Still waiting on Summer Seminar decision?

My younger DS is going to NASS #1 this year. However, my 3/C DS didn't get into any of the SS that he applied for and he was admitted directly to USNA and loving it. I don't think it has any weight for getting in. If your DS or DD wants to go to USNA, do the application etc. The NASS is just one way to get an idea about the place and encourage applications.
 
DD was waiting for reply...said she just got the WL email at 4:01 ET. Was in her junk mail folder. Assume they're finalizing notices now...should have it shortly.
 
Well, my son got a rejection letter today. Of course I'm his parent and think he's absolutely wonderful, but I really don't get that. I've decided to post in this forum for clues. He didn't get into the Naval STEM course last summer, not even waitlisted for last summer or this summer, and this year he only got into the AF virtual session. He's such a high stats kid (5.02, first in class, as many APs as possible) 1510 SAT without yet studying, athletic (varsity lacrosse), involved (class officer, FFA officer, soon-to-be Eagle Scout, Model Congress, DECA nationals, FIRST robotics-Dean's Finalist state level). I've even left many things off this list. We live in the northeast. Connecticut. I'm just wondering if these rejections are reflective of the Naval or Air Force academies' actual admission processes. I know the academy applications can be incredibly long and involved, with multiple hoops and hoops. Our family doesn't know anyone important in the government or military, and we don't have officers in our family background. Do you think it's even worth putting in all the effort to try to get into either of those academies??? This forum is anonymous, so if anyone knows why he seems to be at such a disadvantage, please answer truthfully because you might be saving him a lot of disappointing effort. (We are white and middle class to round out the description.)
 
...Continuing from my post above, DS had been invited to the Naval Academy Candidate Visit Weekends in April. However, he couldn't go because April is right in the middle of lacrosse season. In April, he also has/had several academically based competitions for which he is always an essential team member. Anyway, because he didn't respond to these prior CVW invitations, is it likely that he will be invited again in the fall? And, does the Air Force also do Candidate Visit Weekends (but that would be far for us). Feeling so sad for my DS right now. After two rejections two years in a row, I can't imagine it doesn't have an effect on this thoughts about this direction.
 
Darcydoo said:
...Continuing from my post above, DS had been invited to the Naval Academy Candidate Visit Weekends in April. However, he couldn't go because April is right in the middle of lacrosse season. In April, he also has/had several academically based competitions for which he is always an essential team member. Anyway, because he didn't respond to these prior CVW invitations, is it likely that he will be invited again in the fall? And, does the Air Force also do Candidate Visit Weekends (but that would be far for us). Feeling so sad for my DS right now. After two rejections two years in a row, I can't imagine it doesn't have an effect on this thoughts about this direction.
Click to expand...
There is a 0% chance of acceptance for those who don't apply. I was WL with worse stats, maybe he misspelled something in the personal statement?
 
Boeingaircraft767 said:
There is a 0% chance of acceptance for those who don't apply. I was WL with worse stats, maybe he misspelled something in the personal statement?
Click to expand...
Two years in a row? That seems unlikely. There's obviously something else, but I don't know what it could be. Our location? His ethnic profile? Our family's lack of military background?
 
No, these rejections are not indicative of the admissions process. They are totally different criteria. Your DS has great stats, ones that will contribute strongly to his academy application. SS has different criteria, and ones that are out of Your DS’s control, so it’s best not to take it personally because it likely has nothing to do with him.
 
IggyMom23 said:
No, these rejections are not indicative of the admissions process. They are totally different criteria. Your DS has great stats, ones that will contribute strongly to his academy application. SS has different criteria, and ones that are out of Your DS’s control, so it’s best not to take it personally because it likely has nothing to do with him.
Click to expand...
Do you know what that criteria is? It would be helpful to know what is different in order to keep up any interest in trying to keep pursuing this.
 
Darcydoo said:
Do you know what that criteria is? It would be helpful to know what is different in order to keep up any interest in trying to keep pursuing this.
Click to expand...
I am a longtime Blue and Gold Officer and can assure you that the selections for summer programs have absolutely nothing to do with the actual academy application and selection process. Both are marketing/awareness programs and it is hard even for semi-insiders to figure out what it takes. The fact that your son was invited to a Candidate Visit Weekend is probably more indicative that they have a positive view of your son. I recommend that you find out who your local Blue and Gold officer is. Your Area Coordinator can be figured out online and they will connect your son with a local Blue and Gold Officer. They might be able to help get your declined April visit into a Fall visit. I'd recommend starting on the application soon, based on applying for Summer Seminar, USNA Admissions will be notifying your son when the application opens.
 
I had a whole paragraph written, but then I lost it when my phone died 😩. But OldRetSWO sums it up. I’ll just add that many many midshipman do not go to SS. People always say it, but it’s really true. At a panel of 5 or 6 midshipmen during my DS’s CVW, only one had attended, the others being rejected or deciding to apply to the academy after the SS app closed. Also the Academy uses the Whole Person Multiple for admission, of which academics is the biggest part, and other components that are in the candidate’s control (ish). But the only way to get in is to apply and go thru the process.
 
Darcydoo said:
Do you know what that criteria is? It would be helpful to know what is different in order to keep up any interest in trying to keep pursuing this.
Click to expand...
Also, I’m a USMA mom, not USNA, so take whatever I say with a grain of salt, as I’m no expert 😀. Just learned a lot with my DS applying to the academies and spent many, many, many, many, many hours and weeks and months trying to understand the process and then chill out when things were out of our hands. Spoiler alert—I never did chill out. But now I’m good.

Relatively.
 
Darcydoo said:
Do you know what that criteria is? It would be helpful to know what is different in order to keep up any interest in trying to keep pursuing this.
Click to expand...
I'm going to give an answer with full caveat that it's nothing but an educated guess...I have no inside info. It's location. For Summer Seminar and STEM specifically.

Do NOT equate this to less chance of appointment application because as everyone has said they're two different things. But your area of CT is likely higher income than most of country, higher awareness of SAs and therefore less ROI for marketing outreach programs like the Summer programs. Nothing more or less.

I get he is likely feeling disappointed, but try to keep it in perspective that it's a marketing program and not the end goal anyway (that's the appointment).

Wish you all the best!
 
IggyMom23 said:
I had a whole paragraph written, but then I lost it when my phone died 😩. But OldRetSWO sums it up. I’ll just add that many many midshipman do not go to SS. People always say it, but it’s really true. At a panel of 5 or 6 midshipmen during my DS’s CVW, only one had attended, the others being rejected or deciding to apply to the academy after the SS app closed. Also the Academy uses the Whole Person Multiple for admission, of which academics is the biggest part, and other components that are in the candidate’s control (ish). But the only way to get in is to apply and go thru the process.
Click to expand...
Thanks for answering. I know people have said that in their class there were so many midshipmen that didn't go to the SS. But did they those people actually apply and get rejected--TWICE??? That's really the question. DS's stats are nearly perfect with Eagle Scout and varsity athletics on top, so there is obviously something else he's being discounted for. I'm thinking it's that he is a middle-class white boy from Connecticut with no connections. I mean, that's not changeable, so if that's really it, it would be nice to know that he's already crossed off the list before going through getting a congressperson or senator and all the other things that involve so much time and effort. Everything involves time and effort, but if there is an ABSOLUTE that he just doesn't fit their preferred demographics, that would be generous and helpful to know upfront.
 
Darcydoo said:
But did they those people actually apply and get rejected--TWICE??? That's really the question.
Click to expand...
Darcydoo said:
Everything involves time and effort, but if there is an ABSOLUTE that he just doesn't fit their preferred demographics, that would be generous and helpful to know upfront.
Click to expand...
With respect, I advise you to heed @OldRetSWO post above. He's a grad, a veteran, a B&G officer. He echos the words of those here who have reliable gouge: The criteria is different, is focused on outreach of various types, and has no bearing on chances of appointment.

My DD applied to Summer STEM three times before she was accepted. She attended SS, but none of her several USNA roommates did. We don't know exactly why she was chosen for SS -- she perhaps meets some of the target criteria, but perhaps doesn't meet most. No way to know for sure. Among those she attended SS with, some were appointed, many were not, some didn't even apply.

Again, think outreach. Many SS candidates are probably the model candidate -- everything we expect from a prime applicant, like your son. Others might not be. USNA sees something in them and wants to provide exposure and education. That's the mission, and USNA is carrying it out.
 
Agree that there is no way to know. My son's stats paled compared to yours. BUT...we're from California and many people out here don't even know about NASS or even the service academies, in general. DO NOT LET THIS stop him from applying. Now, that would be a sad day. Make sure he does the Application as early as possible. There are so many moving parts. Also, APPLY FOR ANY and EVERY possible NOMINATION SOURCE. He should also be applying for NROTC programs and scholarships. If his goal is to be a Naval Officer, then go for it any way possible. Believe me, once you commission and are out in the fleet, it doesn't matter if your sailor was USNA, NROTC, OCS or PLP (if Marines is his goal). From what my '21 tells me...it's all a blur at that point. Good luck to your son. My advice? Spend every waking minute enjoying your son's senior year...for you and for him. That's why getting it done earlier is better.
 
My son got his rejection email while he was as CVW this weekend. I didn't let him know until after I picked him up. He was disappointed, but he talked to the Mids he was with while he was there and they are told him it was no big deal, so he was reassured by that. He had a great time during his visit and felt like he really got a taste for the day to day life. We felt like getting the CVW invite was a pretty good indicator that he has the potential to get admitted, so we are going to run with it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top