USNA Preliminary Application

USS_Oregon

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Mar 4, 2021
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It's been a month and a day since I've submitted my preliminary application, and I've not heard a word back. Should I be alarmed or is this normal? Thanks, I have a feeling a lot of people have asked this lol
 
In the past (pre-pandemic mayhem) applicants would receive an ECandidate Packet Letter (in an EMail) in May.

The ECandidate Packet Letter (contains your official candidate number and information as to how to login to the Candidate Information System, coloquially referred to on SAF as your "portal") typically comes out in the 1st or 2nd week of May. There has been nothing typical lately, however.

The class of 2024 received their ECandidate Packet Letters on May 6, 2019, and the class of 2025 received theirs on May 20, 2020. Everyone who applied for the class of 2025 was automatically declared an official candidate and given a number (unlike all other years before them).

I would not expect that to be the case with the class of 2026, unless there was a marked drop in applications. When did 2026 applications open this year? They usually open in April.
 
In the past (pre-pandemic mayhem) applicants would receive an ECandidate Packet Letter (in an EMail) in May.

The ECandidate Packet Letter (contains your official candidate number and information as to how to login to the Candidate Information System, coloquially referred to on SAF as your "portal") typically comes out in the 1st or 2nd week of May. There has been nothing typical lately, however.

The class of 2024 received their ECandidate Packet Letters on May 6, 2019, and the class of 2025 received theirs on May 20, 2020. Everyone who applied for the class of 2025 was automatically declared an official candidate and given a number (unlike all other years before them).

I would not expect that to be the case with the class of 2026, unless there was a marked drop in applications. When did 2026 applications open this year? They usually open in April.
They opened in late April
 
Since nothing lately has been typical, I would not take that to mean that you won't be considered an official candidate. You probably just need to wait a little longer. Also check your SPAM folder in your EMail, if you haven't already.
 
What is normal these days ? Admissons sent the Class of 26 info into IT Department weeks ago, and it hasn't been posted to BGIS (the BGO portal system) yet. It is my understanding that IT is trying to resolve some of the issues we struggled with last year, and release to BGIS (and I expect Candidate portal opening) should be soon. If my memory is correct, last year it was rolled out in a couple states first instead of simply flipping the switch and letting have everyone access. If history repeats, don't be surprised if you see some people getting access before others . If that happens, please be patient and wait a couple weeks instead of flooding Admissions with emails .. This issue is largely within the control of the USNA IT Department, so it doesn't help to burden Admissions with individual requests. Finally, don't worry ....a few :)confused: ?) week delay in getting access has not impact on your chances of Admission --everyone has the same issue. This is a marathon, not a sprint !
 
Ahh, I just got really nervous hearing that people usually get their packages in May and I haven't gotten one yet. Thank you though, I'll try my best not to flood their email lol
 
It's been a month and a day since I've submitted my preliminary application, and I've not heard a word back. Should I be alarmed or is this normal? Thanks, I have a feeling a lot of people have asked this lol
Yeah all of us are in the same boat as admissions is still finalizing the incoming class… one thing I’ve learned from last cycle is the value of waiting because there’s a lot of it!
 
My son also has not heard anything as of yet, and he was in the running all the way to the end for c/o '25 with an LOA, so I would hope/expect him to get accepted as a candidate applicant again. :shrugs:
 
I'm an Area Coordinator, and as of today I only have 2 candidates in my region with a new Candidate number , and both of them are re-applicants

We usually have 50 or 60 official candidates at this point. The previous comms from Admission stated that candidates would be notified weeks ago and that obviously didn't happen. They are still working out bugs with the new process.

I would just advise to be patient, you will be hearing something soon.

If you were an official candidate last cycle and made it till the end, I can't see why you wouldn't be a candidate again this year. The main threshold for becoming an official candidate is self-reported SAT/ACT scores and the bar is fairly low.
 
I second A6E -- just be patient.
BGO's haven't seen the new Class entered yet -- I'm sure many were expecting this to happen at I-day since the new class is seated, but as indicated previously, this is really in the hands of USNA's IT Department. There has not been any further information from Admissions to the BGO's regarding timing.
 
Hi! We are brand new to this process and anxiously awaiting further communication after the pre-application. Thank you for posting some info to help those of us who are still figuring things out! :)
 
Hi! We are brand new to this process and anxiously awaiting further communication after the pre-application. Thank you for posting some info to help those of us who are still figuring things out! :)
Like previous wise posters have stated—-marathon not a sprint. However there will be times to sprint during the marathon. My DS just took his oath this week. The process is slow at times and fast at others. Just keep alert and get ready for Semper Gumby. Nothing is normal anymore. The rules have changed and continue to change. Perseverance and tenacity are the cards to have right now. Hopefully in 12 months you are a mom in the class of ‘26!
 
I'm an Area Coordinator, and as of today I only have 2 candidates in my region with a new Candidate number , and both of them are re-applicants

We usually have 50 or 60 official candidates at this point. The previous comms from Admission stated that candidates would be notified weeks ago and that obviously didn't happen. They are still working out bugs with the new process.

I would just advise to be patient, you will be hearing something soon.

If you were an official candidate last cycle and made it till the end, I can't see why you wouldn't be a candidate again this year. The main threshold for becoming an official candidate is self-reported SAT/ACT scores and the bar is fairly low.
if they are based on SAT/ACT scores, should i be worried because i used PSAT scores? I got a pretty good score on it, and I have taken SAT, but only after submitting PCQ.
 
Like previous wise posters have stated—-marathon not a sprint. However there will be times to sprint during the marathon. My DS just took his oath this week. The process is slow at times and fast at others. Just keep alert and get ready for Semper Gumby. Nothing is normal anymore. The rules have changed and continue to change. Perseverance and tenacity are the cards to have right now. Hopefully in 12 months you are a mom in the class of ‘26!
Thank you!! I am planning to read everything I can get my hands on and appreciate your advice! (I'm certain my DD knows way more than I do at this point lol.) I know this year will fly by and can't wait to see what's going to be happening this time next year! :)
 
if they are based on SAT/ACT scores, should i be worried because i used PSAT scores? I got a pretty good score on it, and I have taken SAT, but only after submitting PCQ.
Don't sweat it at this point. USNA will take either/both for the pre app.
 
I'm an Area Coordinator, and as of today I only have 2 candidates in my region with a new Candidate number , and both of them are re-applicants

We usually have 50 or 60 official candidates at this point. The previous comms from Admission stated that candidates would be notified weeks ago and that obviously didn't happen. They are still working out bugs with the new process.

I would just advise to be patient, you will be hearing something soon.

If you were an official candidate last cycle and made it till the end, I can't see why you wouldn't be a candidate again this year. The main threshold for becoming an official candidate is self-reported SAT/ACT scores and the bar is fairly low.
Don't sweat it at this point. USNA will take either/both for the pre app.
I attended Summer Seminar and when applying to SS 21 had not taken a PSAT/SAT/ACT due to Covid-19. Should I be concerned since no test scores were on my pre-app?
 
I attended Summer Seminar and when applying to SS 21 had not taken a PSAT/SAT/ACT due to Covid-19. Should I be concerned since no test scores were on my pre-app?
I don't think that it will be an issue. Stand by, they are just getting this stuff going
 
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