Applicants
- Thread starter navy22
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Of course. Large states (California, Texas, Florida, etc.) will have a lot more applicants than small states (Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, etc.) In addition, states with large bases and/or military presence (North Carolina, Georgia, etc.) will have a a disproportionately larger percentage of applicants. A large state with large military presence (Virginia, in the case of Navy) will really stand out. As for appointment rates, can’t tell you, but word on this forum is that large states with large military presence will be the most competitive. That makes sense.
There are certain pockets of the country which are very competitive, due to a number of reasons. Keep in mind that congressional districts generally have around the same amount of people, so it really has more to do with demographic and then whatever special reason might draw kids towards being an officer in the military; typically a family member being in the military.
As far as demographics, it seems to me that Suburban areas, as opposed to either rural or urban areas, draw the most applicants and interest in the academies. I can make surmisions about that, but in general suburban areas are more affluent, parents tend to have a higher education themselves, and therefore value college and top colleges in particular, and when that is the case there are more kids applying to all top schools, including the academies.
When there is a significant military presence in an area there will be more interest in the Academies, because military families are very familiar with the benefits of attending an Academy, whereas the general population is far less in touch with academies, how they work, what the deal is, and the long-term benefits.
Beer is in the Northeast part of the country, the North West, it in particula Northern Virginia, where those factors are particularly strong, have tons of applicants, and are extremely competitive.
Most large metropolitan areas have a lot of applicants, but are not necessarily extremely competitive;at least as compared to those other areas referenced above. Any given year though a moderately competitive district can be either highly competitive, or not very competitive at all. Depends on interest and the draw that particular year. Nothing should ever be taken for granted in this process.
As far as demographics, it seems to me that Suburban areas, as opposed to either rural or urban areas, draw the most applicants and interest in the academies. I can make surmisions about that, but in general suburban areas are more affluent, parents tend to have a higher education themselves, and therefore value college and top colleges in particular, and when that is the case there are more kids applying to all top schools, including the academies.
When there is a significant military presence in an area there will be more interest in the Academies, because military families are very familiar with the benefits of attending an Academy, whereas the general population is far less in touch with academies, how they work, what the deal is, and the long-term benefits.
Beer is in the Northeast part of the country, the North West, it in particula Northern Virginia, where those factors are particularly strong, have tons of applicants, and are extremely competitive.
Most large metropolitan areas have a lot of applicants, but are not necessarily extremely competitive;at least as compared to those other areas referenced above. Any given year though a moderately competitive district can be either highly competitive, or not very competitive at all. Depends on interest and the draw that particular year. Nothing should ever be taken for granted in this process.
We live in a Congressional District that includes a large urban core city but not much in the way of suburbs. Rarely are there 10 nominees for an open slot. However, we have learned from DS's BGO that the District is typically highly competitive with respect to the top 3-4 nominees - i.e., they are highly qualified and would be competitive in any other district in the country. I think it is deceiving to try to figure out one's chances based on whether or not a particular District has 2 competitive nominees or 10. If your single competitor for an appointment in a District has more of what USNA is looking for to fill out the class than you, then it doesn't much matter. I would also add (at the risk of generalizing) that in such urban core Districts, there is a higher likelihood that a well-qualified URM/recruited athlete/first generation American/etc. will be your competition (or you, the candidate, has these attributes) by virtue of the greater diversity of residents.
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+1 to this point. Don’t get caught up in how “competitive” your district is. The simple math is this: In general, each MOC has one open spot for each academy each year. That means it only takes one candidate with a superior record than yours (i.e. WCS) to beat you out. And that can happen in an urban area, an anti-military area, anywhere. Yes, it’s possible for multiple candidates from one district to get a nomination, but that’s with extenuating circumstances. Not something to count on. In short, focus on yourself and being the best candidate possible.
Old Navy BGO
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I'm in a largely rural, less populated state, and this is consistent with my observations. We certainly don't have as many candidates as the larger urban centers, or those Navy centric areas described above, and the depth of the applicant pool probably isn't as high, but the top 2-3 candidates on any MOC slate would compete with anyone in the country. The successful candidates have done very well at USNA.
A greater number of applicants naturally reduces the acceptance rate overall, but I'm not sure that it necessarily reduces the chance of Admission. I frequently hear of one MOC district sending multiple candidates to USNA, even multiples from a single school, in those states where USNA is very popular. The more popular states, witth deeper applicant pools, probably get a lot more of the Presidential, VP, and other miscellaneous Appointments than we do here.
I am from the Northeast and can confirm that we have lots of beer...
HAHAHA. I just looked at my post, and it is full of typos and errors. Looks like I was drinking lots of beer before writing. Did that on my phone with my thumbs, and posted before re-reading. But thank you for verifying my misstatements. LOL
MoSwimmer66
Born to Row
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Our MOC typically gets 300 applicants for nominations for the SAs. His panel interviews 100. The panel will put forth 10 Nominees for each SA, USNA being the most competitive. He'll have one opening for each SA for which the SA will pick from the slate of 10.
So, even to get on the slate is highly competitive.
So, even to get on the slate is highly competitive.
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It’s a good time to throw in a reminder to applicants and supporting family to not look left or right at other Districts or States, who may seem to have fewer applicants and may seem less competitive, which doesn’t seem fair. It’s an asymmetrical battlefront. Put your best self and your best package forward, and don’t waste energy on factors you cannot influence.
Ditto for looking only at other applicants’ test scores, GPA, class rank, etc. Do it to see if you’re in the general range, but you cannot see anyone’s entire package.
When the 2023 appointment threads get bubbling in the next few weeks, you will drive yourself crazy if you see someone get an offer of appointment and search for their “chance me stats” post - and see you are 10 points higher in something. Just don’t go there. It is not all about a number or two.
I am fond of reading VA Jim Stockdale’s essays and books. He chose the path of Stoicism to get him through his time as a Vietnam POW. Essentially, he spent mental time only on those things he could influence. I like to think he’d get a laugh at me recommending the following to get this process in perspective, especially because it involves a lot of waiting:
https://www.usna.edu/Ethics/_files/documents/stoicism1.pdf
https://www.usna.edu/Ethics/_files/documents/Stoicism2.pdf
Application to a SA or ROTC program involves many officer traits and skills. Focus and patience, and the ability to disregard what’s unimportant, are on that list.
Ditto for looking only at other applicants’ test scores, GPA, class rank, etc. Do it to see if you’re in the general range, but you cannot see anyone’s entire package.
When the 2023 appointment threads get bubbling in the next few weeks, you will drive yourself crazy if you see someone get an offer of appointment and search for their “chance me stats” post - and see you are 10 points higher in something. Just don’t go there. It is not all about a number or two.
I am fond of reading VA Jim Stockdale’s essays and books. He chose the path of Stoicism to get him through his time as a Vietnam POW. Essentially, he spent mental time only on those things he could influence. I like to think he’d get a laugh at me recommending the following to get this process in perspective, especially because it involves a lot of waiting:
https://www.usna.edu/Ethics/_files/documents/stoicism1.pdf
https://www.usna.edu/Ethics/_files/documents/Stoicism2.pdf
Application to a SA or ROTC program involves many officer traits and skills. Focus and patience, and the ability to disregard what’s unimportant, are on that list.
Last edited:
shock-n-awe
5-Year Member
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Regarding District competitiveness,
Always consider your District and fellow Candidates the MOST competitive of any.
Then prepare accordingly....
Always consider your District and fellow Candidates the MOST competitive of any.
Then prepare accordingly....