Review Board Process?

[laforge]

Hi Everyone....
I know we are all in the waiting game. I looked online and through the forums regarding how the "Review Board" assesses the application. So far I found that each application goes to 2 people who look at each application....and that is all I can find. I was curious if you think during the Review Process...do you think they really take time and read each essay and all of the letters of recommendation? Or....has anyone ever heard/felt like they only consider cadets they have seen in AIM, returning applicants, and cadets from Prep School. I'm just hoping that each application truly receives a significant amount of attention and deliberation.

 

[RJB1690]

I am certain each application gets significant review and attention. My son (current 3C) did not attend AIM, was not a returning applicant, and was not a preppie. Good luck! My son loves the CGA!

 

[laforge]

I am certain each application gets significant review and attention. My son (current 3C) did not attend AIM, was not a returning applicant, and was not a preppie. Good luck! My son loves the CGA!

Thank you for responding...Congrats to your son...3C...wow...

 

[Capt MJ]

It is the mission of USCGA to produce well-qualified, top-notch new junior officers each year. The military people assigned to USCGA know it is their duty to give each application a thorough review, but they are also choosing in a way future officers they may one day have under their command and who will be in charge of CG enlisted personnel. Why would they rush that or take only a cursory look? It’s a matter of integrity and professionslism, as well as duty. The federal civil service people in Admissions are the “continuity glue” who make this happen year in, year out. They too are professional and committed.

And yes, it’s an enormous admin drill every year, onerous and data-drowning at times. Hard choices at every turn. Long hours. Frustrating delays, such as the DoDMERB outage this cycle.

If you suspect they might just be skimming the e-piles of applications, and that is their culture, why would anyone want to join that service? Think about it.

 

[laforge]

It is the mission of USCGA to produce well-qualified, top-notch new junior officers each year. The military people assigned to USCGA know it is their duty to give each application a thorough review, but they are also choosing in a way future officers they may one day have under their command and who will be in charge of CG enlisted personnel. Why would they rush that or take only a cursory look? It’s a matter of integrity and professionslism, as well as duty. The federal civil service people in Admissions are the “continuity glue” who make this happen year in, year out. They too are professional and committed.

And yes, it’s an enormous admin drill every year, onerous and data-drowning at times. Hard choices at every turn. Long hours. Frustrating delays, such as the DoDMERB outage this cycle.

If you suspect they might just be skimming the e-piles of applications, and that is their culture, why would anyone want to join that service? Think about it.

Thank you for your reply. I am a new parent to this entire process. I hope I did not offend anyone with my post. I just really have no clue how all of this works...I read that the Regular Decision application only have an 11% chance, whereas ED has 33% chance. Just really trying to make sure we are set for a solid plan B....Blessings to everyone...Again, sorry if I offended anyone with my question/post....

 

[hopefulmominla]

Thank you for your reply. I am a new parent to this entire process. I hope I did not offend anyone with my post. I just really have no clue how all of this works...I read that the Regular Decision application only have an 11% chance, whereas ED has 33% chance. Just really trying to make sure we are set for a solid plan B....Blessings to everyone...Again, sorry if I offended anyone with my question/post....

Capt MJ covers it all perfectly. As a parent I understand this process is truly a rollercoaster. There are more pieces to putting together the class of the current year than I or any civilian can comprehend, I am not saying this in a demeaning way but rather from the scope of this goes further than college admissions and is a foundational pillar of serving the current and future needs of the Coast Guard. Results indicate administrative staff is incredibly thorough, and tireless in the pursuit of sourcing talent to form theses classes. All of that being said it’s a small academy, there are less spots than applicants so there will be qualified candidates who don’t make it in. I am grateful as a Mom I never have to live through another service academy admissions rollercoaster (I did it twice, and ended up w 1 cadet landing at the Academy) but I want to express that I have never been on a campus where I felt so many leaders were truly invested in my child’s success and wellbeing…. Therefore the rollercoaster was worth every drop! Best of luck to your child!

 

[ProudMom7]

My understanding of the application/admissions process is the following:
1) Applicant submits their application
2) All required documents are received in addition to the main application (recommendations, PFE)
3) Applicant's application is reviewed by the Cadet Candidate Evaluation Board where two people on the board will read and evaluate any given application. If both give a positive review, the applicant moves on to the Admissions Committee. If both give a negative review, the applicant does not move forward. If it is a split decision, a third person evaluates the application and is the tie-breaker for if the applicant moves on. **This is also the step that applicants are considered for prep school.**
4) All applications that moved forward from the CCEB are reviewed by the Committee which is comprised of the Director of Admissions, Admissions senior staff, Campus Faculty (including professions, coaches, Commandant of Cadets, reps from Inclusion and Diversity), and possibly others. This is the time that a coach can put in a good word for you if you are a recruited athlete.

The Admissions Committee has the job of ranking all of the applicants that made it past the first part of the process.

I am certain that everyone involved in the process is reading all parts of the application fully. I believe they are doing their best to make the process fair and to ensure every application is given the same consideration. They are trying to put together a well-rounded class made up of high quality applicants.

 

[laforge]

Capt MJ covers it all perfectly. As a parent I understand this process is truly a rollercoaster. There are more pieces to putting together the class of the current year than I or any civilian can comprehend, I am not saying this in a demeaning way but rather from the scope of this goes further than college admissions and is a foundational pillar of serving the current and future needs of the Coast Guard. Results indicate administrative staff is incredibly thorough, and tireless in the pursuit of sourcing talent to form theses classes. All of that being said it’s a small academy, there are less spots than applicants so there will be qualified candidates who don’t make it in. I am grateful as a Mom I never have to live through another service academy admissions rollercoaster (I did it twice, and ended up w 1 cadet landing at the Academy) but I want to express that I have never been on a campus where I felt so many leaders were truly invested in my child’s success and wellbeing…. Therefore the rollercoaster was worth every drop! Best of luck to your child!

Thank you for your response. Again, my apologies if my post was offensive in any way. Blessings!

 

[laforge]

My understanding of the application/admissions process is the following:
1) Applicant submits their application
2) All required documents are received in addition to the main application (recommendations, PFE)
3) Applicant's application is reviewed by the Cadet Candidate Evaluation Board where two people on the board will read and evaluate any given application. If both give a positive review, the applicant moves on to the Admissions Committee. If both give a negative review, the applicant does not move forward. If it is a split decision, a third person evaluates the application and is the tie-breaker for if the applicant moves on. **This is also the step that applicants are considered for prep school.**
4) All applications that moved forward from the CCEB are reviewed by the Committee which is comprised of the Director of Admissions, Admissions senior staff, Campus Faculty (including professions, coaches, Commandant of Cadets, reps from Inclusion and Diversity), and possibly others. This is the time that a coach can put in a good word for you if you are a recruited athlete.

The Admissions Committee has the job of ranking all of the applicants that made it past the first part of the process.

I am certain that everyone involved in the process is reading all parts of the application fully. I believe they are doing their best to make the process fair and to ensure every application is given the same consideration. They are trying to put together a well-rounded class made up of high quality applicants.

Thank you....this is what I was wondering about....I was curious how the application is reviewed behind the scenes. Thank you for sharing this step-by-step information.

 

[Capt MJ]

Thank you for your reply. I am a new parent to this entire process. I hope I did not offend anyone with my post. I just really have no clue how all of this works...I read that the Regular Decision application only have an 11% chance, whereas ED has 33% chance. Just really trying to make sure we are set for a solid plan B....Blessings to everyone...Again, sorry if I offended anyone with my question/post....

Oh no not at all - no issues - no offense - I tend to be a brisk, direct to the point writer on some topics, a product of military communications style.

 

[Haveaniceday]

I would just add that unlike a civilian college, the Academies are also making hiring decisions for at least a 5 year gig after college and picking the future leadership of the service. Someone in each class will eventually rise to the position of Admiral and many cadet graduates have long military careers.

So, they are pretty comprehensive in their evaluation process.

The only hole in the process I have seen is there is not a mandatory in person interview for every applicant. I know they interview many, but in this day and age, not having a in-person interview with 100% of applicants is a risk. Apparently, one they are willing to take.

For those waiting, seating each class is unique and they look for a slightly different thing each year to round out the academy, from leadership, athletic and academic areas each year. This is ADM Kelly's final year to sign off on applicants. He will want to ensure he leaves the next Academy Superintendent in good shape with a great first class.

Finally, they are a very small staff with a lot of manual processes, not too much automation in admissions. It just takes time.

Good luck!

 

[laforge]

I would just add that unlike a civilian college, the Academies are also making hiring decisions for at least a 5 year gig after college and picking the future leadership of the service. Someone in each class will eventually rise to the position of Admiral and many cadet graduates have long military careers.

So, they are pretty comprehensive in their evaluation process.

The only hole in the process I have seen is there is not a mandatory in person interview for every applicant. I know they interview many, but in this day and age, not having a in-person interview with 100% of applicants is a risk. Apparently, one they are willing to take.

For those waiting, seating each class is unique and they look for a slightly different thing each year to round out the academy, from leadership, athletic and academic areas each year. This is ADM Kelly's final year to sign off on applicants. He will want to ensure he leaves the next Academy Superintendent in good shape with a great first class.

Finally, they are a very small staff with a lot of manual processes, not too much automation in admissions. It just takes time.

Good luck!

Very good points....thank you!...Sending the admissions team lots of positive energy and supporting vibes!