USNA Admissions Counselor

[SBHS2018]

What is the role of the USNA Admissions Counselor during the application process?

 

[Bill P]

To keep you hoping while torturing with silence . . . It is part of the job requirement for all Admissions Counselors and not just UNSA . . . Seriously though, good luck, keep the faith. April 15 is still a long way away. In another thread, one of the long-time members of this forum noted that "MOST" (his emphasis) appointments come out in the next six weeks. DS was a junior year CVW and NASS attendee with academics above the 2021 class profile and stellar ECs, etc. (first wave NROTC full-ride). Also getting anxious (and a bit discouraged). Seemingly quality candidates are still being looked at. Keep the faith as the AC's put the pieces of the jig saw puzzle in place.

 

[THParent]

For help and guidance during the admissions process.
My DS asked his counselor a few questions over the several months it took to get everything completed.
During those months, his admissions counselor changed (from one LT. to another LT) which can be expected with duty changes throughout the year.

Questions/requests that I recall he had;
1. My school sent my transcript four (4) weeks ago, but it hasn't updated as "received" in my Candidate Information System (CIS) web page. Was it received, or should I ask them to resend it? (he had to ask them to re-send it)
2. My physical education teacher never received the email link to upload my CFA data, could you reset the data field (in the CIS) so that I may enter an alternate email address? (after the counselor did this, the email was received and the CFA uploaded that same day)

Each time, the counselor was very friendly and eager to help. They are a tool in the process.
Use them if you need them, but try to find the answer first.
USNA.edu has a lot of answers to questions that are asked in these forums all the time, but some folks just don't use the search feature.

 

[THParent]

That last line wasn't meant as a snarky comment to the OP, by the way!

 

[usna1985]

The Admissions Counselor is responsible for the guidance of candidates in his/her assigned states. He/she screens, evaluates, and processes applications and assists the Regional Director. Admissions Counselors travel throughout the region providing information to schools, community leaders, and organizations.

 

[SBHS2018]

Thank you. I have been unable to get in touch with my admissions counselor very easily. It makes one nervous to think they are completely in charge of getting your application submitted.

 

[AF6872]

Any time we called for my DD Admission Counselor at USNA we got through or a return call. They are there to give advice, answer questions and updates. Maybe review your application not to get your application submitted.

 

[THParent]

Any time we called for my DD Admission Counselor at USNA we got through or a return call. They are there to give advice, answer questions and updates not to get your application submitted.

Your DD had a phone number? That sort of access is impressive.
The CIS only lists an EMail address, so I guess my DS assumed that they didn't want phone calls.

 

[PlanAhead]

DS has called in the past. You essentially just call the general admissions line and they transfer you to the admissions counselor you're calling for.

 

[usna1985]

It makes one nervous to think they are completely in charge of getting your application submitted.

They're not. You are. They facilitate, answer questions, etc. But you are ultimately responsible for knowing the status of your application and making sure everything is received on time.

Also, the Admissions Counselor is not the only person working on your application. There is a Regional Director , and administrative assistant and one other person -- so a team of four assigned to each region.

The challenging thing is that each of these teams has 1000+ active applications. That's a lot of people with a lot of questions/issues. That's why it's a good idea to try finding answers on your own or asking your BGO (for general process questions). That said, some things can only be done/answered by the Admissions team. For the most part, they're pretty quick about responding.

 

[Wagmore]

My DS's Admissions Counselor is fabulous and usually answers questions within 24 hours. Two suggestions: 1) keep your question short and to the point; 2) always include your candidate number with your signature.

 

[THParent]

...always include your candidate number with your signature...

I was thinking "that goes without saying", but not really when you're talking to someone new in the application process. There will be a lot of 2023 hopefuls perusing through these threads, so this is good advice. When you're a "candidate", ALWAYS list your all-important candidate number in ALL correspondence - whether written or electronic.

Later, it will be your Alpha Code that's all-important.
The military is all about ID numbers.

 

[AF6872]

Phone number was for Admission Office and forwarded to Counselor. We had a great meeting during CVW with a lot of questions answered. Also, DoDmerb returned our calls. They all said they are there to get them in not to keep them out.

 

[Rescue#1]

DoDmerb was fantastic about returning calls. Have been really impressed with the level of professionalism throughout the whole USNA application process. including MOC application.