work and waiting others have done. I will work to think more empathetically, rather than simply feel sorry for myself 😅
 
My standard advice, is to be present in your last year of K- 12 schooling. This is you LAST semester with these classmates. Everyone scatters, and things will forevermore be different.

Senior year is special. Especially 2nd semester. Re-focus on your time with friends and all the moments that celebrate you as a Senior.

Make sure and solidify Plan B, etc. Plan your dorm. Get a sweatshirt. Plan B May become Plan A. Even with an exceptional resume. Every. Single. Year. There are exceptional students who aren’t appointed. There just isn’t enough room for everyone.

Be present in your senior year. Solidify and work your alternate plans. You may not hear anything until mid April. 5 more weeks. Or later (my youngest was pulled from the waitlist mid May).

Good luck!
 
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