USNA Class of 2027 Waitlist: Team Hopeful

It’s refreshing to see some movement on this list in both directions. However I must admit the wait is excruciating. Having people ask “what’s the plan?” Just to reply with my plan b is just saddening. To come so far, to put some much forward , to and know I was just a few slots away. Im not quite sure if this could be related to my predicament but before I applied an individual in my Congressional district had an LOA. Fast forward we both get noms and I’m medically qualified. However, he comes to find he wasn’t medically qualified because his vision was -8.5, so he’s pending a waiver. If he weren’t to receive the waiver would I fill his slot or would it roll to someone else on the list.
I don't know the answer to your question, but I just wanted to let you know that I empathize with you. I've heard multiple times on this thread, "I wouldn't worry about what others say" or "You don't have to tell anyone where you're going, it's nobody's business" when those waiting express sadness or uncertainty about what to say about where you're going to school. While well intentioned, I don't think they're helpful. The fact is, the waiting is awful. One of the rewards of working so hard all these years is to share that joy with others and have them be excited with you about where you are going. It's like a newly engaged couple showing off their engagement ring. It's (generally) not so others can admire the actual ring, it's so that others share their joy. The uncertainty takes that from you, like you're neither fully here nor fully there. You may be perfectly fine with your plan B, and even excited about it, but there's a small part of you that can't get fully invested because you're not really sure you're going there.

Do you buy that cool piece of dorm furniture that's on sale now? Will you need it? Do I make plans for a roommate knowing I might leave that kid in the lurch? Should you plan and pay for a trip for the end of the summer with your friends before everyone leaves for school? Should you buy a concert ticket for the show in Sept that is playing an hour away from your plan B school? Should you offer your guest room to your great-uncle who is planning to be in your town over parents' weekend, or will no one be home? Grandma and grandpa want to plan a trip to see you in the fall...where should they go? Should I get a summer job? These are many of the decisions whose answers remain unknown. Answering them would allow you to start envisioning, anticipating, and getting excited about what's ahead.

There is grief that you see a goal slipping away, but there is also grief that you can't be "all in" on the adjusted plan. That doesn't mean you're not proud of what you've done, that you're not thankful for the opportunity that you do have, or that you're worried about what others think. It is just that you're left in a constant state of limbo. I'm not sure that anyone not on the waitlist can understand it--it's not the disappointment that's the hardest; it's the uncertainty. I'm praying that all on the waitlist get some resolution soon. Best wishes to you.
 
Last edited:
I don't know the answer to your question, but I just wanted to let you know that I empathize with you. I've heard multiple times on this thread, "I wouldn't worry about what others say" or "You don't have to tell anyone where you're going, it's nobody's business" when those waiting express sadness or uncertainty about what to say about where you're going to school. While well intentioned, I don't think they're helpful. The fact is, the waiting is awful. One of the rewards of working so hard all these years is to share that joy with others and have them be excited with you about where you are going. It's like a newly engaged couple showing off their engagement ring. It's (generally) not so others can admire the actual ring, it's so that others share their joy. The uncertainty takes that from you, like you're neither fully here nor fully there. You may be perfectly fine with your plan B, and even excited about it, but there's a small part of you that can't get fully invested because you're not really sure you're going there.

Do you buy that cool piece of dorm furniture that's on sale now? Will you need it? Do I make plans for a roommate knowing I might leave that kid in the lurch? Should you plan and pay for a trip for the end of the summer with your friends before everyone leaves for school? Should you buy a concert ticket for the show in Sept that is playing an hour away from your plan B school? Should you offer your guest room to your great-uncle who is planning to be in your town over parents' weekend, or will no one be home? Grandma and grandpa want to plan a trip to see you in the fall...where should they go? Should I get a summer job? These are many of the decisions whose answers remain unknown. Answering them would allow you to start envisioning, anticipating, and getting excited about what's ahead.

There is grief that you see a goal slipping away, but there is also grief that you can't be "all in" on the adjusted plan. That doesn't mean you're not proud of what you've done, that you're not thankful for the opportunity that you do have, or that you're worried about what others think. It is just that you're left in a constant state of limbo. I'm not sure that anyone not on the waitlist can understand it--it's not the disappointment that's the hardest; it's the uncertainty. I'm praying that all on the waitlist get some resolution soon. Best wishes to you.
Absolutely understand this. If you read some of my past posts, you will see that I often recommend investing in…and getting excited about…plan B. I advise to buy the sweatshirt. Plan the dorm room. Pick your roommates. Do it all. For EXACTLY the reasons you stated. Let yourself move forward. Because if you are pulled from the WL? You can pivot your plans in no time at all.

And know that those invested in you are super proud and supportive even without that ‘ring’ to show them. Your parents are proud and want this for you, too. They know how hard you have worked. All those years. They also know that not receiving the appointment is not a reflection of all that hard work, or who you are.

You have made it far. There simply aren’t enough spots for all the amazing candidates out there. Every year, I have one (or more) students not appointed, that I know would do amazing. I would encourage anyone who made it this far, to apply again, should you so desire. You are so close. And rocking a year in college only adds to your resume.

It’s not a dismissal of anything when people say this. It’s years of experience in life, offering wisdom. Bc in a few short months or years, today and this journey won’t matter. It’ll be a timely little blip, on your life radar, of how you got to where you land.

I also know from experience that once you hit this next chapter of your life….high school won’t matter. There is a lot of pressure on seniors, especially this time of year. All the “what are you doing/where are you going/what’s your major/etc” discussions. Awards ceremonies. Grad announcements. Graduation. Picture on the Jumbotron with your plans. Graduation publication with plans. Announcements. But it all disappears moments after graduation.

I had one son appointed early. I had one son pulled from the waitlist. I get it. My waitlisted son had bought into plan B, 100 pct. This allowed him to mentally prepare and be present in all those things you mentioned.

And if you are pulled last minute, and don’t want to change all your plans? Then you don’t have to. But my waitlisters experience was that it was a no-brainer to change them. And took only a short time, a few phone calls and a couple emails.

Now he is days away from becoming a firstie. Who doesn’t even remember being on the waitlist.
 
Last edited:
I don't know the answer to your question, but I just wanted to let you know that I empathize with you. I've heard multiple times on this thread, "I wouldn't worry about what others say" or "You don't have to tell anyone where you're going, it's nobody's business" when those waiting express sadness or uncertainty about what to say about where you're going to school. While well intentioned, I don't think they're helpful. The fact is, the waiting is awful. One of the rewards of working so hard all these years is to share that joy with others and have them be excited with you about where you are going. It's like a newly engaged couple showing off their engagement ring. It's (generally) not so others can admire the actual ring, it's so that others share their joy. The uncertainty takes that from you, like you're neither fully here nor fully there. You may be perfectly fine with your plan B, and even excited about it, but there's a small part of you that can't get fully invested because you're not really sure you're going there.

Do you buy that cool piece of dorm furniture that's on sale now? Will you need it? Do I make plans for a roommate knowing I might leave that kid in the lurch? Should you plan and pay for a trip for the end of the summer with your friends before everyone leaves for school? Should you buy a concert ticket for the show in Sept that is playing an hour away from your plan B school? Should you offer your guest room to your great-uncle who is planning to be in your town over parents' weekend, or will no one be home? Grandma and grandpa want to plan a trip to see you in the fall...where should they go? Should I get a summer job? These are many of the decisions whose answers remain unknown. Answering them would allow you to start envisioning, anticipating, and getting excited about what's ahead.

There is grief that you see a goal slipping away, but there is also grief that you can't be "all in" on the adjusted plan. That doesn't mean you're not proud of what you've done, that you're not thankful for the opportunity that you do have, or that you're worried about what others think. It is just that you're left in a constant state of limbo. I'm not sure that anyone not on the waitlist can understand it--it's not the disappointment that's the hardest; it's the uncertainty. I'm praying that all on the waitlist get some resolution soon. Best wishes to you.

Very well-said!! The constant reminders to tend to Plan B and live in the now feel more like jabs than advice because all of these exceptional kids ARE doing those things AND grieving and stressing and anxious and bittersweet. As well-intended as the advice is (and I know that it is) it's not something anyone wants to hear as they watch their world unravel in an endless wait cycle. As the mom of someone who's wait came to an end a few days ago (not in the good way) having a solid plan B did not make the heartbreak any less. Today he graduates HS with honors but he is still heartbroken over the TWE. He's already working on what aspects of re-application he can handle now before leaving for school in August. So his wait hasn't really ended at all. It's just bumped a year.
 
I don't know the answer to your question, but I just wanted to let you know that I empathize with you. I've heard multiple times on this thread, "I wouldn't worry about what others say" or "You don't have to tell anyone where you're going, it's nobody's business" when those waiting express sadness or uncertainty about what to say about where you're going to school. While well intentioned, I don't think they're helpful. The fact is, the waiting is awful. One of the rewards of working so hard all these years is to share that joy with others and have them be excited with you about where you are going. It's like a newly engaged couple showing off their engagement ring. It's (generally) not so others can admire the actual ring, it's so that others share their joy. The uncertainty takes that from you, like you're neither fully here nor fully there. You may be perfectly fine with your plan B, and even excited about it, but there's a small part of you that can't get fully invested because you're not really sure you're going there.

Do you buy that cool piece of dorm furniture that's on sale now? Will you need it? Do I make plans for a roommate knowing I might leave that kid in the lurch? Should you plan and pay for a trip for the end of the summer with your friends before everyone leaves for school? Should you buy a concert ticket for the show in Sept that is playing an hour away from your plan B school? Should you offer your guest room to your great-uncle who is planning to be in your town over parents' weekend, or will no one be home? Grandma and grandpa want to plan a trip to see you in the fall...where should they go? Should I get a summer job? These are many of the decisions whose answers remain unknown. Answering them would allow you to start envisioning, anticipating, and getting excited about what's ahead.

There is grief that you see a goal slipping away, but there is also grief that you can't be "all in" on the adjusted plan. That doesn't mean you're not proud of what you've done, that you're not thankful for the opportunity that you do have, or that you're worried about what others think. It is just that you're left in a constant state of limbo. I'm not sure that anyone not on the waitlist can understand it--it's not the disappointment that's the hardest; it's the uncertainty. I'm praying that all on the waitlist get some resolution soon. Best wishes to you.
Also as a college reapplicant, who took all the right classes suggested by the academy, paid for a year if college, joined NROTC as a college programer, worked hard and excelled, earned 3 noms, retook ACT, CFA etc this IS the end for me, the wait is excruciatingly long, I will not reapply but finish with my current unit. Summer school physics starts Monday, the last day to drop is May 28. The final is June 30th. I’m still waitlisted, not complaining because Im still in it.. BUT the amount of people from my current unit company, friends, command, parents, siblings asking if I heard anything has worn me down … I’m remaining hopeful and hope for some news soon , I wish everyone still waiting good luck, reapplicants just know you can do everything right and be right back here .. lol
 
Also as a college reapplicant, who took all the right classes suggested by the academy, paid for a year if college, joined NROTC as a college programer, worked hard and excelled, earned 3 noms, retook ACT, CFA etc this IS the end for me, the wait is excruciatingly long, I will not reapply but finish with my current unit. Summer school physics starts Monday, the last day to drop is May 28. The final is June 30th. I’m still waitlisted, not complaining because Im still in it.. BUT the amount of people from my current unit company, friends, command, parents, siblings asking if I heard anything has worn me down … I’m remaining hopeful and hope for some news soon , I wish everyone still waiting good luck, reapplicants just know you can do everything right and be right back here .. lol
Agree completely. It is easier to apply as a second time applicant, but it is so frustrating to end up on the WL. I have CORTRAMID in July, but I will still reapply if I receive a red light.
 
Absolutely understand this. If you read some of my past posts, you will see that I often recommend investing in…and getting excited about…plan B. I advise to buy the sweatshirt. Plan the dorm room. Pick your roommates. Do it all. For EXACTLY the reasons you stated. Let yourself move forward. Because if you are pulled from the WL? You can pivot your plans in no time at all.

And know that those invested in you are super proud and supportive even without that ‘ring’ to show them. Your parents are proud and want this for you, too. They know how hard you have worked. All those years. They also know that not receiving the appointment is not a reflection of all that hard work, or who you are.

You have made it far. There simply aren’t enough spots for all the amazing candidates out there. Every year, I have one (or more) students not appointed, that I know would do amazing. I would encourage anyone who made it this far, to apply again, should you so desire. You are so close. And rocking a year in college only adds to your resume.

It’s not a dismissal of anything when people say this. It’s years of experience in life, offering wisdom. Bc in a few short months or years, today and this journey won’t matter. It’ll be a timely little blip, on your life radar, of how you got to where you land.

I also know from experience that once you hit this next chapter of your life….high school won’t matter. There is a lot of pressure on seniors, especially this time of year. All the “what are you doing/where are you going/what’s your major/etc” discussions. Awards ceremonies. Grad announcements. Graduation. Picture on the Jumbotron with your plans. Graduation publication with plans. Announcements. But it all disappears moments after graduation.

I had one son appointed early. I had one son pulled from the waitlist. I get it. My waitlisted son had bought into plan B, 100 pct. This allowed him to mentally prepare and be present in all those things you mentioned.

And if you are pulled last minute, and don’t want to change all your plans? Then you don’t have to. But my waitlisters experience was that it was a no-brainer to change them. And took only a short time, a few phone calls and a couple emails.

Now he is days away from becoming a firstie. Who doesn’t even remember being on the waitlist.
I appreciate your post and effort at encouragement, and I'm glad for your son. (Truly I appreciate it; I know it's hard to read tone in an email.) I also recognize that this time of waiting--as well a high school in general--will fade quickly (I am a mom and former naval officer, after all, and not an 18 yo kid). However, I will point out that I mentioned challenging decisions, things that will affect others (minus the dorm room furniture issue). Like leaving a friend with no roommate after most of the good ones are taken. Leaving an employer who was counting on you for the summer. Costing your family members money as they delay buying plane tickets until you know where you'll be. Reneging on plans that others are counting on you for. You mentioned buying a sweatshirt. If all it took to be ready for school was buying a sweatshirt, we'd be in. Yes, it's easy for these waitlist kids to make the quick pivot to a new school, but for those who are concerned about the chaos left in their wake, it's not so easy to make commitments now. We don't live in a vacuum after all. Our decisions affect others.
 
I appreciate your post and effort at encouragement, and I'm glad for your son. (Truly I appreciate it; I know it's hard to read tone in an email.) I also recognize that this time of waiting--as well a high school in general--will fade quickly (I am a mom and former naval officer, after all, and not an 18 yo kid). However, I will point out that I mentioned challenging decisions, things that will affect others (minus the dorm room furniture issue). Like leaving a friend with no roommate after most of the good ones are taken. Leaving an employer who was counting on you for the summer. Costing your family members money as they delay buying plane tickets until you know where you'll be. Reneging on plans that others are counting on you for. You mentioned buying a sweatshirt. If all it took to be ready for school was buying a sweatshirt, we'd be in. Yes, it's easy for these waitlist kids to make the quick pivot to a new school, but for those who are concerned about the chaos left in their wake, it's not so easy to make commitments now. We don't live in a vacuum after all. Our decisions affect others.
Apologies, to me it read as if you were the candidate.

I Hope you and your family receive the resolution you are seeking, soon.
 
Very well-said!! The constant reminders to tend to Plan B and live in the now feel more like jabs than advice because all of these exceptional kids ARE doing those things AND grieving and stressing and anxious and bittersweet. As well-intended as the advice is (and I know that it is) it's not something anyone wants to hear as they watch their world unravel in an endless wait cycle. As the mom of someone who's wait came to an end a few days ago (not in the good way) having a solid plan B did not make the heartbreak any less. Today he graduates HS with honors but he is still heartbroken over the TWE. He's already working on what aspects of re-application he can handle now before leaving for school in August. So his wait hasn't really ended at all. It's just bumped a year.
I totally feel this as well. DD received her TWE earlier than your son, during the purge afternoon, but still has this heartbreak. She is planning to reapply, and is looking forward to many aspects of her plan for next year- fully acknowledging that it offers her everything she wants in many ways- but it is still so hard. And it is heartbreaking (and simultaneously inspiring- I often tell her I want to be just like her when I grow up!!) to watch her gracefully navigate the support she receives from the adults in her life as she shares the news- whether they offer outrage or shock or sadness.
 
As the first in my family to go to a regular big university (dad went to USNA, mom never went to college), I can say that college is awesome. I really didn't have much guidance or anything to go off of at first but I have found it to be a really enjoyable experience thus far, and the best is yet to come. Although I did reapply this year and am still waiting eagerly for an opportunity to attend USNA, I can say that I will have no problem staying in college for 3 more years and getting commissioned through NROTC if I don't get accepted this year. All this to say, if you are or your child is going to Plan B just know that as smart young men and women, you will do great and will have a lot more fun than you probably expect.
 
I have been following this years waitlist thread because I feel for all of the candidates and their families who are in limbo waiting for word one way or the other . I am empathetic and rooting for all of you . DD was pulled on May 19 last year and it was brutal . She had the plan B sweatshirt , was focusing on senior high school events and trying to keep a brave face . She is not a crier , but when that phone call came in that she had received Foundation , she lost it . I asked why she was crying and she said it was just a relief to know one way or the other . I think she would have cried whether she had been denied , received an appointment or Foundation. It was just the release of months and months of anxiety, hope, doubt and nerves. The candidates on the waitlist are all amazing young men and women who are accomplished and willing to serve their country while a large number of their contemporaries’ priorities are TikTok and partying . My respect and admiration for them is immense . Sincerely wishing all of you the best in the future, whether that is USNA , ROTC, reapplying or a civilian college .
 
My son got his this week vis mail It was odd in that it just said he was denied a waiver. Obviously, he needed the waiver to get into USNA. It wasn’t a “we regret to inform you” ….more of a “you are not qualified medically”.
My DS still hasn't received his TWE.
 
I can't believe how little motion is happening here. I thought for sure a couple more would have some happy news by now. C'mon Admissions!!!!
Today is my DS's last day of HS. It is unofficially wear your college tee day. He went out and bought a plan B shirt yesterday. I stayed up and washed his Navy tee and for the first time, incessantly refreshed his portal on his laptop hoping that some miracle would pop up overnight. (Now I can see how addicting having his login would be :oops: )

He's wearing the plan B today. :confused:
 
Today is my DS's last day of HS. It is unofficially wear your college tee day. He went out and bought a plan B shirt yesterday. I stayed up and washed his Navy tee and for the first time, incessantly refreshed his portal on his laptop hoping that some miracle would pop up overnight. (Now I can see how addicting having his login would be :oops: )

He's wearing the plan B today. :confused:

I know how hard that is and I'm sorry he didn't have good news by now. DS graduated on Saturday and wore his Plan B shirt Monday for the first time. As hard as the TWE was one week ago today, it's gotten a little better. He and I have planned a trip to Boulder in June and he reached out to his NROTC LT and arranged a meeting while we're there. We'll do some hiking, see the school and hopefully feel good about this. Meanwhile, he's re-taking the SAT next weekend and getting his re-application ready. Here we go again!
 
I know how hard that is and I'm sorry he didn't have good news by now. DS graduated on Saturday and wore his Plan B shirt Monday for the first time. As hard as the TWE was one week ago today, it's gotten a little better. He and I have planned a trip to Boulder in June and he reached out to his NROTC LT and arranged a meeting while we're there. We'll do some hiking, see the school and hopefully feel good about this. Meanwhile, he's re-taking the SAT next weekend and getting his re-application ready. Here we go again!
I was going to ask if it gets easier knowing one way or the other, but I wanted to be sensitive to your disappointment too. I keep saying I just want to have an answer one way or the other, but in my heart I know a no will be so hard too. My DS has started talking about things he's going to do on campus at Purdue next year so I think mentally he is preparing for the turn down.
 
I was going to ask if it gets easier knowing one way or the other, but I wanted to be sensitive to your disappointment too. I keep saying I just want to have an answer one way or the other, but in my heart I know a no will be so hard too. My DS has started talking about things he's going to do on campus at Purdue next year so I think mentally he is preparing for the turn down.
In a way it is a multi-step grieving and transition process to release the SA dream THIS YEAR, re-group and pivot to an alternate plan, while still weighing reapply/don’t reapply. They will navigate it, and they will grow in the process.
 
Back
Top