Waiver but still no appointment

Yes, the same criteria is basically used for Falcon Scholars. You don't "Apply". The academy recommends certain individuals to the Falcon Foundation, for consideration of a "Falcon Scholarship". The Falcon Foundation assists by providing scholarships at specially selected civilian junior colleges and preparatory schools in various parts of the nation. Note that Falcon Scholars do not need a nomination in order to attend civilian preparatory schools. Falcon Scholars will, however, need a nomination in order to gain an appointment to the Academy the following year. If granted the falcon scholarship, you will receive further information on which junior college or preparatory school it is for.
 
If the 500-600 people from the national pool didn't win their MoC slates, where do their appointments get charged to?
 
The are not really charged anywhere. By law, the first 150 in OML can be appointed and then the rest are called Additional Appointees and the academy can pick and chose. If you look at the historically breakdown, the additional appointees are athletes, prepsters, Falcon Foundation and under-representative minorities to ensure the class meets its diversity goals. They just need to have a nomination.
 
USMA 1994 pretty much nailed it. The only thing I would add, would be the math.

By law, each MOC is allowed to have NO MORE THAN 5 cadets at the academy at one time (That was CHARGED to them). Usually, that's not a problem. That basically allows an average of 1 per year, and the possibility of of a 5th because of an extra semester or deferral. E.g. person gets injured and has to stay at the academy an additional semester. Or an individual takes a year off from the academy for a religious mission requirement and comes back. The POINT IS: With 535 representatives and senators, X 5 maximum each; that's a TOTAL of 2,675 cadets. The academy has a maximum student body +/- of 4400 cadets. That's 1,725 cadets MINIMUM that aren't charged to a MOC.

As USMA 1994 stated, after all the "BY-LAW SLATES" are appointed AND CHARGED to that nomination authority; the academy is authorized to appoint as needed the necessary number to FILL THE CLASS. "Assuming they have a nomination from ANYWHERE". They don't need to "BE CHARGED" to anyone. The only reason MOC's slots are CHARGED, is to be FAIR. If not, it's possible that a representative, senator, state, has a disproportionate number of cadets at the school; while others are under represented.
 
Christcorp said:
USMA 1994 pretty much nailed it. The only thing I would add, would be the math.

By law, each MOC is allowed to have NO MORE THAN 5 cadets at the academy at one time (That was CHARGED to them). Usually, that's not a problem. That basically allows an average of 1 per year, and the possibility of of a 5th because of an extra semester or deferral. E.g. person gets injured and has to stay at the academy an additional semester. Or an individual takes a year off from the academy for a religious mission requirement and comes back. The POINT IS: With 535 representatives and senators, X 5 maximum each; that's a TOTAL of 2,675 cadets. The academy has a maximum student body +/- of 4400 cadets. That's 1,725 cadets MINIMUM that aren't charged to a MOC.

As USMA 1994 stated, after all the "BY-LAW SLATES" are appointed AND CHARGED to that nomination authority; the academy is authorized to appoint as needed the necessary number to FILL THE CLASS. "Assuming they have a nomination from ANYWHERE". They don't need to "BE CHARGED" to anyone. The only reason MOC's slots are CHARGED, is to be FAIR. If not, it's possible that a representative, senator, state, has a disproportionate number of cadets at the school; while others are under represented.
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Thanks, Christcorp. Regarding Presidential nominations and the proviso that not more than 100 cadets per class can be presidential nominees, am I correct in reading this from a contrarian perspective where it doesn’t have to necessarily be 100? E.g. maybe this year they’ll only take 50 because they have some latitude to take 50 from the NWL who have a MOC nomination (and didn’t win their slate) and they perhaps feel are a better fit?
 
Ummmmmmm. It's not that complicated.

They do ALL the slates first. MOC's slates, as well as the Presidential slate, ROTC, MOH, and other military related slates. Once ALL of the slate's appointments are given, then they'll go to the National Pool.

Now; you are correct that they don't HAVE to give 100 presidential appointments. That's the max. But the only reason NOT TO, would be if there weren't 100 qualified. Usually, of the 12,000+ initial interested applicants, approximately 500-700 would be authorized a Presidential nomination. And the nomination is automatic if authorized. But that doesn't mean they will give 100 appointments.

Now; the academy does TRADE SLOTS occasionally. But that's different. They'll still give whatever amount of presidentials, but sometimes they trade them around.
EXAMPLE: You and I are on the same MOC's nomination list. We both got a nomination. But I ALSO have a Presidential nomination. You get the APPOINTMENT for the MOC's Slate. I get the appointment from the Presidential. But there's a 3rd person in our district or somewhere else, who has a presidential but didn't get ANY MOC nominations. Well, the academy USED UP ALL of their 100 Presidential APPOINTMENTS. But they really want this other kid. They can use the presidential on him; take away CHARGING MY Appointment to my Presidential nomination, and let me use my MOC nomination in the National Pool.

This is just one example. There's hundreds of scenarios. Point is; they almost ALWAYS USE the 100 Presidential Appointments. That's 100 appointments that the academy has 100% say so over. They only have SOME SAY SO on a MOC's slate. If individuals have BOTH Presidential AND MOC nominations, that gives the academy more flexibility. Some kids, like my son and others in my SMALL STATE, can have 2, 3, 4, or even more nominations. Some, in smaller states, will be lucky to get 1. Some; except for a presidential, may not get any from their state. The academy will maximize their options. And presidentials are solely their option (For those who have a presidential). They will use all 100 of them.

But yes, the academy could cut back on some Presidential Appointments so they could have more in the National Pool. But that's really rare. The presidentials are usually done, like the MOC appointments, before the national pool even gets looked at. Then again; when you have 12,000+ applying, it's not like you are short of HIGHLY QUALIFIED APPLICANTS. That's why the average gpa is 3.86 and 30+ ACT. But it is "Possible". Just not very likely to not fill the 100 presidential appointments.
 
Christcorp and USMA 1994 - thank y'all so much for all of the information. It's been immensely useful for my understanding of the situation.

Good luck to everyone else who received a waiver as well. Here's to hoping we hear soon!
 
Hello everyone!

I am currently A Candidate from FL also like many others waiting to hear back from USAFA. As I have been following this thread since it's beginning, a couple of questions have come to mind.
First off, is it a bad idea to ask my Admissions councilor how my chances of an appointment are looking? Is that even a great way to ask? I'm just afraid of coming off as being that annoying candidate.
I am proud to say that three of my friends have been appointed to USAFA. Being the only one to have not heard back yet is beyond agonizing.
Also, Is no news still good news at this point? I apologize if any of these questions have already been answered. Like thousands of others i'm sure, I've gone through the long process of the application and furthermore was blessed to have been granted a Medical Waiver. Just staying hopeful and trying to find some clarity in my situation. Any response/advice is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!
 
Your counselor is the only person who can give you a realistic opinion of your chances. It is acceptable to reach out to them and ask if they can provide an update of your status but do not be the candidate that emails them daily.
 
To be honest, I'd have to disagree here with USMA1994. Your admissions counselor is a specialized administration specialist. S/He is not involved in the selection boards or scoring. They process; they don't make decisions. They can tell you what your records show. Appointment yes/no, has your file met the board, probably can even see the scoring on you. But they won't tell you any of this, and they won't tell you how you compare to others. The best you'll get from them is: "You're competitive". I've dealt with many admissions counselors, and the information you're hoping for, simply isn't going to be provided to you.

Sorry to say, but you're going to have to do what others for the last 60 years have done. WAIT!!!!
 
Christcorp said:
To be honest, I'd have to disagree here with USMA1994. Your admissions counselor is a specialized administration specialist. S/He is not involved in the selection boards or scoring. They process; they don't make decisions. They can tell you what your records show. Appointment yes/no, has your file met the board, probably can even see the scoring on you. But they won't tell you any of this, and they won't tell you how you compare to others. The best you'll get from them is: "You're competitive". I've dealt with many admissions counselors, and the information you're hoping for, simply isn't going to be provided to you.

Sorry to say, but you're going to have to do what others for the last 60 years have done. WAIT!!!!
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I am more familiar with USMA where you have a dedicated Army Officer who overseas the process. As someone put it the other day, he is the power broker in the equation. They are assigned by region and he is the person who can tell you where you sit on a slate and give you a pretty good idea if you have a chance this year.

@Christcorp Does USAFA have someone in a similar role?
 
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