Thanks! We are done with the experience for my second daughter but I still check the forum occasionally. I have a son who I believe might be interested in this path as well. Thanks to all the moderators that support the forum.
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If I get accepted Early Decision for another college do I have to withdraw my USNA application?
- Thread starter Nomak54
- Start date
Thanks! We are done with the experience for my second daughter but I still check the forum occasionally. I have a son who I believe might be interested in this path as well. Thanks to all the moderators that support the forum.
Old Navy BGO
10-Year Member
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- Jan 5, 2012
- Messages
- 4,624
I'm not sure how much I can add to this , as I really don't understand the nuances between early decision, early action, etc. I understand the argument that if you apply for Early Decision , with financing as a condition, then you have the right to walk away. That is a simple legal concept, ie.. a "conditional offer."
That said, the practical application is that if USNA's policy is that you must withdraw your USNA application, then you should comply --regardless of whether you have a "legal right" or disagree with the USNA policy. Sure, you can reach out to Admission and try to explain, but I would caution against "sea lawyering," a term many Plebes learn about the hard way. USNA has organizational commitments, and they will honor those.
The bottom line, the intent of applying for ED is a declaration that the ED school is your first choice and committing to attend that school if accepted (and in the case of financial aid, the condition is met). I don't know if the ED application has a place to identify the financial aid condition, and if not it should . Similarly, the USNA application should include a place to declare whether you have applied ED, and if so where and upon what conditions, This would clarify the financing contingency.
This topic creates a lot of angst and heated discussion every year ... and it is really obvious to me that some "game" the Early Decision process. Sure, there may be legal arguments and ambiguities in the system to exploit. Not going to be judgmental, its things like that that keep us lawyers employed plugging the holes.
That said, the practical application is that if USNA's policy is that you must withdraw your USNA application, then you should comply --regardless of whether you have a "legal right" or disagree with the USNA policy. Sure, you can reach out to Admission and try to explain, but I would caution against "sea lawyering," a term many Plebes learn about the hard way. USNA has organizational commitments, and they will honor those.
The bottom line, the intent of applying for ED is a declaration that the ED school is your first choice and committing to attend that school if accepted (and in the case of financial aid, the condition is met). I don't know if the ED application has a place to identify the financial aid condition, and if not it should . Similarly, the USNA application should include a place to declare whether you have applied ED, and if so where and upon what conditions, This would clarify the financing contingency.
This topic creates a lot of angst and heated discussion every year ... and it is really obvious to me that some "game" the Early Decision process. Sure, there may be legal arguments and ambiguities in the system to exploit. Not going to be judgmental, its things like that that keep us lawyers employed plugging the holes.
NJDadofDSUSMA2024Hopeful
Member
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2019
- Messages
- 306
My son’s top choice school after West Point is a top 10ish national university. He’s applying regular (they only have ED) and for AROTC. The school’s recruiting officer called and said hey, if you apply ED you will almost definitely get in given your application package. Would you consider doing that? He said he would like to but USMA is his first choice. And that was that.
He doesn’t have an LOA or LOE but he feels he’s a strong candidate for USMA and that’s the choice he made. Hopefully it will all work out.
He doesn’t have an LOA or LOE but he feels he’s a strong candidate for USMA and that’s the choice he made. Hopefully it will all work out.
Yes, to all of this, and thank you. To answer your question specifically about the application - yes, you are asked if you are applying for financial aid. DS was also asked if he is applying for ROTC (and which branch). And after his initial application was 'processed' 2 other tabs popped up on his portal - Financial Aid and Scholarships. He submitted both. We were told at an admissions meeting at this school this summer the FA office will send you an offer soon after you are admitted, so ED would presumably be middle Dec. to early January? If you are later awarded an ROTC scholarship they will 're-evaluate' the FA offer, and our understanding is you'll get no FA, other than the stipend they do give for room and board (it doesn't cover everything, but it's fairly generous). The real issue, for most folks on this forum I imagine, is that right now no one has been awarded a Navy or Army ROTC scholarship. So, if you decide to submit ED, you do what you can to get all your FA paperwork in AND get those scholarships apps in. DS was told if he isn't awarded an ROTC scholarship, he can reapply for the 4 year in the fall, or the 3 year the following spring.I'm not sure how much I can add to this , as I really don't understand the nuances between early decision, early action, etc. I understand the argument that if you apply for Early Decision , with financing as a condition, then you have the right to walk away. That is a simple legal concept, ie.. a "conditional offer."
That said, the practical application is that if USNA's policy is that you must withdraw your USNA application, then you should comply --regardless of whether you have a "legal right" or disagree with the USNA policy. Sure, you can reach out to Admission and try to explain, but I would caution against "sea lawyering," a term many Plebes learn about the hard way. USNA has organizational commitments, and they will honor those.
The bottom line, the intent of applying for ED is a declaration that the ED school is your first choice and committing to attend that school if accepted (and in the case of financial aid, the condition is met). I don't know if the ED application has a place to identify the financial aid condition, and if not it should . Similarly, the USNA application should include a place to declare whether you have applied ED, and if so where and upon what conditions, This would clarify the financing contingency.
This topic creates a lot of angst and heated discussion every year ... and it is really obvious to me that some "game" the Early Decision process. Sure, there may be legal arguments and ambiguities in the system to exploit. Not going to be judgmental, its things like that that keep us lawyers employed plugging the holes.
But, yes, it would be so much easier if all this was in writing somewhere (SA policy in particular).
The organization usna1885 referred to is the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC). Almost all high schools and colleges are members. All of the SA's are members. NACAC's position on Early Decision and Plan B (double commitment) are clear.
The advice to check with the SA is wise. Otherwise, a candidate is betting that SA admissions will not honor their commitment to NACAC.
In the aftermath of the "Varsity Blues" scandal it is possible that all forms of gaming the system may come under greater scrutiny, even seemingly minor ones.
The advice to check with the SA is wise. Otherwise, a candidate is betting that SA admissions will not honor their commitment to NACAC.
In the aftermath of the "Varsity Blues" scandal it is possible that all forms of gaming the system may come under greater scrutiny, even seemingly minor ones.
Those applying to SA's or for xROTC scholarships should heed the advice of @usna1985 and @Old Navy BGO . Whether or not the policy is implied or explicitly stated on letterhead, it is never too early to hone one's attention to detail beyond clearly stated rules...especially when it comes to military rules.
On the other hand:
From my gut to your keyboard.
Elite and second tier college admissions departments hold all the cards and they play them ruthlessly by preying on the anxieties of students and their parents. They pray at the alter of the "Statistics Trinity": High application numbers, low acceptance numbers and high enrollment of those accepted. Add to that the games they play with FinAid. All of this leads to ED and the threats that follow. Can they really expect their lack of transparency to be met with anything other than a lack of transparency. Threatening future students from one's school is a relatively new thing is particularly low rent and shows how much worse the process has become since our last college app was filed seven years ago.
On the other hand:
Institutions monopolize the power in these transactions. Applicants have none.
From my gut to your keyboard.
Elite and second tier college admissions departments hold all the cards and they play them ruthlessly by preying on the anxieties of students and their parents. They pray at the alter of the "Statistics Trinity": High application numbers, low acceptance numbers and high enrollment of those accepted. Add to that the games they play with FinAid. All of this leads to ED and the threats that follow. Can they really expect their lack of transparency to be met with anything other than a lack of transparency. Threatening future students from one's school is a relatively new thing is particularly low rent and shows how much worse the process has become since our last college app was filed seven years ago.