If you're frustrated waiting for the BFE, this maybe why.

[LineInTheSand]

So what number should they use for "applicants" that would be apples to apples with other schools? Those who got a Nomination? Those who got a nomination and passed DODMERB? Those who got a nomination, passed DODMERB, and the CFA? Or should it just be someone who completed the written part of the application? It's a lot of semantics, especially since the SA's also do an initial evaluation and actually tell some potential candidates to not apply. Other schools don't do that.

That's pretty simple. If I'm applying to Vanderbilt, I fill out and application with my information and I answer essay questions and then I SUBMIT. When you apply to West Point or Annapolis, you do something similiar. Yes, there's other stuff added on but you have to "submit", right? That's your number.


If I'm writing someone an email, and I open it, don't write anything, never click send.... and just close it, discarding the draft...... did I SEND you an email? No. So what do West Point and Annapolis consider an unfinished, never-submitted application as an "applicant?"

 

[LineInTheSand]

It's a lot of semantics, especially since the SA's also do an initial evaluation and actually tell some potential candidates to not apply. Other schools don't do that.

I'm not aware of that actually happening, but they're basing that advice on something, right? They're considering SOMETHING that has been submitted. The advice doesn't coem from the air... something is submitted and reviewed.... the key is "something is submitted."

 

[buff81]

It's a lot of semantics, especially since the SA's also do an initial evaluation and actually tell some potential candidates to not apply. Other schools don't do that.

I'm not aware of that actually happening, but they're basing that advice on something, right? They're considering SOMETHING that has been submitted. The advice doesn't coem from the air... something is submitted and reviewed.... the key is "something is submitted."

As Cadet2019 said, West Point does do an initial evaluation before they allow a candidate to receive all the of application materials.
This initial evaluation is based on the Candidate Questionnaire.
If you are interested in applying to SLE or WP, you go on-line and fill out the Candidate Questionnaire.
A completed Candidate Questionnaire starts a file for you.
Based on the information in the Candidate Questionnaire, WP will determine if you are a competitive candidate.
If you are, they will open the application (called 'opening a file') to you.