Did everyone get an SSK allowing them to continue their application?

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bluedog

USMA 2028
Joined
Oct 9, 2022
Messages
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I just received an email saying I got my Second Step Kit, allowing me to continue on my application. However, I was under the assumption that this did not happen until August, about two weeks after SLE. The reason I believe this is I heard one of the advantages of attending SLE is getting your file open slightly early and the West Point website said they started opening the next part of the application in August.

Did they release them early this application cycle or is this a normal time and I am just misinformed?
 
bluedog said:
I just received an email saying I got my Second Step Kit, allowing me to continue on my application. However, I was under the assumption that this did not happen until August, about two weeks after SLE. The reason I believe this is I heard one of the advantages of attending SLE is getting your file open slightly early and the West Point website said they started opening the next part of the application in August.

Did they release them early this application cycle or is this a normal time and I am just misinformed?
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I also got an email saying my SSK was opened. I thought this was the same for everyone.
 
It seems a bit early--but applications have been a bit low so perhaps they are trying to keep the window open longer to motivate people...
 
Second Step Kits historically have been released to initially competitive candidates by June 1. This year, guidance came down that the intial SSKs would be released on May 15. If you have received one, then that means you are on the clock for your formal application for appointment now. As candidates are deemed competitive, additional SSKs will open up throughout the admissions process.
 
Mine opened on the 15th... I'm honestly astonished that I was deemed competitive enough for that to be a thing, but hey, I guess that's a good sign.
 
USMAZoo98 said:
Second Step Kits historically have been released to initially competitive candidates by June 1. This year, guidance came down that the intial SSKs would be released on May 15. If you have received one, then that means you are on the clock for your formal application for appointment now. As candidates are deemed competitive, additional SSKs will open up throughout the admissions process
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USMAZoo98 said:
Second Step Kits historically have been released to initially competitive candidates by June 1. This year, guidance came down that the intial SSKs would be released on May 15. If you have received one, then that means you are on the clock for your formal application for appointment now. As candidates are deemed competitive, additional SSKs will open up throughout the admissions process.
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My DS received his SSK as well. It says there are 60 day to submit the information. I assume this is what you mean by on the clock. Following that sentence, it says that only two requirements are directly under the control of the candidate-- the candidate personal data record and the candidate statements. So are those the two items that there are 60 days to submit or are they expecting ALL aspects of the application (recommendations, etc.) to be received in the 60 day period? Does the January 31 deadline not apply to this group?
 
USMAZoo98 said:
Second Step Kits historically have been released to initially competitive candidates by June 1. This year, guidance came down that the intial SSKs would be released on May 15. If you have received one, then that means you are on the clock for your formal application for appointment now. As candidates are deemed competitive, additional SSKs will open up throughout the admissions process.
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One of the applicants asked about a 60 day time limit for completing the SSK....Zoo, what do you know about that? Historically that has not been the case. Is that a new requirement this year? @USMAZoo98
 
We got email "You have a new official correspondence from West Point Admissions: "NONCOMMITAL" posted on 05/22/2023.

Is this part of SSK ?
 
DrMom said:
One of the applicants asked about a 60 day time limit for completing the SSK....Zoo, what do you know about that? Historically that has not been the case. Is that a new requirement this year? @USMAZoo98
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There is no time limit (especially 60 days) to complete the SSK except the formal application deadline in January. The SSK is the full open application process. Not sure why there would be some indication about 60 days. I would recommend contacting admissions directly to confirm there is not some issue, but I am 99 percent certain that is not correct.
 
USMAZoo98 said:
There is no time limit (especially 60 days) to complete the SSK except the formal application deadline in January. The SSK is the full open application process. Not sure why there would be some indication about 60 days. I would recommend contacting admissions directly to confirm there is not some issue, but I am 99 percent certain that is not correct.
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Exactly, the Air Force Academy gives a strict time limit that starts once the initial application is approved and the full application opens. Not sure where the OP is seeing the 60 days.
 
DrMom said:
Exactly, the Air Force Academy gives a strict time limit that starts once the initial application is approved and the full application opens. Not sure where the OP is seeing the 60 days.
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My DS showed me the USMA Non-committal letter that was in his portal. Here is what the OP is referring to...."It is important that you submit the materials in the application as soon as possible. If you don't submit this information within 60 days, we may close your file."
 
Thanks.
I don't think they mean all of the information....people won't be able to get things during the summer--I think they want to see movement.
How bizarre....
 
DrMom said:
Thanks.
I don't think they mean all of the information....people won't be able to get things during the summer--I think they want to see movement.
How bizarre....
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Correct, but it says to have everything complete in 60 days that you are in control of. For instance, they want the SOE emails sent to the teachers, it's out of the candidates hands at that point.
 
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