Rejected

Downsizing goes far beyond the physical plant at Bancroft. IIRC, Congress sets the student body size at all the SAs, and the SAs must adhere to that body count. Over the past few years, attrition has not been what it has been in the past, due, in part, to the economy. Fewer Mids are leaving after two years because they cannot afford to transfer to a civilian college, thus making the upperclass sizes larger than they have been in the past. So, to stay under the Congressionally-mandated cap, incoming class size has to be reduced.

Just speculating here, but another possible reason is the overall DOD budget reductions. Budget projections for the outyears (2016 and beyond) may not allow an influx of new officers at the levels seen in prior years.

Perhaps someone with a longer historical perspective could shed more light on this.
 
wilson73 said:
... Over the past few years, attrition has not been what it has been in the past, due, in part, to the economy. Fewer Mids are leaving after two years because they cannot afford to transfer to a civilian college, thus making the upperclass sizes larger than they have been in the past. ...
Click to expand...

Interesting explanation. Not sure I'd agree. The attrition numbers commenced dropping notably when Fowler became Supe, and the mandated retention of priority recruits notion went into play. One of the consequences of not being willing to separate poor students, honor code violators, and others who'd have been expelled in previous years ... well it's a very simple, if painful lesson for all, especially those outstanding 3Qed candidates who are more frequently unappointed because of reallocated and consequently unavailable slots. When the entire process gets dumbed down, it has ramifications. Professor Fleming, like him or otherwise, has explained this in great detail, watching the 2 track admission system now used.

And as one other has noted, in coming admission seasons, for traditional, non-priority candidates, it will be even more difficult to gain appointment to ever-fewer spots. Affirmative action policies have severe consequences that all sound nice ... until they become reality for those increasingly receiving TWEs because their slot is no longer available.
 
Thank you WP for the excellent and concise summation of the USNA admissions environment for the "traditional non-priority candidates".

What is next, a new box to check "traditional non-priority candidate" in the ethnic background section of the USNA application. Not a big change, just remove "other" from the list. Of course to assist applicants, the definition of "traditional non-priority candidates" needs to be added to the FAQ's, including acceptance goals/rates for this category.
 
FUTUREMID2015 said:
What is a traditional non priority candidate?
Click to expand...

No worries, not an official USNA designation....I don't believe. Was used by me and previous posters to represent candidates who fall outside the diversity goals of USNA. Sorry for the confusion.
 
As far as being a "traditional non-priority candidate" goes, I think my plebe might represent the superfecta of commonness at USNA: a white Catholic male from Texas. :rolleyes: You are what you are, and you just have to do the best you can with it. :thumb:
 
So true ... until it is changed. How will it be changed? Only one way. When those who recognize that it is unethical, immoral, and illegal to discriminate on the basis of race and/or ethnicity. And in every sense of the word, it is un-American.

Some will be quick to suggest this is off-topic, inappropriate, or somehow out of bounds. But for those potentially able to benefit and more so for those unable to benefit from this current policy, there could be nothing more important to know and understand. And the only way it will be changed is when MOCs and Senators are lobbied by all who have been victimized by this illegal policy and use of Federal monies, in conjunction with those USN and USMC officials willing and courageous enough to challenge the simple notion that white sailors benefit most from being in the charge of white officers ... and sailors of color most benefit from officers of color. Imo, the most ridiculous of notions in either, both cases.

When Congressmen and women on the BOV and engaged and aware, things will change. And it is always helpful when citizens become engaged and pro-active in the workings of our government.
 
My son received his TWE last Sat. He was 3q'd, Honor roll HS four years, 2100 SAT's, Sea Cadet CPO, AP scholar, 3 sports everyyear, comm. service, etc. He is white/asian. Cant help but think he didnt "fit" the candidate profile they were looking for.
 
WP - I do not disagree with you on the points you have made. Am simply pointing out that the economy could be ONE of the reasons that the attrition rate is low, just as it could explain the increase in the number of applications over the past 5 years. Class of 2010 had 10,747 applicants with class size of 1215. Class of 2011 had 12,003 apps, with class size of 1212. Class of 2012 had 10,960 apps, with class size of 1261. Class of 2013 (juniors in high school when the economy tanked) had 15,342 apps, with class size of 1230. Class of 2014 had 17,417 apps, with class size of 1245.
Just saying that maybe the best and the brightest who got into Georgetown, Duke, [insert Ivy here] but whose financial situation precluded them from attending, chose to apply to a service academy as well. Was getting a "free" education (lol) the right reason to apply? No, but they did, they were appointed, they enrolled, and they stayed.
Another possible reason, in addition to the ones you mentioned, for kids not leaving is that they go into it knowing a lot more about what they are getting into, so the "shock factor" is not what it used to be. NASS, CVWs, sports camps, and internet videos all give prospective students some insight into what is in store for them before they decide to enroll.
 
Whistle Pig, are you aware if the other SAs implement the same diversity policy to the degree that USNA does?
 
You've offered an interesting case. I confess, I don't now nor ever have bought the economic argument. I believe the quantum increase in applications is a function of marketing, pure and simple. More aggressive selling, lots of $$ invested in targeting areas and populations. Many personal visits now becoming commonplace when none were made beyond athletic recruitment in previous seasons.

While neither of us has much hard evidence beyond our own theories and opinions. But again, I don't think the allusion of a free education vs. a financial-aided education @ Duke, Georgetown, etc. has much, if anything beyond an occasional anecdote, to do with the near-magical growth in applicants.

Here's an important anecdote to remember that flies in the face of the idea that students are enmasse swimming to USNA from other selective institutions: Despite a near 50% increase in applications ... which would normally drive up the statistical profile of the class, with vastly more students for the same, fixed number of spots ... the profile has had a very significant decline. Doesn't fit your theory, does it?

And as for the retention issue being a function of more informed, sailor-savvy students coming now than in the summers of 2007 or 2008? I'd suggest posing that one to some current upperclass Mids, betting they've got a completely different bent on this one. I'd guess it has alot more to do w/ the big dogs than the plebe pups.

P.S. Ca ...sure. It's been legislated. For now. Doesn't make it right. It's one of those items that's come in the back door and the average citizen has no idea about.
 
Let's keep this thread focused on the applicants and their news, plans and thoughts on the future. This is a tough and trying time for many without having to focus on what some may view as imperfections in the application process.

Good luck to those still waiting and to those who plan to apply again. If you decide to go for it again, then I wish you all the best. If you decide to take another route through life, I hope you take the same tenacity there as you did in the application process.

Thank you for your time.

-TN
 
Just to clarify, all the talk on these forums about a "free education" are not accurate. While there may be no dollars, or very few spent, our sons & daughters will pay far more than any parent could possibly pay for another child's college education.

To spend 5 years minimum and put their lives on the line so others can live a normal, safe American life is priceless. Not sure we all fully understand/appreciate that yet.
 
Amen and Thank YOU!

TacticalNuke said:
Let's keep this thread focused on the applicants and their news, plans and thoughts on the future. This is a tough and trying time for many without having to focus on what some may view as imperfections in the application process.

Good luck to those still waiting and to those who plan to apply again. If you decide to go for it again, then I wish you all the best. If you decide to take another route through life, I hope you take the same tenacity there as you did in the application process.

Thank you for your time.

-TN
Click to expand...

Dear TN, Thank you for the re-focus on what is important! :thumb:
Still patiently waiting for DS in MD...nothing from USNA yet...
 
Last edited:
Censored....Amazing.. everything is perfect and wonderful!:eek:

Good Luck to all.
 
Last edited:
DS...here in Alabama, got the dreaded TWE on Monday of this week.Absolutley devastated to say the least. White. male..# 2 in class on 100, Eagle Scout, Licensed pilot, Pres of Beta Club and senior class. Varsity baseball and basketball, Picked as principal as Future leader of American and many more EC. ACT scores were 28 in math and 26 in english. Really dont know what went wrong. Not sure as to were he will go from here, Has been accepted to Marion Military Institute, Service Academy Preo program, but also has a full scholarship plus books at the Community College nearby.Thinking it over very carefully as to what he wnats to do. His dream has always been to attend the Naval Academy and become an aviator. I really do hope that he continues on with it.
This board has been a wonderful way of conecting with others going through the same thing, and a wealth on information. Good Luck to the rest who are still waiting.

God Bless you all!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top