DS just got the call ----- LOA on the way!

[faststreet]

Congrats to you on your achievments. You have a right to be proud of your accomplishments and my DS and I are happy for you and your family. You have a tough decision ahead, but one you can't go wrong with.

 

[mhc123wc]

I am the DS of grevar. My father and I are just openly excited to have received such an honor. In no way was my father's thread "obnoxious". We are a humble family and this thread's purpose was not to boast. It was simply to show our excitement and on top of that, to show others that LOA's are still being received. I have been reading these threads for months and have never replied to anything. Not to be disrespectful, but I had to reply this time because what you said was out of hand and honestly none of your business. If you find it "obnoxious" and "lacking humility" simply move on to the next thread instead of spending your time putting others down. You're a junior at the Naval Academy? I am positive that you could be spending your time doing something important rather then rudely commenting on a thread which honestly has nothing to do with you.

On a good note. I am honored to have received this LOA. Now I just have to evaluate which one suits me best.

Have a nice day.

1. I don' think there is anything wrong with being openly supportive. I just don't think this is the place for that where there are many people still seeking an appointment and even fewer who are fortunate enough to have an LOA; and as your father said some may be more qualified than you. While you think of this as letting potential mids know that there are LOAs still going out, I look at it as there is one less LOA out there to be give.

2. I interpret the purpose of this forum as assisting potential midshipmen in the application process by giving them accurate information and for potential midshipmen to get more information about the academy. I personally used this forum only for that purpose. I only mentioned my success( nomination, other colleges I was accepted to etc) in response to someones thread; also I added my name to the list of people who were accepted to the Class of 2015. I nor my parents voluntarily mentioned my success, but thats just us.

3. If you think this is "putting others down".....you need some thicker skin.

 

[Dial the gate]

Wahoo wahoo! Congratulations!!! So so excited for you guys!
Don't let the negativity spoil your excitement or your excitement of sharing it with us! I feel like we are all rooting for each other and am so happy for the news!
Now, go out to dinner and celebrate!

 

[LineInTheSand]

Why do people feel the need to boast about their children getting an LOA? Also is it really necessary to publicly congratulate "Way to go boy we love you" and let us all know that you have a hard decision ahead of you on this forum?.....Its borderline obnoxious, not to mention all those smiley faces if you ask me and a lack of humility.

Ah, true, but... no one did ask you.... did they?

 

[LineInTheSand]

1. I don' think there is anything wrong with being openly supportive. I just don't think this is the place for that where there are many people still seeking an appointment and even fewer who are fortunate enough to have an LOA; and as your father said some may be more qualified than you. While you think of this as letting potential mids know that there are LOAs still going out, I look at it as there is one less LOA out there to be give.

2. I interpret the purpose of this forum as assisting potential midshipmen in the application process by giving them accurate information and for potential midshipmen to get more information about the academy. I personally used this forum only for that purpose. I only mentioned my success( nomination, other colleges I was accepted to etc) in response to someones thread; also I added my name to the list of people who were accepted to the Class of 2015. I nor my parents voluntarily mentioned my success, but thats just us.

3. If you think this is "putting others down".....you need some thicker skin.

Then lets be very REAL here. Some kids get LOAs and some don't. The kids that don't get LOAs didn't get them because they didn't deserve them. The kids who aren't accepted aren't accepted because they weren't more competitive than all the other kids who were accepted.

We dance around so many people's feelings here. Some (MOST) people will not be able to attend a service academy. Sucks for them, but life will go on, and they will hopefully find something that lights up their world... something they're good at.

Unfortunately for the generations used to get A's for effort and trophies for participating, there are no trophies for not being accepted at a service academy, or not receiving an LOA. And you know what? That isn't the end of the world. That doesn't mean you won't be successful. That doesn't even mean you won't be an officer in the military.


You want to come here and boast about an LOA? DO IT! You earned it. Want to come on here and whine because someone else got an LOA and you didn't. Don't! This is one of the few forums where anyone will have any idea how cool an LOA is, so don't hesitate to share your excitement.

 

[mjm]

Congrats to your DS Grevar . I feel as if we are both going through this process together .....even though I don't know you . It is nice to hear that you have such great news!

 

[jjlma]

Ideals...Honor..Leaders... & Character...

1. I don' think there is anything wrong with being openly supportive. I just don't think this is the place for that where there are many people still seeking an appointment and even fewer who are fortunate enough to have an LOA; and as your father said some may be more qualified than you. While you think of this as letting potential mids know that there are LOAs still going out, I look at it as there is one less LOA out there to be give.

2. I interpret the purpose of this forum as assisting potential midshipmen in the application process by giving them accurate information and for potential midshipmen to get more information about the academy. I personally used this forum only for that purpose. I only mentioned my success( nomination, other colleges I was accepted to etc) in response to someones thread; also I added my name to the list of people who were accepted to the Class of 2015. I nor my parents voluntarily mentioned my success, but thats just us.

3. If you think this is "putting others down".....you need some thicker skin.

Ideals, Honor, Leaders & Character out of the mission of the USNA. Seems as though mhc123wc hasn't learned these yet. This forum is very useful and I believe the original post was very useful to better understand the process my DS is doing. Great for him if a LOA is received, good that they are excited. If mhc123wc is going to be a future leader he needs to mature more, and understand the context of the discussion he is entering. Furthermore, he needs to improve his english skills.

 

[navymomwannabe]

congrats!! I am excited for you both!

 

[oldcoach]

I have been following this forum for over 3 years and although I have not posted much I have benefited greatly from the information passed along by the regular posters.
As I read through the post every day I find myself cheering and praying for each family going through these roller coaster of emotions that happen to every family during the application process. I look forward to finding out someone received an LOA or admission to an academy – all have worked very hard towards this goal – I hope the regular posters on this forum feel the same way because all of you should feel proud of the part you play in helping these young men and women achieve their goals.
There are no words that can completely describe the pride a parent has when their son or daughter achieves a goal that they have worked so hard for. There is also no way to describe the feeling of disappointment when these dreams are shattered. I have been through both.
Please keep posting success stories! There is so much bad news that we all need a little lift-me-up from a little good news.

 

[LineInTheSand]

I have been following this forum for over 3 years and although I have not posted much I have benefited greatly from the information passed along by the regular posters.
As I read through the post every day I find myself cheering and praying for each family going through these roller coaster of emotions that happen to every family during the application process. I look forward to finding out someone received an LOA or admission to an academy – all have worked very hard towards this goal – I hope the regular posters on this forum feel the same way because all of you should feel proud of the part you play in helping these young men and women achieve their goals.
There are no words that can completely describe the pride a parent has when their son or daughter achieves a goal that they have worked so hard for. There is also no way to describe the feeling of disappointment when these dreams are shattered. I have been through both.
Please keep posting success stories! There is so much bad news that we all need a little lift-me-up from a little good news.

Good post. And I think what we would see if we looked at people who weren't accepted, four or five years down the road, are young adults happy with what they're doing, where ever they are.

 

[grevar]

I just realized something..... when you look back at mhc123wc's very first post, he mentions that he just received a "conditional offer of appointment" to which WhistlePig offers a congratulatory message complete with bouncing smiley faces and all. This is this kids very first post on this forum.

While I agree, the context of the post is more of a question about when he can expect the actual letter. However, the end result of the post is essentially the same. He let everyone know "there was one less letter" going out. Unfortunately Whistlepig was the only one to offer congratulations.

And mhc123wc, until you've walked a day in my son's shoes, you can't possibly begin to know how thick or thin his skin is, let alone comment on it.

Again, best of luck to you.


23rd January 2011
mhc123wc
USNA 2015

Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 44
How Long Until I Receive Appointment Letter?
My Admissions counselor and blue and gold officer have both confirmed that I have a conditional letter of appointment. They are only waiting on my Dodmerb physical which I passed in August, USNA was having technical conflicts with viewing my medical status. When this is straightened out, they told me I would be appointed.

So my question is, when could I expect to receive the actual letter of appointment?

 

[Dial the gate]

Grevar, forget about him! Your "friends" here are sooo excited about your awesome news and we are very happy you shared it with us. Its too bad he had to come along and dampen your day, I wish he had never opened the thread (KNOWING that he was going to make this comment, he's probably been waiting for just this right post and you were the unlucky one. Who knows, you can't explain some people's issues).
Know that we support you and are happy for you and we are all waiting for the hopes of sharing our own happy news!

 

[GoBlue1984]

CADETorMID2018: congratulations on your LOA's.

Grevar: you have a right to be proud.

You both have a right to celebrate that accomplishment. Posting your status is appropriate. Getting an LOA (not to mention two) this early is certainly noteworthy!


But I also have to also agree with MHC123WC: be careful not to appear to be gloating over those who haven't been so blessed. When my DS received ROTC scholarships, I did not hide that fact but added them to my tagline. When he received his USMA appointment, I added to the Appointment thread. I was every bit the proud dad that you are. That was my 'celebration' with others publicly. I think that is MHC123WC's main point.

I'm sure there are many 2018 candidates who are every bit as committed to serving as your DS, and who could qualify for an LOA but will not get one because there are only so many to go around. I think of another posters son who is now trying for the third time. There has been no LOA for him. Many will be so committed to serve, they will fund their own education and attempt to commission via OCS.

Please keep in mind that most of those who post or lurk here will likely see a "Qualified Not Selected" letter. They are going to wonder why because on paper they look every bit as, or more, qualified than many who get in - and in many cases they are. The admissions process will remain an enigma, wrapped in a riddle, surrounded by mystery (to paraphrase Churchill). I know that when my DS received the QNS Form Letter from the USNA, telling him to try again and work on improving his test scores and grades with challenging classes that the absurdity of that suggestion stung even though his first choice and dream had come through (he was a National Merit Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, 2200 SAT, over 4.x GPA, had multiple varsity letters and numerous EC's). The point is: many of those on this forum are as equally qualified as your son. So consider their feelings as you post.

MHC123WC knows first hand that getting in is less than half the battle; getting through is probably harder. He could tell you about the MIDs he knows who did not come back after Christmas of their own volition. He could tell you of those he knows of who were involuntarily discharged for one reason or another. Before he is done, 15% of his class will voluntarily leave because the academies are so much more than academics, accomplishments, and credentials. In the 2017 USMA class, nearly 30 cadets dropped before academic year. This from highly motivated, intelligent, kids just like yours who set their goal on a SA and endured the long admission process.

Celebrate today, but be careful about boasting because you don't know what tomorrow will bring, and what will change your circumstances. The cadet at USMA who is suffering with a concussion, or who tore an ACL in June and had to have surgery (getting DODMERD DQ'ed in June) come to mind. Those are just two examples I am personally aware of.

'Nough said.

I do wish you success in your future, and congratulations on having some clarity for next year.

 

[LineInTheSand]

MHC123WC knows first hand that getting in is less than half the battle; getting through is probably harder. He could tell you about the MIDs he knows who did not come back after Christmas of their own volition. He could tell you of those he knows of who were involuntarily discharged for one reason or another. Before he is done, 15% of his class will voluntarily leave because the academies are so much more than academics, accomplishments, and credentials. In the 2017 USMA class, nearly 30 cadets dropped before academic year. This from highly motivated, intelligent, kids just like yours who set their goal on a SA and endured the long admission process.

True but MHC123WC should probably ease up too. I'm sure he knows more that one person who was a year out from graduation, but didn't make it. Heck, I know people a DAY out from graduation, on appeal, who didn't make it.

Have to walk across that stage to be done with this phase of their careers.

 

[hthp37]

Well said, GoBlue.
Thank you for your sensitivity and eloquence.

 

[grevar]

My thoughts....

Thank you all for your words of encouragement, PM's etc.

Maybe it's me, but when I read of others getting LOA's I rejoice with them, fully expecting my son would not be so fortunate. How many times I read those posts that say "A LOA isn't the goal...etc..etc..etc" I firmly believe that and realize that they are the few. I'm not one that stressed over NOT getting one, realizing how rare they are, and the vast majority of those accepted never got one. Come June, it matters not anyhow. At that point, everyone is equal, everyone deserving.

I too am the one that reads the posts in the Spring and my heart breaks for the ones that get the TWE, knowing this is all they ever wanted. I'm encouraged when I read of their tenacity in going after it again. My son was one who always said if he didn't get it, he would try again next year. I hurt for the parents that lash out in anger wondering why their kid wasn't selected when clearly their stats are higher than many of those selected.

Listen, I've said it before, and I will repeat it now. I hope that no one mistakes my jubilation and excitement for my son for gloating as that was/is never my intention. Our family is both honored and very humbled fully knowing that MANY are more qualified than he. You are right GoBlue...the whole process is really a mystery. We firmly believe in God's favor and the power of prayer, and I believe both have been a big part of this process. I make no apologies for that.

Again, thank you all very much for the encouraging and congratulatory notes, PMs and comments. It is very much appreciated. To those of you still waiting, we are rooting for you!

 

[Vista123]

USNA Admissions officer just called the house asking for DS. A few minutes later...LOA CONFIRMED! :

BZ!!! Congrats!

Hang on, it is just beginning.

So True!!!!

Why do people feel the need to boast about their children getting an LOA? Also is it really necessary to publicly congratulate "Way to go boy we love you" and let us all know that you have a hard decision ahead of you on this forum?.....Its borderline obnoxious, not to mention all those smiley faces if you ask me and a lack of humility.

I can understand why you feel that way, I get it. However, personally, I LIKE reading about it. I have followed some of Grevar's posts (along with some others here) and I love to hear the happy endings. I don't consider it boastful. It is exciting news to share.

it is helpful to see how my DS compares to another DS stat wise. We realize there is a lot more involved besides stats, but learning of his experience can give you an idea of how your DS stacks up.

I agree. I know other's might not agree but until DS read about other's stats I dont know if my son would have taken the ACT/SAT 8 times in order to get in. He probably would have been satisfied with his initial scores because they were the averages listed, however, when he read other's postings he knew he needed to keep pressing forward.

the pride a parent feels when one of their children is finally awarded a nomination/scholarship/waiver ect... This forum is a safe place for all to ask questions, vent frustration give and seek support and exchange information. I for one have found a great deal of information and support on this forum. I have been PM'd for answers and received encouragement on several subjects. Their is no harm in anybody, awardee or parent, being excited for their accomplishments. \:

+1

You want to come here and boast about an LOA? DO IT! You earned it. This is one of the few forums where anyone will have any idea how cool an LOA is, so don't hesitate to share your excitement.

+1

MHC123WC knows first hand that getting in is less than half the battle; getting through is probably harder. :

so true. When DS got an LOA I was ridiculously relieved -not as relieved as when he made it through plebe summer and not as relieved as I will be if he makes it through the year and so on. Let Grevar and his son enjoy the moment because as ALL of the parents on this forum know there is waaaayyyyyy tooooo much time for worrying, anxiety, stress etc over the next decade or so. cheers for now, fears for later.

 

[Memphis9489]

You're just jealous that his kid got into CGA

As we used to joke back in my day whenever we saw a Coastie - "The Coast Guard, the Department of Transportation's finest!"

Of course, we can't say that anymore now that they're under the Department of Homeland Security.

 

[LineInTheSand]

As we used to joke back in my day whenever we saw a Coastie - "The Coast Guard, the Department of Transportation's finest!"

Of course, we can't say that anymore now that they're under the Department of Homeland Security.

To be the "Department of Homeland Security's Finest" is much easier. It's a very low bar.


Not hard to figure out if a Coastie is around. You can always tell if a Coast Guard station is near a Navy base because the Navy sailors' kids all look better.

You're welcome!

 

[usnabgo08]

I think the bottom line is that it is okay to post about LOAs, noms, and appointments...but be sensitive to those who are still waiting to hear or are turned down. There is nothing wrong with being proud and excited -- but just watch how it is communicated.

Leaders tend to be humble about themselves and that is what our military is looking for. There will be a point in one's career where they are selected for promotion, billets, or other opportunities that classmates or peers will not get. How you say things and the means about how it is accomplished can far outweigh the intentions (good or bad). Think how others MIGHT perceive what you say before saying it -- if in doubt, error on the side of caution. PERCEPTION = REALITY!