What do we do now?

MidCakePa said:
Building on the great advice and perspective above, this indeed is a rite of passage for young people who’ve otherwise have had most everything in life go their way. The smart ones truly see it as a learning opportunity. The really smart ones realize that it’s far from the end of the world.

DD and DS were both accomplished students, athletes and leaders in high school. They had strong test scores and unwavering support from teachers and coaches. DD was accepted by her top choices, including SAs. DS was turned down by his top choices, including SAs. One is now a USNA firstie, the other a freshman on a four-year AROTC scholarship. Both are very happy with their situation. Neither would trade places with the other. DS is living that invaluable maxim: Bloom where you’re planted. His butter bars will be just as shiny as his sister’s, and he’ll be much wiser in at least one regard.
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Thank you for that. Here's the twist on my DS, he's not lead that "everything goes my way" kinda life. He suffered a disfiguring dog attack at 3 years old, and his life has been full of challenges that he has overcome and this kid still has a positive attitude. He's worked hard and when things haven't gone his way, he redirects and it always works out. I know he will do the same in this situation as well. I was asking for advice because navigating this is all new to me and seeking direction from those that walked before us, is usually the best course of action.
 
ProudMom7 said:
Not sure why you are extremely discouraged about the other two SAs. There is still plenty of time to get an appointment.
But, I agree with others that there is still time to apply to a school with a later application deadline.
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I wasn't involved in any of the application process with DS. He did it all, made all the decisions, wrote all his Essays and scheduled everything. I only got involved at the very end of the process when he asked me to watch his portal for updates since he is in school most of the day. I didn't realize how competitive it was. I know, dumb on my part, but I really left all of it up to him and knowing him as I do, I felt he would get in because he'd done everything right. I didn't even find this forum until 2 weeks ago! All of the info I've received from each of you has been VERY helpful! It is much appreciated.
 
MomOf3GreatKids said:
He's worked hard and when things haven't gone his way, he redirects and it always works out.
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I’m sorry about his challenges. I’ve always believed that those who have it easiest growing up tend to have it hardest as adults. And vice-versa. Sounds like your son will be just fine — probably way better than fine!
 
I would have him apply to a few other schools who are still accepting applications for a back up plan. My son only applied to one service academy, he got an appointment, but he also did rotc scholarship and applied to several colleges. It’s better to have more options and plans. Good luck to him!
 
have4incali said:
I would have him apply to a few other schools who are still accepting applications for a back up plan. My son only applied to one service academy, he got an appointment, but he also did rotc scholarship and applied to several colleges. It’s better to have more options and plans. Good luck to him!


I saw that he got into WP ...well there you go! Congrats
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MomOf3GreatKids said:
Having been turned down for one SA and extremely discouraged about the other 2 we haven't heard from yet. What are your suggestions for my DS? We did not apply for ROTC scholarship or any other school. My DS was positive he would be accepted into at least 1 SA because he is a very positive person. Nothing else could even stand up to attending a SA, in his eyes. It's too late now to apply to any school or ROTC scholarship for Fall and everything opens back up for applications in June. Any suggestions? We are open to EVERYTHING at this point.
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Just because he was turned down for one SA doesn’t mean he’ll be turned down from the others. Each academy has their needs to fill and he may fill that need in one of the others. He can also do what my son did and attend his local JC and transfer from there. My son matured a lot in the last two years.
 
MomOf3GreatKids said:
I wasn't involved in any of the application process with DS. He did it all, made all the decisions, wrote all his Essays and scheduled everything. I only got involved at the very end of the process when he asked me to watch his portal for updates since he is in school most of the day. I didn't realize how competitive it was. I know, dumb on my part, but I really left all of it up to him and knowing him as I do, I felt he would get in because he'd done everything right. I didn't even find this forum until 2 weeks ago! All of the info I've received from each of you has been VERY helpful! It is much appreciated.
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Sounds like a great kid - you must be so proud regardless of the outcome here. I wish you and him luck. Please keep us posted.
 
Capt MJ said:
For OP, you described your son as a “very positive person,” positive he would get into at least 1 SA.

A wise boss once told me that having too much of a good trait can also be a leadership flaw in certain settings. Being positive is good for an officer to be, because the troops watch leaders very carefully, so being confident and upbeat in the face of challenges sets the tone. Being so positive that alternate plans are not created, always a prudent move of the adaptive junior officer who must be ready to meet a challenge no matter how it twists and turns, shows that the “too much” positivity encumbered the leadership in a negative way. Rich essay material!

I am hoping the other SAs deliver better news, and while painful, your son is learning a valuable leadership lesson.

Let us know how it goes.
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In an interview I was asked one of those questions. The annoying ones. Tell us how your strength can be your flaw.
For me it was and is my ability to communicate well. 🤷‍♀️
 
MomOf3GreatKids said:
Thank you for that. Here's the twist on my DS, he's not lead that "everything goes my way" kinda life. He suffered a disfiguring dog attack at 3 years old, and his life has been full of challenges that he has overcome and this kid still has a positive attitude. He's worked hard and when things haven't gone his way, he redirects and it always works out. I know he will do the same in this situation as well. I was asking for advice because navigating this is all new to me and seeking direction from those that walked before us, is usually the best course of action.
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Hi mom. You aren’t wrong to be involved or pulling for your kiddo. Or for seeking counsel, support or advice here. Or solace.

We are trying to be good at all of those!
Your son sounds like someone my son would like. And admire and respect.

A young man who knows what he wants, thinks he can do it and works to that goal. That’s a good thing. Now he needs to ad a backup plan. Contingency plans are key to most of life’s unknowns.

Hang in there mama! You and he have support regardless of how his ends up.
 
Heatherg21 said:
Hi mom. You aren’t wrong to be involved or pulling for your kiddo. Or for seeking counsel, support or advice here. Or solace.

We are trying to be good at all of those!
Your son sounds like someone my son would like. And admire and respect.

A young man who knows what he wants, thinks he can do it and works to that goal. That’s a good thing. Now he needs to ad a backup plan. Contingency plans are key to most of life’s unknowns.

Hang in there mama! You and he have support regardless of how his ends up.
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Thank you so much for that. I am VERY HAPPY to tell you he has received his appointment to USMA! His first choice! We are all extremely excited here at home. Thank you for your support and kind words.
 
MomOf3GreatKids said:
Having been turned down for one SA and extremely discouraged about the other 2 we haven't heard from yet. What are your suggestions for my DS? We did not apply for ROTC scholarship or any other school. My DS was positive he would be accepted into at least 1 SA because he is a very positive person. Nothing else could even stand up to attending a SA, in his eyes. It's too late now to apply to any school or ROTC scholarship for Fall and everything opens back up for applications in June. Any suggestions? We are open to EVERYTHING at this point.
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An “outside the box” idea.
Look at enlisting in the National Guard or Reserves. Apply to universities within the state for winter admission. This assumes talking to a recruiter now, getting s basic training slot soon after high school graduation, and being done with training by December to enter college after winter break. There is also the “split training option” where he would go to basic this summer then AIT next summer so he can attend college in the fall, but it may be too late to get one of these slots.
1. If accepted to a SA and your DS accepts, it trumps the enlistment contract.
2. Most states offer tuition assistance for members of the National Guard. Check with your state.
3. Some states (maybe all?) offer the ROTC SMP (Simultaneous Membership Program) for members of the National Guard. You drill with your unit as a Cadet and are e member of ROTC.
4. Being enlisted would open up another nomination source for SAs for future applications.
There are pluses and minuses to this route.
 
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