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Question is, is it worth it? The feeling kids getting appt are an after thought to fill slots. Which makes me feel I don’t want it to be their second choice because of numbers. To leave these kids in suspense is ridiculous. Yes it’s and academy and government paid for but at this point even a military college or rotc program will give the same results. It’s fruaterating but at this point any appt is a second third or forth choice of the academy and if not worth it at beginning or middle feeling go to plan B and get excited and enjoy rest of senior year. Yes annoyed to the fullest extent but not my decision. Between application dodmerb nominations athletics leadership roles. Comes down to SAT scores. Really!![/QUOTE]
The answer to your question is yes, it is worth it to go through all this work and worry and waiting to achieve a service academy appointment. I have found that a lot of parents of really exceptional kids have a more difficult time with this process than their DD/DS. As parents, we are programmed to be protective of our kids. It is easy to be angry when the admissions department does not seem to see your DD/DS the way you do. The truth is that your kid is now competing against the cream of the crop, and it is a new experience for you. Just like it is a new experience for many plebes to realize that they are no longer the smartest kid in their academy class. They may be average or even below average (someone has to be.) It is tough for parents and kids alike. I know it seems like this process takes forever, but when you think about it, it has only been less than two months since all nominations were turned in, even though most candidates had their applications in long before that. With all the details of admission such as where to charge a nomination, who has a remaining DoDMERB issue, etc., I think the people in admissions do a pretty remarkable job. Most people will have their answer in 4-6 weeks. In the meantime, please try to set an example for your DD/DS and enjoy your remaining time together. These days are more precious than you realize and you cannot get the time back once they are gone.