Release of appointments

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Moondog

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Nov 12, 2017
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Why does USAFA release only a few appointments each day?

Obviously many colleges release everything on the same day, so I am interested in how the process works at The Academy admissions office.

Do they work from the most qualified appointees down? So that those with LOA’s get appointments first, then those with the strongest academic and physical numbers and most nominations hear before everyone else.
 
Remember that there are only a few USAFA candidates reporting here. Not the entire class. Estimates usually are about 10pct. So there are more appointments offered than what you see here.

I don’t have insider knowledge, but I would think it’s a reasonable assumption that it is a result of the process involved. Boarding and slate settling. The SA’s have legal requirements to meet beyond what a ‘normal college’ does. I honestly don’t see how it would even be possible to release results at one time.
 
Sure we only see a small amount reporting here, but if we extrapolate it would appear that they are released on a daily basis through the first three weeks of March.

Not a criticism of the system, just interested in the mechanics.
 
I think the mechanics are the uniqueness of the process: “3Q” and settling the slate. And I didn’t think it a criticism. It’s actually fascinating!
 
Moondog said:
Sure we only see a small amount reporting here, but if we extrapolate it would appear that they are released on a daily basis through the first three weeks of March.

Not a criticism of the system, just interested in the mechanics.
Click to expand...

It’s definitely interesting because even though it’s a complicated puzzle they still could release the result on one day vs over a rolling period of 6 months. Originally i thought it was because they could later fill spots that are declined during the early months. But that may not be the case. Maybe it’s just part of their uniqueness
 
I think the more you understand the appointment process, the more you will see why there is a drip.
EX:
1. Candidate Smith gets an LOA in Sept. 3 Q by 1st of Oct. MoC Alpha nom end of Oct, Apptmt 1st week of Nov. because the way the system works is LOA, 3 Q and nom. = apptmt.
2. Candidate Jones same slate as Smith, but MoC Alpha also did the principal method. They too are 3 Q, however they did not submit their CFA until 3rd week of Nov. Boards don't meet when USAFA is not in session, thus since Thanksgiving is occurring, Candiidate Jones may or may not hear b4 Thanskgiving, or they may hear the 1st week of Dec.
~ Candidate Jones would be the one charged to MoC Alpha, but both will have an apptmt.
3. Candidate XYZ is 3 Q, no LOA, amazing stats, #1 in their class of 800 students, IB/APs, Superscore 35 ACT 1490 SAT, Varsity player on a state championship team, Eagle Scout, maxxed CFA, etc. They know by Dec. they have every MoC nom, plus Presidential. However, not everyone on their MoC slates have a WCS yet. Apptmt drops in Jan.
~ They can get an appointment, bc USAFA knowing their historical data, that this kid will get an appointment even if they are coming off the pool list, but here is the twist. They cannot charge to the MoC until everyone on the slate has a WCS.
~~ This is also a problem with the appointment list on this site impo. Posters read appointed by X source. This makes other posters think that they will automatically be sent to the pool. Appointed and being charged to that source are 2 different things. Candidate XYZ in the end may never be charged to an MoC, but instead to Presidential.
4. Candidate ABC has a principal in Oct., but unfortunately gets a remedial, hence they are not 3 Q. No appointment until that remedial is cleared up. It can take weeks to resolve this issue. It gets resolved Jan 15th. and appointment in hand by the 22nd.
5. Candidate 123 comes from a competitive state where they share the wealth, 1 nom. only per candidate. MoCs have until 1/31 to submit their slate. They submit 1/31, and by this time all 10 on the slate have a WCS. USAFA can quickly offer an apptmt bc they are the highest on that slate. Feb. apptmt.
6. Candidate 456 applied to every SA. USAFA was their last choice, but got it 1st. Feb. rolls around and USMA offers and appointment. They inform USAFA to remove them. Assume they were #1 on their MoC slate regarding charging. USAFA now has to move their puzzle pieces (candidates). Candidate 789 that was in the pool, was #2 WCS for the MoC slate. They are 3Q and now offered an appointment.
7. It is a puzzle. Come end of Feb. They are now moving pieces around out of the pool, hence why it is called Mass Mailing March.

Are you seeing the trend why it is a drip drip drip.

Traditional colleges don't have the same problems. They have a targeted # for matriculation, and it is not set by federal law if they go over.
 
Moondog said:
Why does USAFA release only a few appointments each day?

Obviously many colleges release everything on the same day, so I am interested in how the process works at The Academy admissions office.

Do they work from the most qualified appointees down? So that those with LOA’s get appointments first, then those with the strongest academic and physical numbers and most nominations hear before everyone else.
Click to expand...
 
Cmejr said:
DS received appointment letter today via snail mail from his MOC. No portal change yet.
Click to expand...
This is the first time I recall hearing an MOC inform of an appointment by physical letter. Seems an odd way to communicate, especially if the SAs only give a few days before they inform.
 
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