What does CPR even mean at this point?

A USNA admissions officer unambiguously told us that although there is a minimum score qualification, the CFA score absolutely matters. He very much emphasised that a good score can make the difference between being admitted and not, particularly in a close consideration. Although my son had a very good CFA, he encouraged him to try to max the CFA. West Point RC said the same thing.

My DS's BGO told us the same as Kndmnc stated. BGO told us not to worry about CFA when we asked if he could retake it two months later. BGO told us that a few more push ups, sit ups, etc. would not change the outcome as the academy knows that you will get in total shape quickly while there. As long as they know that you have good physical capabilities, that is enough.

The strength of my DS is academics and other EC though he has played several competitive sports over the years.
Well it's your sons choice whether he wants to consider the CFA important enough to work on it and improve. I would think if his strength was academics, he might want to work on his weaknesses. But only he can decide what he wants to do. To each his own. Good luck.
 
Your application is reviewed without consideration of what noms you have. Presidential or not, it's reviewed without that in mind. The admissions board makes a decisions then they try to state you.
 
[/QUOTE]
When we still didn't know last year about what graduation theme, I went with globes and maps. I used torn out big road atlas pages for place mats and globes on tables. Pennant buntings were made and hung out of old atlas pages. It was the great unknown destination! Helped reduce the sting a bit by not having the school he was headed to (but not too excited about) pushed in his face. It would be neutral for either school for your accomplished DS. Good luck![/QUOTE]

I would like to see that! It sounds lovely..... very interested in learning how to make the pennant buntings!
 
As a BGO, I can say that the score absolutely matters.

As a child and an adult I've always struggled with what is "fair"......... I know, I know, no one ever said life was fair. But I strive to always be fair with others and in my 50's I am still disappointed when others - or life itself - isn't fair. The inconsistency among BGO's is what is bringing this up for me now..... I have my DD email her BGO about every six weeks to "check in" and let him know that she is still CPR because I imagine he cares or he wouldn't be a BGO. He's very polite and always responds with good luck, hang in there, you can do this, or similar sentiments. On the rare occasion he will say he has "checked" and knows nothing more either. So then when I read one person post "I'm know I'm 3Q because my BGO told me" or "My BGO checked and my file hasn't been reviewed yet" or "My BGO says the CFA doesn't count as long as you pass" or "My BGO says the CFA is really important and I need to max out" blah blah blah it really burns my britches. I find it extremely unfair that either A) some of these BGO's are full of it when kids are counting on them, or B) some of the BGO's are breaking their guidelines by giving information they shouldn't be, or C) there isn't more of a standardized BGO training with accountability.

The Black Box of post secondary admissions processes including SA's are designed to at least give the appearance of "fairness" even if that may not exist behind the scenes..... because so and so's daddy gave a two million dollar endowment to the Alumni Association, etc.

I'm just venting, the stress of waiting is getting to me... and I'm probably jealous that other BGO's might actually be checking and relaying that information when we - and a lot of us - are just sitting here in the dark. AAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!
 
As someone who has had an application for both West Point and Annapolis in for some time, and is still waiting on a CPR status, I'm relieved to hear I'm not the only one. This forum is certainly good for receiving peace of mind and knowing that you aren't alone. I think I speak for almost all of us when I say, we definitely feel like the opportunity to attend would not be wasted on us. Anyone still waiting to get in needs to keep in mind that where you go to college is important, but it's who you are that really matters. If you are someone who worked hard to get in to USNA or any other SA, you've shown your character, and that same commitment will manifest itself in what you do, no matter where you go. Who you are trumps where you go, so continue to be the same eager, forward-thinking winners that you've been thus far in the process. I congratulate everyone who has received appointment, but I really want to recognize those who have been waiting and still show enthusiasm, excitement, and aren't giving up. We are the future no matter what school we attend. That being said, good luck and fingers crossed for USNA!
 
Your application is reviewed without consideration of what noms you have. Presidential or not, it's reviewed without that in mind. The admissions board makes a decisions then they try to state you.

How does admission determine who goes in front of the board? is there some form of ranking of applicants based on WCS?
 
WonderGirl. I truly can empathize with you, and I know it's hard just sitting and waiting. When it was me agonizing over the wait, wondering about my DD it occurred to me that nothing changes with or without information. That is to say that those candidates that were told about the status of their application by their BGO are also still waiting. The only real tangible that you could gather from more information, is that you still have to wait. Nothing can be gained. What matters is if you get appointed or not. Perhaps I'm missing something, if so please let me know. Anyway when I put it in the perspective that I described it was helpful in keeping my sanity. Good luck to you and yours! I'm rooting for you!
 
WonderGirl. I truly can empathize with you, and I know it's hard just sitting and waiting. When it was me agonizing over the wait, wondering about my DD it occurred to me that nothing changes with or without information. That is to say that those candidates that were told about the status of their application by their BGO are also still waiting. The only real tangible that you could gather from more information, is that you still have to wait. Nothing can be gained. What matters is if you get appointed or not. Perhaps I'm missing something, if so please let me know. Anyway when I put it in the perspective that I described it was helpful in keeping my sanity. Good luck to you and yours! I'm rooting for you!

Thanks!!! Sanity keeping is extremely important these days! Mine is hanging on by a thread!
 
Nope there is no pattern to it. NY2CA brings up great points... waiting is waiting, doesn't change anything.
 
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As a BGO, I can say that the score absolutely matters.

As a child and an adult I've always struggled with what is "fair"......... I know, I know, no one ever said life was fair. But I strive to always be fair with others and in my 50's I am still disappointed when others - or life itself - isn't fair. The inconsistency among BGO's is what is bringing this up for me now..... I have my DD email her BGO about every six weeks to "check in" and let him know that she is still CPR because I imagine he cares or he wouldn't be a BGO. He's very polite and always responds with good luck, hang in there, you can do this, or similar sentiments. On the rare occasion he will say he has "checked" and knows nothing more either. So then when I read one person post "I'm know I'm 3Q because my BGO told me" or "My BGO checked and my file hasn't been reviewed yet" or "My BGO says the CFA doesn't count as long as you pass" or "My BGO says the CFA is really important and I need to max out" blah blah blah it really burns my britches. I find it extremely unfair that either A) some of these BGO's are full of it when kids are counting on them, or B) some of the BGO's are breaking their guidelines by giving information they shouldn't be, or C) there isn't more of a standardized BGO training with accountability.

The Black Box of post secondary admissions processes including SA's are designed to at least give the appearance of "fairness" even if that may not exist behind the scenes..... because so and so's daddy gave a two million dollar endowment to the Alumni Association, etc.

I'm just venting, the stress of waiting is getting to me... and I'm probably jealous that other BGO's might actually be checking and relaying that information when we - and a lot of us - are just sitting here in the dark. AAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!
I can totally appreciate your frustration with the process, Wondergirl and I understand you are just venting. However, the one thing that is important to keep in mind is that the BGO's have no influence over the admissions process whatsoever. My DS has had 2 different BGO's over the past 2 years, with very different communication styles. I had to remind my DS that the BGO's primary responsibility is to complete the interview and answer basic questions about the application process. After that, if he needed specific info, he should be reaching out to his AC (of which he had multiple over 2 years, with varying degrees of successful communication). Hang in there and it will all work itself out soon!
 
There is no question that the wait is hard, and as many have said, it really comes down to numbers because many districts and states do have more qualified applicants than slots available. All those who are waitlisted, still CPR, and those received TWE within the last couple weeks, IMHO are most likely "admissible" by Admissions standards but it's just impossible to let everyone in due to the class size.

As I read what are posted over last few months, having a dialogue back and forth with you, I am rooting for many, many of you or your DD/DS, and yet I know when the results are in, many will be disappointed. I sincerely wish you the best, be at USNA or elsewhere in the fall!
 
My guy's BGO was a pompous old man who graduated from USNA 50 years ago. It appeared that this perhaps was the greatest accomplishment of his life. He insisted on coming to the house and meeting with me. He asked questions and did not listen to answers. I am a little woman and he found it inside himself to patronize me and insult my dead husband within five minutes of arriving. Really, at my house, we know a little something about the service academies and a lifetime of service and sacrifice to the Nation. Then he schooled my kid for not knowing the difference between accountability and responsibility--and my kid was right--you can share responsibility, you cannot share accountability. When I walked the dog, I noticed that he might live in his car.
So, we have not heard anything from him before or after the two plus hour interview event at our house in November.
I suspect he is busy doing...whatever he is doing--a lot of kids apply to USNA from our area. I always imagine that the application experience is different for candidates with an engaged BGO although the outcome might not be different. I do not remember having a BGO when I applied just an admissions officer back in the Stone Ages when girls were new--but my mother remembers the admissions officer coming to our house for dinner.
My #3 is still CPR--but completely chill about it although I know he is checking his emails daily, which is something new.
 
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A lot will be disappointed yes, but a lot may feel guilty because they think they aren't as disappointed as they should be... i.e., parents pushed them to apply, or got accepted to same college BF or GF is going to attend, or candidate really wants military but parents don't..... I've already heard that from a few. Whatever happens it will a new roller coaster to ride! I think if we always knew what was around every turn it wouldn't be as much fun! Think of the heart health benefits alone! Who needs to do cardio when this stress is pushing the ticker to the max?!!! LOL
 
As a child and an adult I've always struggled with what is "fair"......... I know, I know, no one ever said life was fair. But I strive to always be fair with others and in my 50's I am still disappointed when others - or life itself - isn't fair. The inconsistency among BGO's is what is bringing this up for me now..... I have my DD email her BGO about every six weeks to "check in" and let him know that she is still CPR because I imagine he cares or he wouldn't be a BGO. He's very polite and always responds with good luck, hang in there, you can do this, or similar sentiments. On the rare occasion he will say he has "checked" and knows nothing more either. So then when I read one person post "I'm know I'm 3Q because my BGO told me" or "My BGO checked and my file hasn't been reviewed yet" or "My BGO says the CFA doesn't count as long as you pass" or "My BGO says the CFA is really important and I need to max out" blah blah blah it really burns my britches. I find it extremely unfair that either A) some of these BGO's are full of it when kids are counting on them, or B) some of the BGO's are breaking their guidelines by giving information they shouldn't be, or C) there isn't more of a standardized BGO training with accountability.

The Black Box of post secondary admissions processes including SA's are designed to at least give the appearance of "fairness" even if that may not exist behind the scenes..... because so and so's daddy gave a two million dollar endowment to the Alumni Association, etc.

I'm just venting, the stress of waiting is getting to me... and I'm probably jealous that other BGO's might actually be checking and relaying that information when we - and a lot of us - are just sitting here in the dark. AAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!

And I will tell you what DS BGO said when I mentioned that I check out this forum. Take it with a grain of salt, there is some good advice but this is probably 7-10% MAYBE of applicants. We don't bother him a lot right now because he's working towards his Masters so our CPR won't change with an email to him.
Hang in there! And I'll hang with you! Lol
 
Our approach to the USNA application process and our BGO has been completely different. My son had his BGO interview the first week of August 2016 and shortly afterwards all aspects of his application were completed (minus the nomination which came in January). DS has not tried to reach out or contact BGO at all since his August interview 8 months ago. We figure the application is complete, the nomination in place and all DS can do is wait patiently, play his sports, do well in school and ensure Plan B is in place.

I am friends with a former BGO and a current BGO (in a different state) and my interaction with both of them has been identical to our interaction with son’s BGO, we do not discuss specifics of the appointment process or my son’s application (maybe I’m just a weirdly uncurious person). I figure our BGO’s job was done when DS’s application was completed and we are all just in the waiting game now. Everything is completely out of our hands, so we can just be content and go on with our daily lives and additional contact with our BGO won’t change that. Sure the candidate portal is checked daily and SA forum threads are stalked, but we know our BGO is busy (all the BGO’s I personally know have full-time jobs in addition to their volunteer BGO work) and if BGO had something we needed to know; he would be in touch. It’s not like our BGO is a complete stranger to us; he is the same BGO who interviewed my oldest DS (now a firstie). He’s been to our house twice for interviews, he came to our high school to present the appointment during DS #1 high school awards ceremony and we’ve seen BGO a couple times over the past 4 years at local USNA events, but I never want to do anything to jeopardize our professional relationship. I’m grateful to our BGO because I know his interview of oldest DS was a piece of the puzzle that helped propel DS to an appointment. I know that regardless of the outcome with DS #2, our BGO successfully did his part to get the second son deep into the appointment cycle (still CPR).

When I read about other candidates who have more contact with their BGO’s, I’m glad for them – it’s wonderful that they have someone who can mentor them through the process. When I hear that wondergirl’s DD e-mailed her BGO every 6 weeks and got a response – I think that is great! I don’t have tons of experiences with BGO’s, but my two BGO friends and my son’s BGO give me hope because the time spent volunteering to interview our sons and daughters gives them a fighting chance in the USNA application process.
 
RN - I think when you typed that your experience with your BGO was completely different exemplifies what I was trying to say and where my frustration lies... I wish the BGO part of the process was more standardized or consistent.... I'm not sure of the right word here. Thank you though for your post! And as for emailing our BGO, it is his first year so she is one of his first applicants and like I said, I am assuming he cares. I would if I volunteered for the position. Sure, it would be great if he knew something and better yet if then told us, but he either doesn't know or is actually following the rules and not telling. Either way, I have a ton of respect for him. I have a ton of respect for what you do too! My husband does marketing campaigns for some local hospitals for their RN recruitment. It's not easy!
 
Our son had an amazing BGO. She emailed every few weeks to check on status of application. She set up meetings with candidates to practice and prepare for interviews. She was very thorough and asked a lot of questions of son. Our whole family was impressed with her professionalism and attention to detail. Even though our boy got the TWE if we could give a yelp review for son's BGO she'd get 5 stars. We never met son's Alo. He met son for his interview at a coffee shop, submitted his report a few days later and son has never heard from him again. Both did their volunteer job. One just went way above and beyond.
 
I'm not sure if that's right. My BGO told me many times that as long as your CFA score qualifies (you pass) you're fine... in fact USMA had me retake my CFA and I scored higher, but my BGO told me not to bother forwarding the scores to Navy because I passed by their standards.

Same here
 
Same here

However in that Rap report somebody posted from West Point, the point composite had stuff to do with Varsity letters and captain positions, of which I have plenty. So perhaps a not so stellar CFA score is compensated by those activities.
 
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