Early Application

J

JohnJr1601

5-Year Member
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Mar 8, 2017
Messages
68
Hello again,
I just had a question regarding early applications; my question is: Is there a better chance of getting an invitation to attend the Naval Academy if you Apply first? Or is the application process similar to that of the Naval Academy Summer Seminar, where you can take all the time you would like (until the deadline) with no penalty?
 
The Naval Academy uses "rolling admissions."

See the following exerpt from the USNA admissions website: (bold is mine)

"The Naval Academy uses a “rolling admissions” selection process. The Admissions Board begins meeting in September and evaluates applications as they are completed by candidates. An application is considered “completed” when all candidate forms are submitted, all required documents are received, the candidate fitness assessment results are received, and the Blue and Gold officer interview is received by the Office of Admissions. It is in your interest to complete your application as soon as possible.

If your record of achievement is truly outstanding, you could receive an early offer called a Letter of Assurance. This indicates our intent to extend an Offer of Appointment, provided that all your remaining requirements (nomination, CFA, and medical) are successfully completed. A Letter of Assurance could be received as early as September of your senior year. Of course, final admission will depend on continued success and good standing in your high school as well as continuing to maintain your qualifications for the Naval Academy.

If you are found qualified but do not receive a Letter of Assurance, you will be competing for an offer of appointment from within your nominating sources. Candidates will be notified of their status by April 15th. All appointees are required to notify the Admissions Office of their intention to accept or decline their offer of appointment by May 1st. Candidate files not completed by February 1st will not normally receive further consideration."
​
Source:
https://www.usna.edu/Viewbook/admissions.php
 
However, what if the Admissions Board already reviews a candidate's file - say September 6 - but then the candidate updates his SAT/ACT or CFA scores on September 29? How is the Admission's Board made aware that the candidate now has submitted higher scores? Is the candidate's file reviewed a second time; hence, increasing his WCS? Is a candidate's completed application revisited after every new submission?
 
John316 said:
However, what if the Admissions Board already reviews a candidate's file - say September 6 - but then the candidate updates his SAT/ACT or CFA scores on September 29? How is the Admission's Board made aware that the candidate now has submitted higher scores? Is the candidate's file reviewed a second time; hence, increasing his WCS? Is a candidate's completed application revisited after every new submission?
Click to expand...

I actually asked an admissions counselor about this exact question. Once a candidates file is reviewed, it will not be reviewed again. Therefore, if you want to take the CFA again, tell your admissions counselor now, so he/she can clear the current score and make sure your candidates file is not reviewed by the board.
 
Thank you, hliu00. Then why, I wonder, are candidates instructed by their FFO and/or BGO to keep retaking the ACT/SAT to send to the SAs throughout the application process, if they need to increase their scores to become more competitive?
 
John316 said:
Thank you, hliu00. Then why, I wonder, are candidates instructed by their FFO and/or BGO to keep retaking the ACT/SAT to send to the SAs throughout the application process, if they need to increase their scores to become more competitive?
Click to expand...

This is where I'm a little confused, too. I have heard that if any significant changes to your application occur (e.g. 1200 to 1600 SAT), then you should call admissions, which I assume they will then review your application again.. but that went completely against what the admissions counselor told me in person.

Maybe it's on a case by case basis.
 
Probably correct that the Admissions Board does not routinely re-review an application, but keep in mind that the only thing the Admissions Board does is determine qualification for Admission , or one of the "Q"s. Further ACT/SAT is not irrelevant for a number of reasons -- 1) Candidate can always send the new scores in...and notify the Admissions Office of improved score - I would expect the Region Officer could resubmit the package if an other wise not qualified applicant significantly improves scores.

However the more likely scenario is the candidate who is "Qualified" , but has weak ACT/SAT scores , and has a competitive nomination. The Admissions Office has to chose among the competitive nominees to award he appointment. This often doesn't occur until after all Applications are due (January). Thus, the candidate has several additional SAT/ACT cycles to improve their score, and become more competitive.
 
It is my understanding that anytime your file has updates that enhance your application package, you should inform your admissions counselor and your package will be reviewed again by admissions.
 
My DD did not have her CFA completed prior to receiving an LOA in Sept 2015, nor had she been through the DoDMERB process. She had completed the on-line application and probably had her school counselor and instructors provide their inputs. She was 'recruited' for 2 sports, but I doubt either coach cashed in a chit for her. She had a good amount of leadership activities and pretty stellar grades, but:

(1) her application wasn't as complete per what AROTC-Dad pulled from the USNA website said is needed.
(2) per Old Navy BGO it appears the primary review the Admissions Board does is to state 'qualified' vs 'non qualified' (which is a long way from being offered an appointment - though clearly a necessary requirement)

There are a lot of advantages for having the total application process completed early, but I think the primary advantage is simply having it off the candidate's plate (while still providing time to update CFA and college entrance exam scores). I don't think getting it done early increases your chances for Appointment in the majority of cases.

Maybe the number of LOA's is increasing (no idea), but the majority of decisions can't be made until Nominations are made and for most that is in the December/January timeframe. USNA doesn't know who will be on each slate and they only have x number of positions available for individuals that don't 'win' their slate.

I know a USAFA 2022 candidate that will get offered an appointment early (she qualifies for a Presidential Nomination), but she is so off the charts in every category it's ridiculous including being an instrument rated pilot that has had stories published about her dealing with in flight emergencies.

So unless you are a big time recruit that is 3Q or as qualified as the young lady I just mentioned - you need to set your expectations that next February-March is the likely time you will get notified of appointment or the next best thing - the LOA.
 
My DS had his application done and was medically qualified by July 31, 2013. He got an LOA to USNA dated August 14 , 2103. He is now class of 2018. My DD had application done by July 15, 2017 and was medically qualified by July 31, 2017. She got her LOA to USNA dated September 1st, 2017. My advice is to get everything done in a timely manner .
 
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