USNA Class of 2029 Waiting, Speculating, Hoping

justdoit19 said:
I’ve posted here, often, that imo one of the pitfalls of this amazing SAF, are people reading the amazing resumes and thinking ‘wow, I’m not good enough’.

And I’ve also stated that if my two read around here, I wonder if they would have thought they were competitive. Now? Both are THRIVING. But neither were class president. Or top 1pct of class. Each were flawed, but had strengths, too.

USNA builds a class of people they can shape into future Naval Officer. And they are really good at identifying the ‘stuff’ a person needs as a foundation for that build up.

As others stated, all you can do is be the BEST you, and show that. Every year, candidates who look great on paper are passed over. And some a that don’t look as good on paper are appointed.
There is more to the WCS look than what’s on paper. You got this!!!

PS: Doubt is normal. Use it for fuel 😤
Click to expand...
Thanks, I'm mostly trying to work on my ability to convey my strengths. I'm a good communicator, and I'm always willing to improve, which are probably traits I'm going to bring up. I'm not sure if my congresswoman is doing interviews or if the senators are doing interviews but if they are I'll give it my all. Same goes for the BGO interview, but from my conversations with a LOA recipient and primary congressional nom recipient the primary nom is probably more important.
 
ThinkingMans said:
Thanks, I'm mostly trying to work on my ability to convey my strengths. I'm a good communicator, and I'm always willing to improve, which are probably traits I'm going to bring up. I'm not sure if my congresswoman is doing interviews or if the senators are doing interviews but if they are I'll give it my all. Same goes for the BGO interview, but from my conversations with a LOA recipient and primary congressional nom recipient the primary nom is probably more important.
Click to expand...
Any nom is important. Dont discredit a ‘plain ole nom’. You also can’t ’go for’ a certain kind of nom, or an LOA. Further, never mind about their LOA. They may or may not clear their conditions.

Be your best self. A principal nom, or LOA are not the appointment. Nor do others holding those mean you won’t get one. And make sure you apply for any and all noms you qualify for, including the VP nom.
 
Capt MJ said:
Just a little something to enjoy while waiting…

Click to expand...
It can seem like everyone on here is a water walker. They aren’t. Just like the Blues in the video, they are amazing, but they aren’t water walkers either. It’s why they work so dang hard, critique every flight, every flight demands perfection. They know perfection isn’t attainable, but they raise the bar every flight, they are open to criticism and challenge each other. Keep pushing yourself. Be open to your resume being critiqued. Every candidate who finishes the process should be proud. It isn’t easy. As long as you put all your cards on the table, that is all anyone can ask. Go read Man in the Arena. It’s why those who have gone through this process will never talk negatively about any candidate who finishes this process. But we will push back when we hear, ‘I was going to apply, but…’ or ‘I was going to serve, but…’
 
NavyHoops said:
It can seem like everyone on here is a water walker. They aren’t. Just like the Blues in the video, they are amazing, but they aren’t water walkers either. It’s why they work so dang hard, critique every flight, every flight demands perfection. They know perfection isn’t attainable, but they raise the bar every flight, they are open to criticism and challenge each other. Keep pushing yourself. Be open to your resume being critiqued. Every candidate who finishes the process should be proud. It isn’t easy. As long as you put all your cards on the table, that is all anyone can ask. Go read Man in the Arena. It’s why those who have gone through this process will never talk negatively about any candidate who finishes this process. But we will push back when we hear, ‘I was going to apply, but…’ or ‘I was going to serve, but…’
Click to expand...
So good in every aspect.
 
we (plebes) are getting issued our choker whites, garrison uniforms, and youngster stripes/ect this week. Just feels unreal how a year ago, I was still working on my app. I wish everyone that's applying the best of luck, it's just a matter of time hopefully!!
 
blinkus said:
we (plebes) are getting issued our choker whites, garrison uniforms, and youngster stripes/ect this week. Just feels unreal how a year ago, I was still working on my app. I wish everyone that's applying the best of luck, it's just a matter of time hopefully!!
Click to expand...
What is a Garrison Uniform? I don't know of a Navy Uniform by that name.
 
NavyHoops said:
It can seem like everyone on here is a water walker. They aren’t. Just like the Blues in the video, they are amazing, but they aren’t water walkers either. It’s why they work so dang hard, critique every flight, every flight demands perfection. They know perfection isn’t attainable, but they raise the bar every flight, they are open to criticism and challenge each other. Keep pushing yourself. Be open to your resume being critiqued. Every candidate who finishes the process should be proud. It isn’t easy. As long as you put all your cards on the table, that is all anyone can ask. Go read Man in the Arena. It’s why those who have gone through this process will never talk negatively about any candidate who finishes this process. But we will push back when we hear, ‘I was going to apply, but…’ or ‘I was going to serve, but…’
Click to expand...
I am so appreciative of this advice, it makes me feel a little better about myself, even knowing that the chances of being able to attend a service academy aren't quite what I'd hope for them to be. I think I waited a little too long to get everything in order, and only recently did my BGO interview, which might put me out of the running for an LOA given that I had the application turned in on October 7th. I started the application early but it just took me quite a long time to actually finish the process. I am aware that the majority of candidates don't receive an LOA, but it's a nice thought to be able to know that I'll be able to go as long as I land a nomination.

Nothing more to do than press on and not dwell on the odds.
 
ThinkingMans said:
I am so appreciative of this advice, it makes me feel a little better about myself, even knowing that the chances of being able to attend a service academy aren't quite what I'd hope for them to be. I think I waited a little too long to get everything in order, and only recently did my BGO interview, which might put me out of the running for an LOA given that I had the application turned in on October 7th. I started the application early but it just took me quite a long time to actually finish the process. I am aware that the majority of candidates don't receive an LOA, but it's a nice thought to be able to know that I'll be able to go as long as I land a nomination.

Nothing more to do than press on and not dwell on the odds.
Click to expand...
People receive LOA’s without a completed application. And their LOA conditions can be other than receiving a Nom. LOAS can be given any time in the process. There will still be more issues I would expect.

I just completed my last BGO interview. Your file can be reviewed without the interview (although we strive for this to not be the case, and it would not be common I would think).

Don’t get hung up on ANY of that. Don't get hung up on other peoples resumes. You do you! Most will hear an answer around the middle of April. That’s a ways out. Keep working on your alternate plans, and enjoy the rest of your senior year.

Good luck.
 
ThinkingMans said:
I am aware that the majority of candidates don't receive an LOA, but it's a nice thought to be able to know that I'll be able to go as long as I land a nomination.
Click to expand...
Yeah, and even that doesn't happen sometimes. And the Noms and Appointments team from the Admissions group has only so many discretionary noms they can play with should you not receive a "normal" nom source.

My kid needed a nom, his DoDMERB waiver finalized, and his BGO interview entered (which had already been conducted, just not in the system yet). He told the MoC interview panels humbly that he received an LOA, and got his waiver in January of that cycle.

Never got a nom. Didn't get an appointment. An LOA is nice to have ........ until it isn't.
 
I think one of the biggest issues is many on this forum are trying to compare their records (and by this…I mean very limited data…not the entire application package) versus others and then trying to equate those to being increased (or decreased ) chances for an LOA or appointment. This isn’t the associative property. I think if everyone just stopped trying to do a comparison and allowed the process to occur, it was be a lot less stressful…it is why over and over again we continue to beat a dead horse on not expecting any decision or correspondence until mid April, because that’s what admissions has put out as the date. Frankly, I don’t mean to pour water on fire, but not everyone is going to get an appointment…that is the fact of life…and while everyone thinks they are the most competitive, the chances are there are many more ahead of them in line. Asking others from which state/district, SAT/ACT scores, and other stats is not helpful and a waste of time. The best you can do is put forth the BEST package, allow the process to work, apply to other colleges/SAs/ROTCs, and then when the decisions come back, make the best choices for YOU. The Naval Academy isn’t the only path to a commission. Maybe we need a disclaimer when joining the forums!
 
OldRetSWO said:
What is a Garrison Uniform? I don't know of a Navy Uniform by that name.
Click to expand...
the khaki uniforms, the civilian staff at the tailor shopped refers it to garrison uniform because the cover is called "Garrison Cap" i think. I would normally refer it to as the plebe summer uniform, because that's the uniform that our detailers were in
 
blinkus said:
the khaki uniforms, the civilian staff at the tailor shopped refers it to garrison uniform because the cover is called "Garrison Cap" i think. I would normally refer it to as the plebe summer uniform, because that's the uniform that our detailers were in
Click to expand...
They’re called Khakis… never heard of “Garrison Uniform” but the cover is called a garrison cap. We wear the cover with flight suits. Aviation also wears brown shoes in khakis
 
Ivy22 said:
They’re called Khakis… never heard of “Garrison Uniform” but the cover is called a garrison cap. We wear the cover with flight suits. Aviation also wears brown shoes in khakis
Click to expand...
yeah that's my bad 😓. i probably misheard
 
Kid has yet to wear his khakis. Unless you are a detailer on the Yard, or taking summer classes, I think you rarely use them.
 
IronmanDaremo said:
Kid has yet to wear his khakis. Unless you are a detailer on the Yard, or taking summer classes, I think you rarely use them.
Click to expand...
We wore them all the time in Pensacola before we got to wear our flight suits in flight school (Flight Suit Friday). Pretty much all the NIFE academic classes are done in Khakis except for that last Friday which is in flight suits
 
“Garrison Cap” has been around since the last century, much nicer name than the saltier Fleet term for it. I will let @blinkus have the fun of researching it. Clue: p


Garrison uniform, uh, 🤔. Khakis, I think. USNA can be its own rabbit hole at times, though.

If you want to see salty perfection in a garrison cap, note the perfect press, angle and wear, withjaunty little dents strategically placed, Blue Angel style.






IMG_6449.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Side note, the garrison cap can get super dirty wearing it everyday day with flight suit
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top