SMH - Heard of someone who signed a NLI for Navy...

This started as something that was agreeably ridiculous.. committing before having any of the mentioned items of the app done. Then, people like @justdoit19 like to go over as many threads as they can, looking for something to take the moral high ground on. This thread was the victim of that.
It is getting a tad personal. Let’s bring it back in.
 
With a lot of "stuff" in life, it is best to take the approach: I do not think that much of it. It is the energy of minding my own business.

There are those that will celebrate their achievements in life in their own personal way and it may or may not align with our own personal beliefs or ways in which you or I or others would celebrate. While it may seem premature to celebrate to the OP, it is a matter of a personal choice, and again, best philosophy is to manage your side of the street.

Bottom line: On I-Day, all plebes are THE SAME! No one CARES nor will anyone ask, "When did you receive your LOA, appointment, recruitment, etc., etc.," as on I-Day, it is all in the past and eyes should and will be focused on future.

Celebrate how it suits you and be "observational" of the approach of others, not openly verbal. The only response to someone receiving any accolades in life (whether an LOA, appointment, nomination) or any non-SA accolades is: "Congratulations! I wish you every success in life. How wonderful!"

ALL of the SA applicants have worked hard to achieve the ultimate goal of an appointment and there are many paths to an appointment, recruited athletes, and otherwise...MANY paths lead to I-Day!

Congratulations to those that have been fortunate enough to already have received an LOA, appointment, nomination, etc., and to those still waiting, "Good luck! Trust the process. Be patient. Be hopeful. Celebrate others."

There is a special place and path for all of us in this beautiful (and sometimes weird) world. Be the very best version of yourself and help others to be the very best versions of themselves, too!
 
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DD was encouraged by her high school athletic director to participate in the Feb 2019 signing day ceremony. Review of SA policy indicated that, while NLI is technically irrelevant since no athletic scholarships are offerred, the SAs do not discourage participation in local ceremonies. After all, they are a source of positive PR for the SA, as well as the high school.

DD elected to not participate; she prefers to fly under the radar. But she would have been justified in taking the opposite stance. The NLI is not just about props to the athlete, it is a net gain for both the high school and university.

So I have no problem with any SA candidate who chooses to participate, especially when they may be bowing to pressure from their high school's athletic staff.

It's all good either way.
 
So I have no problem with any SA candidate who chooses to participate, especially when they may be bowing to pressure from their high school's athletic staff.
I agree. But you don't cringe when someone who really has no idea if they'll get in or not is claiming to have "committed" to USNA? Especially the fact that he hasn't even STARTED DoDMERB or received a nomination. Those two things keep plenty of people out every year.
 
DD was encouraged by her high school athletic director to participate in the Feb 2019 signing day ceremony. Review of SA policy indicated that, while NLI is technically irrelevant since no athletic scholarships are offerred, the SAs do not discourage participation in local ceremonies. After all, they are a source of positive PR for the SA, as well as the high school.

DD elected to not participate; she prefers to fly under the radar. But she would have been justified in taking the opposite stance. The NLI is not just about props to the athlete, it is a net gain for both the high school and university.

So I have no problem with any SA candidate who chooses to participate, especially when they may be bowing to pressure from their high school's athletic staff.

It's all good either way.
I know someone who did the whole NLI signing day with only a positive pre read to an Ivy. Some suggested it showed true commitment. They are currently attending that Ivy.
As for the person who is committing without getting a nomination, or dodgers or whatever in the end you shouldn’t worry about it. If they get in, wooohooo! Yay for them. If they don’t your chances are a smidge better for getting accepted.
I guess the only concern for you would be is if athletically they are superior to you? Is that why you are worried?
Otherwise chill and watch and wait.
 
I know someone who did the whole NLI signing day with only a positive pre read to an Ivy. Some suggested it showed true commitment. They are currently attending that Ivy.
As for the person who is committing without getting a nomination, or dodgers or whatever in the end you shouldn’t worry about it. If they get in, wooohooo! Yay for them. If they don’t your chances are a smidge better for getting accepted.
I guess the only concern for you would be is if athletically they are superior to you? Is that why you are worried?
Otherwise chill and watch and wait.
Wow, that's real mature! I've already been accepted. Oops :/ . BTW that story sounds insane to me. If that's true, he basically just flat-out lied... But I live in a small town, so I don't know.
 
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My point is really that I don't choose to denigrate someone for participating in an event in which they are allowed to do so. I am not privy to the factors that led that person to make the decision. Whether it is for personal recognition, or they are bowing to external pressures from parents, peers, or high School staff, it is their right to choose the path that works for them.

And we are not justified in judging the legitimacy of their decision, especially given that we do not know the rational for that decision.

I prefer to be happy for whatever events give other individuals some measure of happiness.

In the end, it is their life, not mine.
 
My friend’s tenth grade daughter committed to an Ivy to play hockey like a month before my son got appointed. My friend told me she is guaranteed in but Ivy’s offer no scholarships.
 
My point is really that I don't choose to denigrate someone for participating in an event in which they are allowed to do so. I am not privy to the factors that led that person to make the decision. Whether it is for personal recognition, or they are bowing to external pressures from parents, peers, or high School staff, it is their right to choose the path that works for them.

And we are not justified in judging the legitimacy of their decision, especially given that we do not know the rational for that decision.

I prefer to be happy for whatever events give other individuals some measure of happiness.

In the end, it is their life, not mine.
All of this.
 
Much of this NLI hubbub stems from a few dynamics: the relentless presence of social media, the narcissistic look-at-me mentality that it fosters, and the shameless big-money industry masquerading as intercollegiate athletics. All that results in young athletes participating in made-for-Instagram events to celebrate their "commitment."

Now, look at it from the athlete's perspective. By "committing" to USNA, they may just be publicly pledging their services to the Midshipmen and ending the flirtation with other schools. That's innocent enough. And they may be doing so knowing full well that they have a ways to go to receive the actual offer of appointment. If all works out, great. If not, they potentially end up with egg on their face -- along with any humiliation, embarrassment or disappointment that goes with that.

Was there any lying? I don't think so, as long as the athlete said only "I'm committed" and not "I signed a national letter of intent." In the end, because USNA does not do NLI, it was all ceremonial. Think of it as saying "I do" at the altar without signing the marriage certificate.

Now, in the end, who is hurt if the athlete doesn't get in? The athlete, of course. Anyone else? No. Certainly not @2024candidate. So why the heck should @2024candidate care? It doesn't affect them in any way. It's much ado about nothing.

So I say: Eyes in the boat. Control what you can. And for heaven's sake, eat some bacon!
 
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Ok, I'm sure that's what you meant instead of

Congratulations on your Principal Nomination, 2024Candidate!

Is my understanding correct, that with a principal nomination, a qualified candidate with a principal nomination is not a guarantee of appointment, as one needs to be triple qualified; academically, medically, and physically, via CFA, known as 3Q'd? Is one considered "accepted" to The Academy?

Again, as in my earlier post, there are many paths to I-Day, and until the doors of Bancroft Hall slam closed, all applicants are hopeful and doing their very best to earn an appointment.
 
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