<p>There is no such thing as a "Vice Presidential Appointment". The deadline for a VP nom was Oct 31 and there was no CFA submission required for it.</p>
<p>The last time I checked (last week) VP nom deadline was March 1st, 2006. Don't know about PAE though.</p>
<p>I never heard anything about a CFA submission for a VP nom in the past, but don't have any current info to inform either way. Maybe plebehopeful doesn't really have a problem after all!</p>
<p>Hey plebehopeful -- stop by and update us! Even though some of the "advice" on this thread has been a bit rough, we're all still on your side and would be happy to hear if it was just a miscommunication.</p>
<p>I am not sure how this contributes to the issue of a "late" CFA being mailed (and now if it was even "late" at all seems to be in question) -however, while the PAE (as it was called last year) had to be mailed in, this year the CFA was entered on-line directly by the coach- not even mailed- apparently when you list the name of the coach doing the testing (their name appears on your CIS profile) they are sent an e-mail from USNA with directions as to testing and reporting the results electronically. Our son's CIS was updated within hours of his test being completed- and that was a Sunday! So I remain unclear as to why a paper result was even submitted back- ?????? Now I'm really confused!! :/</p>
<p>You know whose butt you should really beat. YOUR OWN. Although the deadline is stated as 31 Jan 06. The true deadline is 1 Mar 06. The 31 Jan deadline is for all preliminary paperwork. CFA is not preliminary. So quit worrying about it.</p>
<p>I definitely sympathize with you over the issue. I am one of those guys who often wait to the last minute. And, I, literally got every single bit of paperwork off to every academy at the last minute. To all of you reading this and getting ready to complain. I care about getting into an academy more than anything else. And perhaps procrastination will lead to failure. However, considering you carefully do everything. ie make sure you have a set mailing date for everything, use certified mail and what not you will be fine. With the P.E. teacher situation, you sort of did wait too long, but I imagine you didn't stress the fact that it had to be off by that day or you would be in deep s. Anyhow, I know the deadine for everything is February 28th for West Point, I believe the USNA was the same (but like I said I sent most everything off at once in one mailing). Good luck, hope you have some other nomination. Try to plan better, or plan to fail, and that means do things early.</p>
<p>In addition I read something concerning West Point and the Army the other day. Basically it spoke of a standard, and how no one can be expected to keep a standard that is not defined to him, and no one can be required to surpass the standards. ie. you can't kick a Cadet out for having the absolute minimum prt scores on his last trial to separation. The same goes for deadlines. If you make a deadline, you made it. No one can count it against you for not being early, but if you are one minute late, thats it. There has to be a cut off, and if you don't make that cut off, there is no compromise. To create a standard and then ignore it would be as useful as not having one at all, perhaps worse.</p>
<p>Concerning CandidateMom's post about recommendations:</p>
<p>Its interesting you mention the a teacher's duty to write recommendations for students. Doesn't it get old? Doesn't it destroy any validity of teacher recommendations when absolutely every one is rather stellar. (With the exception of course, a few weird ones who desire to destroy a student's career). The only way your recommendations stand out at this point is if its a three star general, a senator, state chief justice (had one of these btw, but felt it would be wrong to include it since he didn't know me personally), etc. I think they have lost their usefulness.</p>
<p>The responses I have received from civilian colleges have all indicated that teacher recommendations and evaluations are taken quite seriously, especially if the student has waived any claim to read them. </p>
<p>Writing them is difficult and time consuming, but does not get old. Each of my students is unique and I try to write about the qualities that makes each stand out. They are not all stellar in every aspect, but I write about those positive qualities that I have observed and of which I have direct knowledge. It is not all about grades, or the class president, or the homecoming queen. It is about determination, compassion for others and a sense of community spirit. Integrity and reliability are as important as class rank. Colleges want individuals who will contribute to the community as well as a classroom discussion. </p>
<p>I have been told that admissions officers can tell from the letters which writers know the candidate well and which are merely providing a list of accomplishments.</p>
<p>The teachers I know will decline to write a letter if they feel that they have nothing positive to say. Why would a candidate even ask for a recommendation from someone with whom they have clashed in the past? I have never known of a teacher whose goal was to "destroy a student's career".<br>
Good Luck to all.
CM</p>