<p>I don't know if anyone has this situation. My son filled out his application online in July/July. Everything was complete except for one thing: college transcript. My son is a high school senior but had taken a course this summer at the community college. He listed that he had taken this course. We had the transcript sent even though the high school just added the course for high school credit. It kept showing that they were waiting for college transcripts. So, I called and admissions told me that they had him listed as a college student because he stated that he took a college course. So, they weren't going to evaluate him until Jan. My blood pressure rose...... I told her that he was a Senior in high school. The admissions person then changed his status back to high school. Now we are concerned that this will delay the admissions board's review. My son e-mailed his BGO and the regional director to confirm that everything is ok. </p>
<p>So, I guess the program doesn't allow for college courses....</p>
<p>Also, the admissions board hasn't met yet. They apparently are meeting for the first time on Thursday.</p>
<p>Just when you think everything is done properly.......</p>
<p>My son took a few courses at Duke University after his junior year of high school and we had the transcripts sent to West Point. It didn't create any of the problems you mention. We didn't find working with the Admissions Office to be particularly easy though. It's still very early so relax. And there shouldn't be any issue checking in with them every couple of weeks or so. One suggestion I have - if your son really wants to go to USNA, have him make the calls and the contacts with the Admissions Office. If you do, it may raise some issues about whether he wants to go or you want him to go. I assiduously avoided speaking directly with our regional admissions officer. As my plebe would say now, "Dad, you have to follow the chain of command!"</p>
<p>I know about the calling part except that we are on the west coast and it sometimes just doesn't work timewise with his school day. He e-mailed his BGO and he will "check" in with admissions.</p>
<p>oregonmom: while we are on the east coast, we had the same issues re: calling, especially with sports in the mix (games, practices, etc)....not home until 7 most nights then dinner and homework-
so it is a challenge, but if you can somehow make it work it is better to have the candidate call if there is a question, or at least e-mail your regional director if it is something your BGO cannot help your son with- I know the Lt. assigned as regional director was very good about answering our son's e-mails when he did send them (I recall there being 2)...best of luck!</p>
<p>I delayed calling but we had no idea of what his problem really was ie that they thought he was a college student. As a matter of fact, Jake sent several e-mails to the regional director and nothing happened. He kept checking regarding them receiving his transcripts with no response. I agree that he should take care of most of the application responsibility but sometimes issues are more complex and just need to be dealt with by the parents.</p>
<p>My son had reason to call and he had the same time crunch factor. His guidance counselor had him call during the school day from her office (as I recall, the school sent us a bill for the long-distance phone call). There is a way to make this work without having the parent orchestrate it all. You do not want to turn into a "helicopter parent".
CM</p>
<p>Suggestion - Get your son a cheap cell phone with pre-loaded minutes. He can always find a few minutes between classes or between classes and sports to make the calls he needs to make. I think you can do this fairly cheaply these days.</p>
<p>However, the student can make certain requests to the Guidance counselor and/or Principle with the current situation and unless these two faculty members are completely asinine they should allow some sort of "lee-way" for the student.
Boggs</p>
<p>As I said before, the issue ended up being complicated. Neither the Regional Director/BGO solved anything with the e-mails that Jake sent. He informed them that he was a high school senior and it never changed.The BGO wasn't upset at all that I called the Academy on behalf of Jake because he didn't want there to be a delay.
Now my 2 cents:
You all can think what you like but there are times when parental involvement is essential. I am confident that this was one of them. However, if it happens to you, don't complain because your child didn't get his/her LOA or etc.. because you didn't want to be a "helicopter parent" so you don't assist your child in certain problem matters. I would hardly think that the academy would think that Jake is a baby and a mama's boy.</p>
<p>Oregon Mom, I also believe that some parental involvement is necessary. The hard part is for us to know when to get involved and when to step back. I'm still learning, but I'm trying to keep most of my involvement confined to help with scheduling and advice. I do a lot of passing on points I learn on this forum.</p>
<p>Just an aside, out BGO has been great, but then my daughter is just now a Junior, so talk to me again when she's ready for the interview.</p>
<p>Our school prohibits cell phone use also. I tried to call a few minutes before the first bell, but no answer came. I tried seconds after the last bell, but still no answer came. Finally, I tried during lunch in the restroom, and I got an answer! E-mails help, but I noticed that some people do not check them often. A cell phone number of your BGO is always nice to have too.</p>
<p>On a lighter note, Candidate Mom, I did love the term "helicopter mom". I am beyond one with my younger son.He is Mr. Popular Beautiful Fooball guy who is constantly in search of fun and games. He needs constant hovering to keep him in check. I told some of the other football moms and we are a helicopter squadron over these boys.</p>
<p>Helicopter parent refers to parents who orchestrate and intercede and do not allow their children to ever be disappointed, or be responsible for their decisions. You know, the type who call the coach and complain that their child is not getting enough playing time, or is in the wrong position, or should not have been cut. They call the teacher and make excuses, write the college application essays, etc. There was a wonderful article posted here describing them to a "T" from the perspective of a college, where they are becoming increasingly embedded into the culture, even there.</p>
<p>Candidatemom, I'm just trying to lighten up things. Perhaps you should as well!I knew precisely what you meant. I have fun reading and writing on this forum. You don't have to be so "technical "! Now, have a great weekend. My boys are all gone on the town tonight and my husband I can forget all about them. What a blessing!</p>