USNA Class of 2027 Waiting and Speculating

[Heatherg21]

When placed on the NWL do they just accept by overall score or do they still take into account geographic location and other factors like that?

Imagine a giant puzzle. The admissions office is tasked with putting together the best ‘class of xxxx’ they can. That includes athletics, academics, demographics, leadership, extracurriculars, musical talents, test scores, you name it.

They take everyone on the NWL and rack and stack based on their not shared methodology of building the next class.

There are things we may never know or understand about this process. Thus the ‘it’s out of your control’ advice.

 

[IronmanDaremo]

The waitlist letter/offer specifically says they do not choose by "first on the list." They pick a candidate that fills one of the available nomination slots of the people who declined the offers.

And you will not "know" where you stand on the list. Some years, supposedly they take very few. Last year, they seemed to take a lot (my kid included).

 

[OldRetSWO]

The waitlist letter/offer specifically says they do not choose by "first on the list." They pick a candidate that fills one of the available nomination slots of the people who declined the offers.

And you will not "know" where you stand on the list. Some years, supposedly they take very few. Last year, they seemed to take a lot (my kid included).

You're mixing up the "Waitlist" that USNA has after all slates have been settled and they wait to see if there are openings with the "National Waitlist" that USMA has which is WELL BEFORE the small list that USNA does. USNA uses something called "Additional Appointees" which are where they fill in folks who have noms but did not win their slates to get the class number up to the desired number of offers. Once that level is reached is the point at which the USNA waitlist happens and yes, that is late in the cycle - like Apr/May. West Point's "National Waitlist" is analogous to Navy's "Additional Appointees" for the most part and people can get pulled of of it pretty early on if they are desirable enough to admissions but did not win their slate for some reason such as the use of a Principal Nom.

 

[Jfmartin25]

I've intentionally been absent from the Forums for a few weeks - but can't stay away. I keep coming back with hopes that there is some little piece of information that I could "find" and let DS know, in order to improve an opportunity, increase knowledge of how the system and process works or simply talk about the "possibilities." That's all we can do though, talk about it. Once we've jumped through all the hoops and sit "Waiting and Speculating," the only thing left to do is talk about it. Around the house we say things like, "We didn't come this far, just to come this far" or "You're the principal nominee from your Congressional District, in the Top percentile of your class at a Nationally ranked High School - there's NO WAY you're not getting in!" This is dangerous rhetoric however, as the reality is - it happens. He might not get in. You have to let go. Let go of the energy it took to create this thing. You've done your part, now let it be.
We (as parents) did everything we could to get our children here - to even be in a place where they are applying to The U.S. Naval Academy...how friggin' awesome is *that*! Years in the making, teaching them, parenting them, watching them learn and grow into who they have become. Our kids are amazing, and if they are here, in this category, they deserve recognition for that alone - even if they aren't offered an Appointment. I congratulate you the reader - whether you're a parent, or a student who has applied (and made it this far through the application process), or one of the experts here - keeping everything in check. I applaud you and respect you for all that you have accomplished. The people here, students, parents, Alumni and experts, are all the best of the best. Don't Give Up The Hope!
(But also, be ready - an Appointment might not happen, and you should be prepared for *that* reality too.)

 

[IronmanDaremo]

You're mixing up the "Waitlist" that USNA has after all slates have been settled and they wait to see if there are openings with the "National Waitlist" that USMA has which is WELL BEFORE the small list that USNA does. USNA uses something called "Additional Appointees" which are where they fill in folks who have noms but did not win their slates to get the class number up to the desired number of offers. Once that level is reached is the point at which the USNA waitlist happens and yes, that is late in the cycle - like Apr/May. West Point's "National Waitlist" is analogous to Navy's "Additional Appointees" for the most part and people can get pulled of of it pretty early on if they are desirable enough to admissions but did not win their slate for some reason such as the use of a Principal Nom.

Ah, okay. Wasn't very familiar with the NWL. Thought it was the same thing. Lesson learned!

 

[STEM 26]

I've intentionally been absent from the Forums for a few weeks - but can't stay away. I keep coming back with hopes that there is some little piece of information that I could "find" and let DS know, in order to improve an opportunity, increase knowledge of how the system and process works or simply talk about the "possibilities." That's all we can do though, talk about it. Once we've jumped through all the hoops and sit "Waiting and Speculating," the only thing left to do is talk about it. Around the house we say things like, "We didn't come this far, just to come this far" or "You're the principal nominee from your Congressional District, in the Top percentile of your class at a Nationally ranked High School - there's NO WAY you're not getting in!" This is dangerous rhetoric however, as the reality is - it happens. He might not get in. You have to let go. Let go of the energy it took to create this thing. You've done your part, now let it be.
We (as parents) did everything we could to get our children here - to even be in a place where they are applying to The U.S. Naval Academy...how friggin' awesome is *that*! Years in the making, teaching them, parenting them, watching them learn and grow into who they have become. Our kids are amazing, and if they are here, in this category, they deserve recognition for that alone - even if they aren't offered an Appointment. I congratulate you the reader - whether you're a parent, or a student who has applied (and made it this far through the application process), or one of the experts here - keeping everything in check. I applaud you and respect you for all that you have accomplished. The people here, students, parents, Alumni and experts, are all the best of the best. Don't Give Up The Hope!
(But also, be ready - an Appointment might not happen, and you should be prepared for *that* reality too.)

I did the same last year when my DS applied. I avoided the forums but always came back looking for hope. He did not hear anything by 4/15, it was until 4/17 that he was waitlisted to NAPS. He was extremely happy and I was shocked because he was so positive even when it was waitlisted. He has really good stats and I never understood why he was being waitlisted to NAPS but I am so glad he was, obviously there were so many more amazing kids that had better stats than him. He worked on his plan B, we put down a deposit, he started working on all his paperwork, placement testing, he had appointments to visit, etc. He came off the waitlist 5/27, day after his graduation. He came to the kitchen screaming at 6:00am when he opened his email and saw he had an offer.

This year my DD applied, she had very good stats, better than DS but not good SAT scores. I thought she may had an opportunity to NAPS but she received a LOA early January. She has better grades, GPA, even international awards but her SAT scores were not the best that I was surprised when she told us she had a LOA. At that time all she was pending was a nomination, and she received weeks after the LOA came. She has accepted her appointment and accepted.

Now we wait for DS to finish NAPS and if all goes well, then will have 2 plebes this summer. Last year, I did not think my DS was going to make it and he did; this year I did not think my DD will get an offer and she did. Nothing is over until is over but relaxing a bit more and focusing on plan B is always a good thing and helps them be in control of the things they can control. Don't let DS/DD check the portal every day, maybe twice a week, help him get distracted with something else. Both DS and DD email their AC with any new updates on their academics or any new awards to update their files, did this help? who knows but I am sure it did not hurt them.

Don't Give up the Hope!

 

[SnootyHen]

I've intentionally been absent from the Forums for a few weeks - but can't stay away. I keep coming back with hopes that there is some little piece of information that I could "find" and let DS know, in order to improve an opportunity, increase knowledge of how the system and process works or simply talk about the "possibilities." That's all we can do though, talk about it. Once we've jumped through all the hoops and sit "Waiting and Speculating," the only thing left to do is talk about it. Around the house we say things like, "We didn't come this far, just to come this far" or "You're the principal nominee from your Congressional District, in the Top percentile of your class at a Nationally ranked High School - there's NO WAY you're not getting in!" This is dangerous rhetoric however, as the reality is - it happens. He might not get in. You have to let go. Let go of the energy it took to create this thing. You've done your part, now let it be.
We (as parents) did everything we could to get our children here - to even be in a place where they are applying to The U.S. Naval Academy...how friggin' awesome is *that*! Years in the making, teaching them, parenting them, watching them learn and grow into who they have become. Our kids are amazing, and if they are here, in this category, they deserve recognition for that alone - even if they aren't offered an Appointment. I congratulate you the reader - whether you're a parent, or a student who has applied (and made it this far through the application process), or one of the experts here - keeping everything in check. I applaud you and respect you for all that you have accomplished. The people here, students, parents, Alumni and experts, are all the best of the best. Don't Give Up The Hope!
(But also, be ready - an Appointment might not happen, and you should be prepared for *that* reality too.)

I think the hardest part of letting go is that until you know you're in somewhere, you have to keep working Plans B, C, D and so on. Which is fine of course except that I am guessing every USNA candidate falls into the category of kids who do a lot. Between a heavy course load, athletics, volunteering and everything else that made them a viable candidate these kids are spinning wheels at a level most others don't ever experience. And as parents who raised these highly motivated kids, we most likely are spinning right along with them (and any of their siblings). As the acceptance letters roll in from other schools, I note the high cost and people say "he should be applying for every scholarship possible" and I agree, he should. But with 24 hours in a day and 7 days in a week, something has to give. Do they give up the sport they love which made them the athlete that might be recruited? Or take fewer AP classes which makes them less attractive to schools? Or maybe quit the volunteer position they have held all along which developed leadership and commitment in them? Of course the answer is none of those....they just don't sleep, multi-task and keep on spinning. For my son and all of our hopefuls, it will be nice when they can stop spinning those Plans D, E and F and know that A or B is in the bag and then ACTUALLY enjoy what's left of their senior year. Because just when you finish that USNA app, all the nomination apps and then dive into other colleges and ROTC apps and get all that done, it's time for scholarship apps as a "just in case" and the advice of sitting back and enjoying the last of your senior year still doesn't come into play. Hopefully not too much longer for all of us!

 

[i_like_planes]

Does anyone know if different states/regions make and release their decisions at different times?

 

[USMCfam]

Does anyone know if different states/regions make and release their decisions at different times?

Are you referring to USNA decisions by state? In the fall/winter it is random geographically, but as it moves into spring you will notice more of a weekly state by state (and territories) pattern that continues up until April 15th- but the order is random.

 

[MidCakePa]

Between a heavy course load, athletics, volunteering and everything else that made them a viable candidate these kids are spinning wheels at a level most others don't ever experience.

But with 24 hours in a day and 7 days in a week, something has to give.

This, in a nutshell, is four years at USNA. So consider it great preparation for what awaits, should he get offer of appointment.

Meanwhile, since he does not have offer of appointment, he should act as if he does not have offer of appointment. Which means treating Plan B as Plan A. Embrace the present.

 

[i_like_planes]

Are you referring to USNA decisions by state? In the fall/winter it is random geographically, but as it moves into spring you will notice more of a weekly state by state (and territories) pattern that continues up until April 15th- but the order is random.

Yeah that's what I mean. That makes sense. This explains why some states have many more appointments right now than others.

 

[Alchemist]

With 535 MOCs and each allotted one nomination (sometimes more but to keep it simple, lets just say one per year) the best of each MOC nominated 10 candidates get the first offers. So put these lucky 535 ones off to the side and the 1,500 or so appointments drops to 965 billets left. This remaining group is now racked and stacked against each other. There are some states and congressional districts that are very competitive when compared nationally and the remaining 9 nominated kids could be up at the top of the list after the first 535 get selected. So, some states/congressional districts will have a 1:1 nominated to appointed rate (just the MOCs top choice get an appointment) and other states/districts will have greater than 1:1 appointment rate as the remaining 9 are relatively higher in rating than other states/congressional districts. I am ignoring VP, Presidential, JROTC and other nominations to keep it simple. A MOC could have 2 or more of their nominations given appointments if their district population is very competitive. It is conceivable a MOC could have all 10 nominations given offers if all 10 were Gods gift to the Navy.

With the drop dead date of Jan 31st passed all the applications with nominations are in. I would imagine doing the 535 group first, which should be the easiest. Then rank the rest. The most competitive states/districts should be called out first (remember all the applications are in, no waiting for stragglers). But since the Academy is a military institution I will assume that I must take the most logical decision and assume the Navy will do the opposite. That said there will be no rhyme or reason to the announcements.

 

[Runnerthirteen]

I think the hardest part of letting go is that until you know you're in somewhere, you have to keep working Plans B, C, D and so on. Which is fine of course except that I am guessing every USNA candidate falls into the category of kids who do a lot. Between a heavy course load, athletics, volunteering and everything else that made them a viable candidate these kids are spinning wheels at a level most others don't ever experience. And as parents who raised these highly motivated kids, we most likely are spinning right along with them (and any of their siblings). As the acceptance letters roll in from other schools, I note the high cost and people say "he should be applying for every scholarship possible" and I agree, he should. But with 24 hours in a day and 7 days in a week, something has to give. Do they give up the sport they love which made them the athlete that might be recruited? Or take fewer AP classes which makes them less attractive to schools? Or maybe quit the volunteer position they have held all along which developed leadership and commitment in them? Of course the answer is none of those....they just don't sleep, multi-task and keep on spinning. For my son and all of our hopefuls, it will be nice when they can stop spinning those Plans D, E and F and know that A or B is in the bag and then ACTUALLY enjoy what's left of their senior year. Because just when you finish that USNA app, all the nomination apps and then dive into other colleges and ROTC apps and get all that done, it's time for scholarship apps as a "just in case" and the advice of sitting back and enjoying the last of your senior year still doesn't come into play. Hopefully not too much longer for all of us!

@SnootyHen You've been reading my mind!!

 

[Gnarlygoat27]

I think they already got their appointment. I know I can't do anything now but just curious. Would someone be able to explain how multiple people get in from one district? Thanks.

I have no idea how common this is but it does happen. DS's MOC nom is not from the state we live in because his dad is still active duty so he was given the opportunity to apply from the state/district where dad's home of record is, where he's always voted, and where he has a drivers license. Ironically it's also the state where dad is currently stationed, so we're paying state taxes there again. The family opted to stay in the previous duty location so DS could finish at the (amazing) high school he's in. He could have applied for a MOC here but it's one of the most competitive districts in the country so this was a smart bet that paid off. I guess in some ways it seems unfair but it is at least one explanation why this can happen. Multiple kids from his HS have been known to get appointments and while their noms could be any source, in this case his MOC nom isn't competing against another MOC nom here. Military life comes with a lot of perks and lot of unfair and it's just the way it is!

 

[MidCakePa]

He could have applied for a MOC here but it's one of the most competitive districts in the country so this was a smart bet that paid off.

Maybe, maybe not. Perhaps correlation, but not necessarily causation.

Remember that it only takes one candidate with better credentials than you to make it a competitive district. Also, it seems that if an SA really, really wants a candidate, it won’t let the lack of a MOC nom get in the way. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. The SAs will find a way to make an offer to someone whom they feel they must have.

 

[Gnarlygoat27]

Maybe, maybe not. Perhaps correlation, but not necessarily causation.

Remember that it only takes one candidate with better credentials than you to make it a competitive district. Also, it seems that if an SA really, really wants a candidate, it won’t let the lack of a MOC nom get in the way. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. The SAs will find a way to make an offer to someone whom they feel they must have.

Oh absolutely I agree with you they'll make an offer to someone they want one way or another. But I do think this is consistently referred to as a very competitive district, especially for USNA, maybe all SAs. Nearly all of the HSs are nationally ranked, 9 of them in the top 500. You barely have to look to your left and right to find someone with stellar credentials. I say it was a smart bet in that the sheer number applying from here vs there, the odds were in his favor even though the MOC could have easily thought, eh you don't live here and chosen someone else. I don't know how many applied there but I know how many interviews were given and how many noms given. And I know how many typically apply here. Exponentially different.

DS has a presidential too but it's nice to have the options. I'm in the category of we've done all we can to help and encourage, he's done all he can to be competitive, now we wait. On what was I-Day 2022, I didn't know if my son would ever walk again and now he's here. Medical will be his biggest challenge through no fault of his own and is he a strong enough candidate to pursue a waiver? We can only hope.

 

[Heatherg21]

I have no idea how common this is but it does happen. DS's MOC nom is not from the state we live in because his dad is still active duty so he was given the opportunity to apply from the state/district where dad's home of record is, where he's always voted, and where he has a drivers license. Ironically it's also the state where dad is currently stationed, so we're paying state taxes there again. The family opted to stay in the previous duty location so DS could finish at the (amazing) high school he's in. He could have applied for a MOC here but it's one of the most competitive districts in the country so this was a smart bet that paid off. I guess in some ways it seems unfair but it is at least one explanation why this can happen. Multiple kids from his HS have been known to get appointments and while their noms could be any source, in this case his MOC nom isn't competing against another MOC nom here. Military life comes with a lot of perks and lot of unfair and it's just the way it is!

The concept of fairness is a tough one. And the old adage, “life isn’t fair” is still true.
As long as your applicant followed the rules, they are entitled to apply based on those rules.

I don’t know the backstory but from not knowing if they would walk again to being able to get to this point is incredible. A win and an incredible accomplishment by any measure.

 

[Gnarlygoat27]

The concept of fairness is a tough one. And the old adage, “life isn’t fair “ is still true.
As long as your applicant followed the rules, they are entitled to apply based on those rules.

I don’t know the backstory but from not knowing if they would walk again to being able to get to this point is incredible. A win and an incredible accomplishment by any measure.

Definitely followed the rules and DH contacted everyone under the sun he could think of to verify.

There's a long dramatic story but short version is passenger in car accident, high speed, tree, medivac helicopter, broken vertebrae, the most amazing neurosurgeon one could ever hope to need, a lot of titanium, healthy young bones that heal faster than you can imagine, and a tenacious kid who couldn't make us prouder or handle himself better through it all. Plus loads of tears from mom ! They asked about it in his nomination interview and he said "I want to serve in the Navy. I'm going to keep after it until someone tells me no" and I have to assume they liked that since he got it. Less than two months after the accident while in a brace he completed his Eagle Scout project. He's just a gem.

 

[Heatherg21]

Definitely followed the rules and DH contacted everyone under the sun he could think of to verify.

There's a long dramatic story but short version is passenger in car accident, high speed, tree, medivac helicopter, broken vertebrae, the most amazing neurosurgeon one could ever hope to need, a lot of titanium, healthy young bones that heal faster than you can imagine, and a tenacious kid who couldn't make us prouder or handle himself better through it all. Plus loads of tears from mom ! They asked about it in his nomination interview and he said "I want to serve in the Navy. I'm going to keep after it until someone tells me no" and I have to assume they liked that since he got it. Less than two months after the accident while in a brace he completed his Eagle Scout project. He's just a gem.

Wow. Just wow. That’s incredible. I cannot imagine what that was like as a mama. My mom heart is beating in empathy and I am so proud of him for fighting so hard.

 

[Gnarlygoat27]

Wow. Just wow. That’s incredible. I cannot imagine what that was like as a mama. My mom heart is beating in empathy and I am so proud of him for fighting so hard.

Thank you so much Doing all of this with DH out of state (80% of the time), a massive overseas move this summer, and all the other things life throws at each of us - it's been a year! I appreciate your kind words.