Confused about why USNA asked for a picture

[jay9bell]

My son completed his application on December 1, 2018. The medical exam and blue and gold officers information was in by the deadline. The only information he has received is a request for a picture. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
These are his stats:
1. 3.99 GPA (not weighted) with 12 AP classes and he is an AP National Scholar (8 or more AP tests with a score of 4 or better).
2. SAT score 1460 (770 Math and 690 English)
3. AP Physics, AP Calculus AB (5 on AP test), AP Calculus BC this year, AP Chemistry (5 on AP test), AP US History, AP Psychology, and countless other AP classes.
4. USNA Summer Seminar 2018
5. Passed Fitness Test at Seminar
6. 2 years Wrestling JV
7. 3 years Track (2 years JV and 1 year V)
8. Club Boxing
9. Tutors low-income kids in Math
10. Student representative on School Districts Board
11. AP We the People State Champion (Tahoma High School going to Nationals in DC at end of April)
12. Class rank 9 out of 628 kids
13. Nomination from Congressman in Washington State

Not sure if DoDMERB or USNA asked for the picture but one of these entities asked for a picture of his back and chest (he has some acne). Why? I thought he would have heard something by now. This entire process is like nails on a chalkboard.

 

[THParent]

I don't think his stats matter here at all. What matters is that he was asked to supply photos. He should supply photos.

 

[kinnem]

It seems like it has to be the acne, unless there is a concern about tattoos for some reason? I'd get the picture in ASAP. Given the time of year it's possible that it's a final hurdle before being offered an appointment, but that's totally a guess on my part. Do not get your hopes up, but don't delay getting the picture they requested in. Be sure to comply with any restrictions they may have specified for the photo.

 

[cptenca]

Not sure if you have a military background but if not, get used to curve balls. If all that's between you and an academy is a photo, it takes less time to send it in than to post here.

 

[justdoit19]

I ditto the probability of wanting to see what kind of acne. My GUESS is they want to see if it’s typical “pimples” or more the cyst type, bulbous acne that requires medication to remedy. Such as acutane. Which, to my knowledge, is one that you are required to be off of for a set time period.

If you want further discussion about acne, there is lots here if you search the forums.

 

[jay9bell]

Thank you for the information. He did send the picture, I was just curious about why they'd ask for one. He is a teenage kid with typical breakouts, but more so on his back than his face or chest.