<p>Ok, the application is in, the packets for the Congressman and 2 Senators will be in the mail within the week. We expect to spend the winter waiting to hear.........Here's my question: I have been told that even if a coveted LOA arrives in the mailbox, my son should go ahead and apply to the traditional university that is his "back up plan," just in case something medical should happen? We plan to apply for scholarships, etc for the "traditional university." I had thought that once we heard that he was accepted to USNA, we could abort the other application/scholarship process, but further thinking suggests that we should move forward JUST IN CASE. </p>
<p>Would you go so far as to accept scholarships even once son is accepted to USNA (but prior to I-Day) just in case something happens? (I am praying this will be our problem!) Any thoughts? I have enjoyed reading many wise posts from some of you!</p>
<p>There is no way to predict if your son will get in or not at this point. The competition is fierce and you are correct on the medical. It's a wild card you can not control and may be a surprise show stopper in the process.</p>
<p>Your son should have multiple backup plans. These could include other Academys, private military schools ( Norwich, VMI, etc..) ROTC at other schools etc. The list of possiblities is long. Go after any and all scholorships. He can always say no in the spring.</p>
<p>Lastly even if your son gets a LOA and is passed by medical he has to sign and return a letter of acceptance. It's the final reality check for an 18 year old, do I really want this and I accept the life style change this will bring. Most say yes but some do say no.</p>
<p>Yes, by all means possible, pursue at least one backup school, including any and all scholarships. We were glad to have a "back-up" school in our pocket when our midn(w/ his appointment in hand since January)
came down with a case of "Mono" in late April... USNA requested medical tests in May which resulted in a medical "DQ" in June.......backup school w/ a full academic scholarship was starting to look very attractive........even after our Midn was granted a medical waiver from the Supt. and processed thru I-day at USNA the back-up school and scholarship were still available (for a few more days) in case of another unforeseen medical problem/accident developed. Keep a back-up plan and still use lot's of "bubble-wrap".</p>
<p>Will chime in and second all of the above.<br>
Consider back up plans a "must do."
Lots can happen between the day the appointment arrives in the mail and I-Day.... and some will even extend that to the end of plebe summer....
there are no guarentees in any of this, and anything can- and too often does- happen.</p>
<p>Don't give up the ship- but do make sure you have a life raft aboard!</p>
<p>Definitely he should have a back up plan in place. He should apply to the local state school and maybe to an ivy or two. Thats about as far as it should go. If he gets in, theres no need to save a spot for him at every other school of his dreams besides the Academy. It will only make him think of an easier route that he could take while going through plebe summer... not the best motivation</p>
<p>Thanks for all the encouragement about the "back-up" plans. I especially appreciate you sharing your experience greeneagle. That had to be very scary! </p>
<p>I do have to wonder why USNA waits until Mar or even April to issue most appointments. Or maybe my information is incorrect and they come sooner?</p>
<p>USNA waits until April to issue most appoints due to federal law requirements in that a dual application is required. The USNA application must be married with the nomination process. It takes time.</p>
<p>I am with itlstallion in the recommendation that once I-Day happens, ditch the backup plans.</p>
<p>Also, we seem to be making a mountain out of a molehill. The very few medical turnbacks of which I have been aware, initially accepted colleges seem to bend over backwards to 'reaccept' them.</p>
<p>Unless your backup plan is a rolling admissions College or University, most college acceptances come in the end of March so USNA is right there with the rest of the field.</p>
<p>Have a back up plan. My son did not ditch the backup as of IDay, actually the backup was the one to leave it open until PPW. The $500.00 payment to the backup College was well worth the piece of mind over May and June. Didn't really think about it again after IDay until Son had to call over PPW.</p>
<p>It's important to have a backup plan for several reasons. First there could be a medical DQ during the process. Second, your son could sustain an illness or injury prior to I-Day that makes plebe summer participation impossible. Third, he might change his mind between now & I-Day (it's been known to happen). Fourth, he might show up on I-Day and want to quit during the summer. </p>
<p>There is minimal downside other than your son's time and the fees to apply. If the LOA comes (and, understand that about 80% of those who receive appointments do NOT receive an LOA) AND USNA is your son's first choice, he can probably cut down significantly on the civilian schools to which he applies. That said, some LOAs don't come until well into the fall or even later and, thus, he may not want to wait until the last minute to start his civilian applications.</p>
<p>As for accepting scholarships, I suggest you read the fine print and/or contact the scholarship authority. In some cases, scholarship funds can be applied to defray the initial "loan" from USNA. In some cases, they cannot. I assume that a scholarship given to your son that could not be used if he attends USNA would have to be repaid if he had already accepted the money.</p>
<p>If applying for a NROTC scholarship is part of the back-up plan, he should get started on that app. as soon as possible. Space in the units fill up. A spot in the unit at his first choice civilian univ. may not be available if he waits too late to get the app. process going.</p>