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[QUOTE="EOD/SEALmom, post: 465458, member: 26856"
I'm also a little perplexed by those that apply to all academies. [/QUOTE]

Why? The "wish to serve" leads many to apply to more than one academy. There's no data on that but I would venture a lot that most apply to more than one. They need no other reason than why "that" particular academy and which service they want to apply that education towards. So many choices, so many options...

Maybe "that kid" doesn't know, or care, when he's first applying what he wants to pursue...most don't and they explore the opportunities at multiple institutions. As the process evolves and the real home work begins, most come to an understanding of the long view...it ain't the school, it's the service.
 
[QUOTE="EOD/SEALmom, post: 465458, member: 26856"
I'm also a little perplexed by those that apply to all academies.

As the process evolves and the real home work begins, most come to an understanding of the long view...it ain't the school, it's the service.[/QUOTE]

My answer why is answered in your last sentence....because it's the SERVICE they will be working in for 5+ years after graduation. Which academy itself, to me anyway, is not the question to ask - but which service do you want to be in? All branches have different missions, goals and jobs/career paths. While it's commendable that a kid "just wants to serve" and is willing to do anything at ANY academy that is willing to take him/her....just sounds like to me they have not done any research at all....or is simply looking for that "free" college. Sure, most kids don't know exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives at age 17 or 18, but they've got to at least have an idea.
 
I applied to USMA, USAFA, and USNA. I have received appointments to USMA and USAFA, waiting on Navy. I chose to apply to 3 academies because (although I certainly had/have my preferences/ranking), my overall desire is to serve my country and earn a commission via Academy.
 
Folks, as quoted by the OP, Admissions didn't say they were sending large waves of appointments....they said decisions. Decisions can mean turndowns. As I posted earlier on this thread....USNA doesn't traditionally sent appointments out in huge waves, but turndowns are (maybe not huge waves...but waves), so I would be extremely happy not to have received a turndown yet.
 
As the process evolves and the real home work begins, most come to an understanding of the long view...it ain't the school, it's the service.



My answer why is answered in your last sentence....because it's the SERVICE they will be working in for 5+ years after graduation. Which academy itself, to me anyway, is not the question to ask - but which service do you want to be in? All branches have different missions, goals and jobs/career paths. While it's commendable that a kid "just wants to serve" and is willing to do anything at ANY academy that is willing to take him/her....just sounds like to me they have not done any research at all....or is simply looking for that "free" college. Sure, most kids don't know exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives at age 17 or 18, but they've got to at least have an idea.[/QUOTE]
My son has several other options for a scholorship at regular colleges, which would not involve a military commitment. He isn't doing it for the free education, and to suggest the same lacks depth.

It is not as if any kid simply can dial up an academy appointment, and thus simply do some research, select the service which fits best, and pull out the appointment to the applicable academy. Those who desire a career in the military won't neccesarily be accepted to the first choice academy, thus multiple applications. My son also applied for a ROTC scholarship.

By the way, representatives from each of the accademies encouraged applying to other academies.
 
My DD only applied to USNA, and that's the right choice for her and the career she's aiming for.

I'm also a little perplexed by those that apply to all academies. However, I can see applying to more than one academy if your goals could be reached through more than one route. For instance, one of my younger kids is extremely interested in nuclear power, she's been researching both USNA & USAFA because they both have nuclear paths. Same for flying, if that's your interest; flying can be reached at either USNA or USAFA and even USMA to a smaller extent. I can also see overlap between USNA & USCGA & USMMA, certainly different missions but all involve water. (Not trying to start any argument here, simply pointing out that maybe there is a kid applying to all these because he doesn't care what he's doing as long as he's on a boat :) )
My son applied to all academies. He had a ranking in mind, but said he'd be honored to be accepted to any of them. I don't see how there is anything wrong with it. He told each of the interviewers (BGO, liaison, whatever each branch calls them) that he applied to all and none of them thought that was a bad idea. He has a goal of being an engineer and an officer in the US military, so he likes them all. He has at this point received appointments to two and has accepted one. He's thrilled with his decision and that his hard work in high school has paid off. By the way, it is a LOT of work to apply to multiple academies, so understand that it's a big decision and not done just to see how many might be interested in you.
 
I remember one of the interviews that I had. The person conducting it tried to get into my head to say "one way and one way only". I mentioned the desire to serve and give back to those who have kept me safe, no matter which way I take, and that was the encouraged answer.

Also, the Academies can communicate, just saying.
 
I meant absolutely no offense to anyone. I apologize if I did offend!

I guess I've been looking at it from my candidate's perspective. She knew young that she wanted to serve and started looking into different branches in junior high. She decided that for her, it was Navy all the way. Joined Sea Cadets, and 2 younger sibs have followed her there (and love it).

I should have looked at it from the perspective of other service academies as being plan B for many folks.

DD's own plans B, C, D, etc all follow Navy. (VMI & Citadel acceptances, she will attend one of them in NROTC while deciding on whether to reapply to USNA).

This is not the first time my perspective had been changed on this forum....I'm still new to this so please bear with me while I learn. (And while I learn to keep my mouth shut and just read instead of reply:) )
 
EOD/SEALmom, you have the right to voice your opinion on this site just like everyone else and you do not need to change your perspective for anyone unless you want to and not by being coerced to do so! You have unique contributions that only you can share and if others do not agree, that is their problem. I always appreciate your input and contribution so please don't shut up! Know that you are respected and needed on this forum! We are all here to support each other through this process.

GO NAVY!
 
My son applied to all academies. He had a ranking in mind, but said he'd be honored to be accepted to any of them. I don't see how there is anything wrong with it. He told each of the interviewers (BGO, liaison, whatever each branch calls them) that he applied to all and none of them thought that was a bad idea. He has a goal of being an engineer and an officer in the US military, so he likes them all. He has at this point received appointments to two and has accepted one. He's thrilled with his decision and that his hard work in high school has paid off. By the way, it is a LOT of work to apply to multiple academies, so understand that it's a big decision and not done just to see how many might be interested in you.
Good point. It is harder to apply to
I meant absolutely no offense to anyone. I apologize if I did offend!

I guess I've been looking at it from my candidate's perspective. She knew young that she wanted to serve and started looking into different branches in junior high. She decided that for her, it was Navy all the way. Joined Sea Cadets, and 2 younger sibs have followed her there (and love it).

I should have looked at it from the perspective of other service academies as being plan B for many folks.

DD's own plans B, C, D, etc all follow Navy. (VMI & Citadel acceptances, she will attend one of them in NROTC while deciding on whether to reapply to USNA).

This is not the first time my perspective had been changed on this forum....I'm still new to this so please bear with me while I learn. (And while I learn to keep my mouth shut and just read instead of reply:) )
It's all good. We have different perspectives; largely based on our own situations.

My son didn't even have thoughts about attending a service accademy until a year or so ago. In fact it was too late to even apply for the summer programs. Frankly, he didn't think he was within the academic rage to qualify, and wasn't really aware of what it took to get admitted. Each of the services have always attracted him though, for several reasons. When he took the ACT and received a 29 composite he figured he had a chance, so he looked into the academies more, and asked if we could visit USMA. He started his applications for the three academies, and one of the RC's at WP told him to work on ACT and grades, as well as CFA. He worked his tail off on those and on the application process. Bumped his ACT by more than three points, and put together a nice package.
He still isn't sure what Academy or service is best for him. Likes them all. He has been interviewed six times between MOC nom interviews and Academy liaisons, as well as speaking to admissions people from each Academy, and others who have graduated from academies. He has asked lots of questions and received good answers. But still not certain.

If he had to decide right now he would; and he would likely pick USMA. But he doesn't. It's nice that others know for sure. But others are still contemplating, and are still trying to open as many options as possible.
 
To those who are still waiting - don't panic!

It's still early February - plenty of time left in the process!

Enjoy yourselves; you have done everything you can - stressing over it will not change the decision of the admissions board, let the pieces fall where they may.

It'll be okay, I promise!
 
I had no idea what I wanted to do at 18, so I went with the broadest Service Academy, which in my opinion is USNA (you can fly (Air Force), Marines or SEALs (Army) and then ships and subs... not to mention it's a nice 5 min walk into town while you're there and 30 min to DC or Baltimore. That said, I think everyone should go AFA or USMA. It will open up more slots for my son :)
Also, in Florida, besides the fact that the Senators and Congressmen collude with one another so you can't get more than one nomination, they also strongly encourage applying to only one Service Academy. In fact on our Senators Application they only let you apply to one.
 
I had no idea what I wanted to do at 18, so I went with the broadest Service Academy, which in my opinion is USNA (you can fly (Air Force), Marines or SEALs (Army) and then ships and subs... not to mention it's a nice 5 min walk into town while you're there and 30 min to DC or Baltimore. That said, I think everyone should go AFA or USMA. It will open up more slots for my son :)
Also, in Florida, besides the fact that the Senators and Congressmen collude with one another so you can't get more than one nomination, they also strongly encourage applying to only one Service Academy. In fact on our Senators Application they only let you apply to one.
Very true. Florida MOCs have things screwed down pretty tight. It's a pity, outstanding candidates get turned away from any SA because of it. Leads one to question whether this is in our nation's best interest.
 
Thanks...
If I remember correctly your DS got a waiver approved. Is that correct? That is a great sign. My DS had a waiver approved also, early January. Hang in there. CA is not getting a lot of appointments yet. I think because of its size alone there is a lot of maneuvering with NOMS. Please keep me posted!
 
If I remember correctly your DS got a waiver approved. Is that correct? That is a great sign. My DS had a waiver approved also, early January. Hang in there. CA is not getting a lot of appointments yet. I think because of its size alone there is a lot of maneuvering with NOMS. Please keep me posted!
Good memory. Yes the waiver was approved almost immediately. We were very relieved. Best to you and yours as well!
 
Waiver and remedial mean the same, correct? And are you saying that it is a relatively big deal for them to ask for a remedial?
 
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