Why Complete Your USNA Package Early

[usna1985]

The below is primarily for future candidates. It reflects my personal opinion and is NOT official USNA guidance or policy.

Candidates have until Jan. 31 to complete their USNA application -- and in theory at least, a candidate who completes his/her package on Jan. 31 has the same chance of an appointment as someone who completes it on Aug. 31. That said, those of us involved with the process have long advised candidates to submit their USNA package as early possible, while still doing a great job. A recent scenario reminded me why that is important. The key facts are real; I changed some non-essential facts to preserve privacy. This is the tale of two candidates who were very similar in terms of qualifications -- scores, leadership, sports, etc.

• Candidate A completed 100% of USNA package by Aug. 31, including CFA. Medical was completed by Oct. 31.
• Candidate B had not completed any of the USNA package by Oct. 1, other than SAT scores. Package was still only 75% complete by early Dec.

MOC nom packages (for Rep) were due Oct. 1. MOC interviews were completed before Thanksgiving. Candidate A had an LOA by Nov. 1. MOC submitted the slate to USNA by Nov. 30, nominating Candidate A . Candidate A received offer of appointment (accepted) in early Dec. Candidate B did not receive a nom from the MOC and now could be out of the running for an appointment.

I can't help but wonder whether the fact that Candidate A had everything completed by the time of the interview helped get the nom. To my mind, it goes to motivation. I must admit that, when candidates haven't completed their packets by mid-December, I wonder how important USNA is to them. What were they doing in June, July, August, September, October, November and early December? MOC committees may share that view. They may also worry that Candidate B will NEVER submit 100% of the packet whereas they know Candidate A has already done it. If they have to choose between two candidates who are very close in terms of qualifications, which one are they likely to choose?

Bottom line: For various reasons, not everyone can be 100% complete by Aug. 31. And, USNA applies the same standards to packets submitted Jan. 31 as it does to those submitted on July 31. However, there are reasons beyond USNA Admissions to get your stuff in early.

 

[FutureMarine07]

Thanks for elaborating on something I didn't think was very important for any particular reason, besides for it reducing stress come November and December. Multiple people have advised getting your package in early, though it's good to know why.
Would have been a good to post in early August. Too bad you can't set the post to be released next year!

 

[MidCakePa]

Generally agree with @usna1985, though there’s also a bit of conjecture on his/her part. As they say here, your mileage may vary. MOCS all handle things a bit differently. And a stellar candidate is a stellar candidate, no matter when they complete their application.

I boil it down to this: Submit the best application you can, as early as you can. Best takes precedence over early. Can’t tell you how many times in the past year I’ve seen posters here describe how, in their haste to be “early,” submitted a suboptimal application and were scrambling to do damage control. Don’t be that person.

 

[kinnem]

And a stellar candidate is a stellar candidate, no matter when they complete their application.

... provided they can get a nomination, which really seemed to be the point of usna1985s post. You're right that there is conjecture as to WHY the applicant didn't get the nomination, but I'd bet significant body parts that it's a correct surmise.

 

[usna1985]

To be clear, I am not suggesting that failing to submit early was the deciding factor in whether Candidate A or B got the nom. One could have performed better in the interview, had better letters of rec, slightly better grades, etc. My point is only that having nothing submitted when you show up for an interview COULD be viewed negatively and, if the decision is a close one, COULD be a deciding factor. In ultra-competitive areas, you don't want to give MOCs an easy reason to pick someone else.

And I will try to remember to re-post this in the late spring.

 

[GreenGate1]

One senator in our state required DS to bring a hard copy snapshot of portal to show how far along in the application process. It seems to be a possible factor.

 

[Nemo567]

I had a family member sit on a MOC nomination board this year. One of the key ways the board gauged a candidates motivation was to see if they were finished with their application.


They didn't give a nom to any candidates who were not a 100 percent complete with everything besides DoDMERB. So take that for what it is worth.

 

[ders_dad]

One senator in our state required DS to bring a hard copy snapshot of portal to show how far along in the application process. It seems to be a possible factor.

Would MOCs know the level of application completion based on what the SA admissions would provide the MOC?

 

[MidCakePa]

Main way MOC panel would know application status is by asking the candidate. And getting an honest answer. MOC panel could certainly ask USNA, but I don’t believe that’s common practice at all.

 

[USNAismyplace]

I finished my package in early September. For all the candidates out there who finished early and didn’t get that elusive, overemphasized LOA, it’s okay. Completing the best package you can as early as possible shows your commitment and drive to attend USNA. Show admissions USNA is your top choice by getting your package in. If I had to guess, USNA would admire the initiative of a candidate who was 100% in Aug/Sept more than someone who was 100% in Jan. “Put the best package forth as early as you can” is the best advice I’ve gotten from this site and mids, and I hope if all the 11th grade lurkers and 2024 parents on here can pick up one piece of advice, it’s to complete the best package you can as early as you can.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

“Put the best package forth as early as you can”

There are many good reasons to get your application in early , and like '85 , this weighs on my evaluation of interest, motivation, as well as time managment, organization, and responsibility. That being said, I'm not looking for a phone call on June 1 from a candidate telling me their application is done and asking to set up the BGO interview. Take your time and submit a quality package. Summer is usually a great time to get it done (although, be proactive and talk to your Math and English teachers about their evaluation in the Spring).

With every rule , there are exceptions -- for example, if your ACT/SAT's were weak Junior year, and you want to take them again before your package goes before the Board, you might want to hold off completing the application. Sure, you can always supplement or update your application later, but I would suspect that it would take a significant change to resubmit a previously unqualified candidate to the Board. (By all means, submit any new information ..it can't hurt, and often helps when Noms/Appointments is making offers from competitive MOC slates). Another exception is Reapplicants -- I advise my candidates to wait until near the end of the First Semester of college to dp their personal statement ...that way they can incorporate their lessons learned in college instead of submitting the same package that was unsuccessful the year before. If you are deliberately delaying the application ...TALK TO YOUR BGO... let him/her know what you are doing and why. That shows the BGO that you have initiative and interest, but are delaying submitting the application for a strategic purpose. The BGO can, and should, document that in your Admissions file, so that Admissions knows and understands the reason for your timing.

As a final note, while I encourage timely submission.... a good candidate can be successful if he/she submits at the last moment. Not too long ago, I had a new candidate pop up in the system in mid December. He was from a rural community , and had no contact with USNA or a BGO until December his Senior year. I asked him about that on my initial call with him, and he indicated that he didn't want to go through the effort of submitting the application until he had a nomination. Turns out he was an outstanding candidate, quickly completed his application and is currently a Midshipman.