<p>My son just received notice that he was just put on the National Waiting List today. Does anyone have any insights as to chances this year of being appointed off the list? Seems it could go either way - with applications down it might mean that those that did apply were more serious about West Point and few will get in off the list. On the other hand, once appointed - because of Iraq - appointees and their families might think twice about accepting the appointment. I guess I could go crazy thinking about this.</p>
<p>I was placed on the NWl last year and did not gain an appointment. I chose to enroll at The Citadel this year and do Rotc while at the same time reapplying to the point. This year I unfortunately received the same letter stating that I was on the NWL. However, much to my surprise I received my appointment on the 3rd of feb. Apparently, admissions is placing every fully qualified candidate on the NWL this year and then picking their top choices when the nominations come in. At this point my best advice is to CALL YOUR REGIONAL COMMANDER in admissions and find out what number you are on the list and what your chances are this year. I did this and he told me that my chances were very good.Shortly thereafter my appointment came in the mail. Last year, when I called they gave me an actual number. Good luck.</p>
<p>adam219 - How has your time at The Citadel been? My S is considering the usual group of colleges as back-up: TAMU, VT, VMI & Citadel.</p>
<p>The Citadel is a great school but it is a totally different animal than the academies. Your experiences will be much more different. The academics arent as hard and the freshman system is the toughest in the country. Personally, I have seen a lot of good leadership here and a lot of bad. The ROTC department is one of the best in the country. After the first year, things get a little bit easier as there is no commitment to go in the military when you graduate unless you are contracted. I would say that if you are seriously thinking about coming here you should take the overnight visit after you get accepted because it is a real eye opener and WILL determine if you want to come here or not.</p>
<p>Thanks for the insight and best of luck - sounds like you'll be a couple of steps ahead when you get to the academy!</p>
<p>Thanks Adam for your comments. And good luck next year at West Point. It's when I read notes like yours that my faith in our military leadership is highest. You really sound like you have what it takes to succeed and lead!</p>
<p>Yes I too got the notice that I was placed on the NWL. I e-mailed my regional director over how this process works. Is it done by region? In other words if an appointed nominee from my nomination district turns down the offer, does it go to the next person on the list of qualified nominees for my area? Or does it go to national competition? The main reason I ask is that I have a friend who got a LOA and nomination from West Point in my district who is going to the Air Force Academy instead. Also, does this waiting list supercede the possibility of being given an offer to attend the prep school?</p>
<p>To answer your question drsnipes, the national waiting list has nothing to do with region. Rather, it encompases every fully qualified candidate without a nomination. Last year, which was the toughest year to get in, there were approx. 700 people on the NWL. Unfortunately, if you are academically qualified you cannot be admitted to the prep school. However, there is hope if the friend who is going to chair force was the principal nominee in your district. Then, if you were ranked right behind him by the nomination commitee of your congressman, you could possibly get an appointment. Last year, I was the principal nominee in my district and was almost positive I had the appointment. However, a 300 pound football player was admitted over me because the football coach wanted him. Anyway, good luck and I hope that answers your question.</p>
<p>Yeah that pretty much answers my question, but you said the NWL encompasses everyone without a nomination, but I do have a nomination from my congressmen, does that in anyway affect this list?</p>
<p>Sorry I made a mistake when I said that. If you are on the NWL you should have a nomination, however you more than likely aren't the principal nominee in your district. But, this year it is a weird situation because WP was putting every fully qualified candidate on the NWL even before the nominations came in. My advice to you would be to just call your regional commander in admissions and find out what number you. I wouldn't worry about it too much because it is still early in the process. One thing that I would say is that if you don't really have a backup plan yet you should start looking. Places like the Citadel (where I am now)and VMI are great places to start your cadet years. You will be one step ahead at the academy if that is what you really want. But don't lose hope yet because it is still early in the game. Like I said call your regional commander and then move from there.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice Adam! I won't lost hope, but I do have a 4-year ROTC scholarship to VMI and Virginia Tech in case things don't work out. But I'll stay confident. I called and e-mailed my regional commander, but I don't think he returns calls on weekends.</p>
<p>My son just found out he's on the National Waiting List. He called his regional admissions officer to ask what number he is on the list but his admissions officer wouldn't/couldn't tell him. All he would say is that he is still competitive but he should also be pursuing alternatives. Is this normal for West Point not to tell what your position on the list is?</p>
<p>I called my Regional Commander and left a message. He called me back and said that while he could give me a number, it was just too early to tell without the deadline being passed.</p>
<p>I e-mailed and asked me if he could give me any indication of where I stood. He e-mailed me back saying that things will change, but right now he doesn't think I have a strong chance of getting in off the list. He said that while I am nominated, fully qualified, and essentially what West Point is looking for, my district is just too competitive.</p>
<p>So while I am basically wrapping up my admissions cycle this year, I'll still hope something goes my way. Otherwise, next year here I come!</p>
<p>Sorry the news isn't better guys.</p>
<p>Being the optimist type, I suggest you try to keep your hopes up a while longer. </p>
<p>I predict a larger than normal declination rate this year. This would be consistent with the lower number of applications (about 15% lower at WP).</p>
<p>Here's why I think the declination rate will be higher. I suspect that some of the candidates that are borderline in their commitment to a military career will decline rather than accept because of the reaction they get from people who hear they have been accepted to the USMA. I have had several people congratulate my son on his appointment and then say how unfortunate it is that there's a war going on. Our son has picked up their not so subtle message and responded that now's the best , not worst, time to serve in the military. He tells them that the need for good military leaders is greatest during times of war. </p>
<p>As you can probably tell, I agree with my son. That's a scary thought.</p>
<p>Hope your dreams come true.</p>
<p>My Regional officer told me today in an email:</p>
<p>"Your file has already been qualified by the committee and is on the National
Waiting List. You are awaiting a vacancy to come open for you. It will be
awhile, at least until the end of April, before one might come open. "</p>
<p><em>sighs</em> Watch, I'll find out the day before R-day, that's the kind of luck I have :)</p>
<p>Anyone know how many people get pulled off the list?</p>
<p>It's all good friends! We still have a chance! Does anybody know how it would work to commit to another service academy and them receive an appointment to West Point? Not to say I would do this, but it's just a consideration.</p>
<p>I would say that your acceptance card probably isn't legally binding. I knew a kid who accepted his appointment and then never showed up for R-day. Nothin happened to him. They can't really do anything until you show up. Keep in mind, you have until May 1 to respond to your offer of admission. Just wait is what I'd say.</p>