So, I'll weigh in on this discussion. This forum is an outstanding resource. I have two kids at service academies with the third applying now. We relied heavily on SAF for guidance throughout the years. The admissions landscape seems to change every year. What was relevant one year may not be as important for the next. Very few understand how the selection process truly works. One of my kids received an early nod with marginal stats, and the other had to
wait until the very end of the process with near-perfect stats (no LOA). The third has average stats and is "
waiting." This uncertainty is why repeat questions should be welcomed; they may be asked in slightly different ways with more probative value for given issues. Attorneys do it all the time to overcome objections..."let me rephrase" or "I'll come at it from a different angle."
Yes, we all think that our kid is a great candidate, and those of us who have been through the process know how great the other candidates competing against them are too. It's OK to compare your candidates against others and feel more strongly about yours. That's the essence of parental advocacy. The academies do it. They rack and stack, and so can you. When the dust settles though, we are all brothers and sisters in arms.
I don't have a problem with any post unless it's insulting or contains no positive value, then I will motion for a Moderator. I never liked the term "Helicopter Parent" because it is ill-defined. Yes, I flew helicopters in flight school, so I'm a "helicopter" dad. I'm also involved in my kids' education and decision-making, because I have 29 years of service. Being closely involved in their lives has given me good insight into their passion and desire to serve. In this competitive environment, being "hands off" is ill-advised. One definition of a leader is helping others to achieve, including your DD or DS. So as far as helicopter parents go, we should not be hovering right over our kids, but they should definitely feel our rotor wash
