checklist
I don't know if the SA's do that - but, when a student applies to my Academy - we give them a chcklist of items they need to submit in order to have their application complete for review. We also provide that list ahead of time - on the application of admission for them to see/plan for.
I worked at a senior military college - and we provided a similar list for prospective students to that college as well.
Our district's MOC provides a timeline/list to students interested in a nomination.
From my perspective - confusion occurs when;
1.) An applicant gets info from a source - other than the admissions office of the Academy they are interested in - or - an authorized designee. I like this forum - because many times - people will encourage a student to have direct contact with the admissions office.
2.) The process of mail/email/FAX - and the electronic coding of data. We live in such a fast paced world - that when a student submits a document to my office - they think that it automatically identified and registered officially. There is always a time lag - and people not familiar with administrative processes - can get frustrated.
Happy New Years,
Fuji