I'm calling you a "USMA Finalist"

4Wheeler

4Wheeler

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Oct 21, 2019
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This is a note I sent to my son after he received his TWE last week. I thought some of you may also need to hear this as the final class determinations are made. Because your journey, and how far you got in this process, is so very much to be proud of:

USMA Finalist
That's what I'm calling you. Because you made it all the way through. Jumped through the hoops and red tape. Got yourself through to the very end with your unwavering determination and perseverance. After all the tests, fitness exams, medical exams, essays, interviews and nominations, you made it through to landing yourself on the National Waiting List, which is a huge accomplishment. You made it to the point where you had a 50/50 chance. Not many can say that. In fact, out of 13,500 applicants, only 2,500 made it that far. But the class can only take 1,200, and unfortunately for West Point, you were not selected. But you made it far my boy, and you should be recognized for that.
Most people can say, "I didn't get into West Point," but what is uncommon is to say they made it through to the end. You are a WEST POINT FINALIST, and that grit, determination and focus will take you far. ❤
 
Thank you for posting this. DD received her TWE in her portal yesterday. If feels like a win getting this far but it's such a loss to be so close. After her overnight visit in Feb. she was ready to go. She was not intimidated one bit (mom was) and was ready to start her journey. We put it in the Lords hands from day one and His answer was no. But, she will join the ranks of USMA finalist and that is a short list and one to be proud of. She will not be reapplying next year as she received a full scholarship in an honors program at an in state college which she will now focus on and be all in. Congrats to all that received appointments!
 
4Wheeler - Such a thoughtful post and dedication to your DS. I got two rejections before I finally made it into USNA on the third try. Not a path most would take, nor would I necessarily recommend. But you're absolutely right when you talk about making it to become a finalist in the process. Please make sure your DS thanks all of the wonderful people who helped him make it this far in the process. And let them know that he will be trying it again next year. Btw, "next year" seems so far off - but after they start college and get busy with college life and activities, the application and recommendations and everything else will quickly approach. Fortunately, re-applicants will have most of the app done from doing it this year. But be sure to get involved and document all of the extracurriculars starting with this summer. Plan to re-take the SAT/ACT and talk with your FFR about what needs improvement. The goal should be improvement in every area. I wrote some good information in a previous thread about TWE and re-application. But PM me for any detailed info. Lastly, your DS and your family should be extremely proud of your DS to commit to and make it this far in the process. I am always humbled when I see and hear from such hard working kids and supportive parents. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It helps all of the others who are feeling the same way you and your family are feeling now.
 
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Oksooner - I know how it feels to have your kid make it to the end and not get the appointment. My second DS got the TWE last year Apr 8th. It hurts. And we really didn't know if he would re-apply. But as I discussed above, life moves really quickly in college and the kids will soon realize they've got a lot more time on their hands than they did in HS. I completely understand the thought process of not re-applying and being "all in" with the full scholarship in the honors program. But as a veteran of the SA application process with two kids - one being successful in the first attempt and the second unsuccessful/then re-apply, I would just say to think about leaving the door open to re-apply next year for your DD. You would be surprised at how many kids have post HS education as incoming plebes (like 25-30%). Have her put her full energy and commitment into her upcoming school and scholarship, but at least consider re-applying next year. Then if she got accepted she could make the decision to either continue her scholarship or, perhaps, take the appointment. Just wanted to plant the seed from my own experience and as a dad who knows how it feels to make it this far and come up short. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Best of luck to your DD in the future.
 
oksooner said:
Thank you for posting this. DD received her TWE in her portal yesterday. If feels like a win getting this far but it's such a loss to be so close. After her overnight visit in Feb. she was ready to go. She was not intimidated one bit (mom was) and was ready to start her journey. We put it in the Lords hands from day one and His answer was no. But, she will join the ranks of USMA finalist and that is a short list and one to be proud of. She will not be reapplying next year as she received a full scholarship in an honors program at an in state college which she will now focus on and be all in. Congrats to all that received appointments!
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Best of luck to your DD. Thoroughly enjoyed hanging with you on the grounds at WP!
 
usna94 said:
Oksooner - I know how it feels to have your kid make it to the end and not get the appointment. My second DS got the TWE last year Apr 8th. It hurts. And we really didn't know if he would re-apply. But as I discussed above, life moves really quickly in college and the kids will soon realize they've got a lot more time on their hands than they did in HS. I completely understand the thought process of not re-applying and being "all in" with the full scholarship in the honors program. But as a veteran of the SA application process with two kids - one being successful in the first attempt and the second unsuccessful/then re-apply, I would just say to think about leaving the door open to re-apply next year for your DD. You would be surprised at how many kids have post HS education as incoming plebes (like 25-30%). Have her put her full energy and commitment into her upcoming school and scholarship, but at least consider re-applying next year. Then if she got accepted she could make the decision to either continue her scholarship or, perhaps, take the appointment. Just wanted to plant the seed from my own experience and as a dad who knows how it feels to make it this far and come up short. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Best of luck to your DD in the future.
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Great advice, thank you. We appreciate the wisdom of those that have gone before us and DD will keep that door cracked open.
 
okboomer said:
☹
Best of luck to your DD. Thoroughly enjoyed hanging with you on the grounds at WP!
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Thank you and ditto. Best of luck to your DS and entire family. It was a great trip to WP and one we will never forget.
 
4Wheeler said:
This is a note I sent to my son after he received his TWE last week. I thought some of you may also need to hear this as the final class determinations are made. Because your journey, and how far you got in this process, is so very much to be proud of:

USMA Finalist
That's what I'm calling you. Because you made it all the way through. Jumped through the hoops and red tape. Got yourself through to the very end with your unwavering determination and perseverance. After all the tests, fitness exams, medical exams, essays, interviews and nominations, you made it through to landing yourself on the National Waiting List, which is a huge accomplishment. You made it to the point where you had a 50/50 chance. Not many can say that. In fact, out of 13,500 applicants, only 2,500 made it that far. But the class can only take 1,200, and unfortunately for West Point, you were not selected. But you made it far my boy, and you should be recognized for that.
Most people can say, "I didn't get into West Point," but what is uncommon is to say they made it through to the end. You are a WEST POINT FINALIST, and that grit, determination and focus will take you far. ❤
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Do you or does anyone here might know when I will hear back from them? Im getting extremely anxious because it seems everyone has been accepted or denied at this point but I havent heard anything at all. I also emailed my liasons to ask if they knew when I might hear back but they were unresponsive.
 
If no TWE, you are still in the running. Keep pressing forward with what you can control, which should include squaring away Plan B/C.
 
4Wheeler said:
This is a note I sent to my son after he received his TWE last week. I thought some of you may also need to hear this as the final class determinations are made. Because your journey, and how far you got in this process, is so very much to be proud of:

USMA Finalist
That's what I'm calling you. Because you made it all the way through. Jumped through the hoops and red tape. Got yourself through to the very end with your unwavering determination and perseverance. After all the tests, fitness exams, medical exams, essays, interviews and nominations, you made it through to landing yourself on the National Waiting List, which is a huge accomplishment. You made it to the point where you had a 50/50 chance. Not many can say that. In fact, out of 13,500 applicants, only 2,500 made it that far. But the class can only take 1,200, and unfortunately for West Point, you were not selected. But you made it far my boy, and you should be recognized for that.
Most people can say, "I didn't get into West Point," but what is uncommon is to say they made it through to the end. You are a WEST POINT FINALIST, and that grit, determination and focus will take you far. ❤
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Thank you 4Wheeler for the very thoughtful post. I sat down and read it to my DS who received his TWE from USAFA today and is still in the hunt as a USMA candidate which is his first choice. Good luck to your son and thanks again for the great post.
 
My DS is 3Q and he has yet to receive a TWE or BFE. Is there still a chance of an appointment?
 
Cedarwoowoo said:
My DS is 3Q and he has yet to receive a TWE or BFE. Is there still a chance of an appointment?
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Time and time again people ask the same question and get the same result... Yes! As long as he hasn't got a TWE he's still getting looked at! Jesus, there's literally the exact same question the post before yours.
 
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