THParent

Founder - Service Academy Bacon Forums (SABF)
5-Year Member
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Oct 15, 2017
Messages
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I just thought I would mention a few things about WAITING, based on what I have seen as a new user on the forum. This is a list of my opinions and observations, and I am trying my best to inject a little dry humor as I go. Unless you're an astronaut, you're not getting off this planet alive, so you should have fun and laugh about as many things as you can whilst you're here.

1. Be patient.

2. If you're planning on doing anything in the military, you are going to have to get used to waiting.

3. If you joined this forum because you wanted to post about the fact that you have checked the Candidate Information Portal - and the status hasn't changed - let's just say that you're not a special snowflake. There are (conservatively) thousands of people in that line in front of you. If it were an actual line of people, you may very well find yourself standing in a different zip code.

4. DoDMERB manages a LOT of data on a LOT of people. Just be patient and wait. I know you answered that remedial question with the allergy form you downloaded, filled out, scanned, and emailed back within 6 minutes, but it may take a week before you hear from them. When you see an update, you may only see that they acknowledged receiving it. Look, it's months until January. Be patient. They really do know what they're doing. Go outside and enjoy the fresh air. You're going to stroke out. Do something relaxing that decreases your blood pressure.

5. Blue & Gold Officers have a lot on their plate and they are volunteers. Some of them have a LOT of candidates to visit, and even more emails to slog through. Don't get too excited if you don't hear from them for a week or two. They may be on a family vacation. I know, they didn't clear that vacation with YOU, but they went anyway! Many of them are retired, but being retired doesn't mean that they're waiting by the computer for your email to come through. See item 1.

6. If you joined the forum due to "going crazy" because you like to be in control and you've been checking the status of your DS's or DD's application and they haven't gotten an LOA yet (because you actually expect an LOA and oh my gosh they are the perfect candidate, how come they aren't in already?) then I can almost guarantee that your DS or DD is getting stressed because YOU are stressed. Is that what you want to do? Do you want to add to their stress? See items 1 and 2.

7. Wait to post. Since you aren't a special snowflake after all, there are probably a LOT of threads already written that describe exactly what you're going through (Especially the ones about your "CFA scores" and "am I competitive"?). Take some time to read them and the responses. If you've never been in a "forum" setting before, you may want to give more weight to the responses from actual Midshipmen, Admins or Moderators, or members with thousands of posts. More than likely, they know what they're talking about (or have talked to people who do) and their input will be more consistent and accurate. Reading is helpful, and it keeps you from checking the Candidate Information Portal every 2 minutes.

It's not the beat-all, end-all of existence. Always have a readily executable plan "B".
That's my two cents.

Feel free to post more for the list, smile, and laugh at yourself once in a while.
I woke up today. It's going to be a good day!
 
Thank you for your great summary. I thought this forum is to share the experiences what people are going through and hear from people who knows the process or who went through it already. I am all for waiting, but i usually choose asking the question than not because there is always someone with the same question. So sorry if you had to read some of my posts about anxiety of waiting, or... maybe i gave you something to laugh at, then it's not a complete waste
 
...Oh, and by the way, have I mentioned that whether DS/DD gets accepted for NASS has no bearing on admission ?
Great point. Pretty sure that goes for CVW as well. Both (from what I have heard) are geared toward the "on the fence" kind of candidate. A sort of marketing strategy to get them to either come away from the experience all gung-ho and "wow that was great, now I have made my decision, Go Navy, Beat Army!" to "oh my, I really think that scholarship to WhateverState University is a better fit for me". Whether it's NASS or CVW, it's a college visit. No one should read more into it than that.

Kid's application has been CPR since August, but I did sleep in a Holiday Inn Express last night. :)
Do you know how many folks would like to see "Complete, Pending Review"? Holy Moley, good luck to the kid !
 
Whether it's NASS or CVW, it's a college visit

Actually, NASS is really a marketing and outreach program, a way to get the word out about opportunities at USNA to those areas and groups that are under represented. (That being said, I realize there are plenty of males from Northern VA and MD at NASS). CVW is really the "college visit", trying to land the strong candidate that has the option of going to anywhere they want.
 
Whether it's NASS or CVW, it's a college visit

Actually, NASS is really a marketing and outreach program, a way to get the word out about opportunities at USNA to those areas and groups that are under represented. (That being said, I realize there are plenty of males from Northern VA and MD at NASS). CVW is really the "college visit", trying to land the strong candidate that has the option of going to anywhere they want.
My 2018 kid didn't get NASS or a CVW. My DD got NASS 2 years ago and then didn't get an appointment.
 
Great post. One other point . . . the fact something good or bad happens to another candidate generally has no bearing on your situation. Don't read too much into the fact that someone else did or did not receive an appointment, get a waiver, or obtain a nom. There are thousands of candidates from every state and district in the US (and beyond). Each situation is different. The only one that should matter to you is yours.
 
DS is patiently waiting now for DoDMERB to be "complete" after exam more than 2 months ago, and for BGO to upload notes from interview he conducted over a month ago.

So if you haven't heard back in a week or so, it's not that out of the ordinary! :)
 
I thought this forum is to share the experiences what people are going through and hear from people who knows the process or who went through it already

That IS the purpose of this forum, HOWEVER, candidates/parents who ask 'what are the steps to applying?'' or 'how do I apply for a NOM?' or 'what are my chances?' or other REALLY basic questions that can be easily found reading the USNA website or reviewing older threads probably tend to get less response on here.

Those who have made ZERO effort to do any research usually get few replies.
 
and for BGO to upload notes from interview he conducted over a month ago.

That's too long absent a life crisis on the part of the BGO. If the record is o/w complete, a very polite email might be in order saying your packet is complete and you just wanted to check on the status of the interview write-up since your system doesn't show it as having being entered.
 
That's too long absent a life crisis on the part of the BGO. If the record is o/w complete, a very polite email might be in order saying your packet is complete and you just wanted to check on the status of the interview write-up since your system doesn't show it as having being entered.
This. There are times when waiting isn't the best option.

DS was told to hurry up and wait in regards to his teachers being told to fax in his recommendations -that they would be applied to the portal in time. 6 weeks later, and still nothing. His FAC had changed twice, so he called and left a voicemail. A week later nothing back. Emailed to find out FAC was on leave. Waited 3 days after leave and called again. Turns out that the teachers who received emails saying all was square were told so in error and DS had to get the teachers to call admissions again.

Polite inquiries when something doesn't feel right doesn't seem pushy, it seems diligent. So there is a balance :)
 
This. There are times when waiting isn't the best option.

...His FAC had changed twice, so he called and left a voicemail. A week later nothing back. Emailed to find out FAC was on leave. ...

What's a FAC? All I can think of is Fast Attack Craft or Forward Air Controller. It's driving me nuts.
 
I thought the one's radio call was Fast Mover with Ordinance inbound, other Forward Air Controller (FAC). Don't get them confused. Never heard of Fast Attack Craft. Driving me nuts also.
 
I just thought I would mention a few things about WAITING, based on what I have seen as a new user on the forum. This is a list of my opinions and observations, and I am trying my best to inject a little dry humor as I go. Unless you're an astronaut, you're not getting off this planet alive, so you should have fun and laugh about as many things as you can whilst you're here.

1. Be patient.

2. If you're planning on doing anything in the military, you are going to have to get used to waiting.

3. If you joined this forum because you wanted to post about the fact that you have checked the Candidate Information Portal - and the status hasn't changed - let's just say that you're not a special snowflake. There are (conservatively) thousands of people in that line in front of you. If it were an actual line of people, you may very well find yourself standing in a different zip code.

4. DoDMERB manages a LOT of data on a LOT of people. Just be patient and wait. I know you answered that remedial question with the allergy form you downloaded, filled out, scanned, and emailed back within 6 minutes, but it may take a week before you hear from them. When you see an update, you may only see that they acknowledged receiving it. Look, it's months until January. Be patient. They really do know what they're doing. Go outside and enjoy the fresh air. You're going to stroke out. Do something relaxing that decreases your blood pressure.

5. Blue & Gold Officers have a lot on their plate and they are volunteers. Some of them have a LOT of candidates to visit, and even more emails to slog through. Don't get too excited if you don't hear from them for a week or two. They may be on a family vacation. I know, they didn't clear that vacation with YOU, but they went anyway! Many of them are retired, but being retired doesn't mean that they're waiting by the computer for your email to come through. See item 1.

6. If you joined the forum due to "going crazy" because you like to be in control and you've been checking the status of your DS's or DD's application and they haven't gotten an LOA yet (because you actually expect an LOA and oh my gosh they are the perfect candidate, how come they aren't in already?) then I can almost guarantee that your DS or DD is getting stressed because YOU are stressed. Is that what you want to do? Do you want to add to their stress? See items 1 and 2.

7. Wait to post. Since you aren't a special snowflake after all, there are probably a LOT of threads already written that describe exactly what you're going through (Especially the ones about your "CFA scores" and "am I competitive"?). Take some time to read them and the responses. If you've never been in a "forum" setting before, you may want to give more weight to the responses from actual Midshipmen, Admins or Moderators, or members with thousands of posts. More than likely, they know what they're talking about (or have talked to people who do) and their input will be more consistent and accurate. Reading is helpful, and it keeps you from checking the Candidate Information Portal every 2 minutes.

It's not the beat-all, end-all of existence. Always have a readily executable plan "B".
That's my two cents.

Feel free to post more for the list, smile, and laugh at yourself once in a while.
I woke up today. It's going to be a good day!

DS is now officially CPR. CVW in September. Nomination interviews this month. Not holding out too much hope for an LOA for my special little snowflake, so time for #1 and #2!
 
DS is now officially CPR. CVW in September. Nomination interviews this month. Not holding out too much hope for an LOA for my special little snowflake, so time for #1 and #2!

DS is in the same boat. CPR, CVW in Sept. he has loved this process and taught us much as well. Time to hurry up and wait...
 
DS is now officially CPR. CVW in September. Nomination interviews this month. Not holding out too much hope for an LOA for my special little snowflake, so time for #1 and #2!

That's the spirit!

Think about it this way: spend some quality time with your DS while you can, as he is actually heading off somewhere in the next seven to nine months.

Also, get the guy to live a little and enjoy the waning months of his childhood. It can be more like an adventure - rather than an ordeal - while you both wait. He has already done what he needs to do, so he should think about enjoying this protracted liberty!

My DS has nothing but AP classes, but he's so good at AP classes by now, that he's on autopilot. He's having a great time, enjoying his senior year and spending time with friends.
 
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