Nervous about Application Strength...

<p>So, right now I'm applying for the class of 2012.</p>

<p>As of a today, I have received a nomination from all three MOCs for my district.</p>

<p>The main concern I face, however, is that I haven't heard anything from USNA since I finished DoDMERB in late August (found qualified with waiver). My BGO said I passed the CFA. I can't say I believe him 100%; I don't think he's lying, maybe misread it or something, but I could only do 1 pull up at NASS in June (I'm a male). I can't help but have a nervous squack in the back of my mind that I didn't pass it. And yet, he's adamant that I shouldn't retake it because it won't matter.</p>

<p>Finally, I haven't received an LOA. Nor any Triple Qualified announcements in the mail. Nor anything that says I'm not qualified in some way.</p>

<p>So, my question is, is it normal to not hear ANYTHING from them at this point? And now that I have 3 nominations, will they begin to review my application for an appointment now, or do they wait until January/February/March until all nominations and applications are due?</p>

<p>Thanks. I know this question sounds pedantic, but I just wanna know.</p>

<p>Are you from a very competitive region, or not? If you are, then having nominations from all 3 MOCs sounds very encouraging. I remember reading other posts that said, so long as you pass the CFA, not to worry about re-taking it unless you can make really noticeable improvements.</p>

<p>No matter what, good luck!</p>

<p>I'm in Maine, and I think we had about 30 or so applicants for USNA. Not as competitive as Virginia, but large enough to where you can get 3 easily.</p>

<p>Simayan - With 3 MOC nominations, you must have a fairly decent record. You didn't share your SAT/ACT scores, or your overall GPA, or your class standing, or whether or not you have taken some AP classes.</p>

<p>There is a lot that goes into the process, and usually, MOCs will look at the same things as a major determining factor to give that nomination.</p>

<p>Now ...if your record is poor, but your parents are big time political cronies of all 3 MOCs, maybe the MOC nominations don't mean much - but I think that the 3 MOCs are significant.</p>

<p>BUT ...PATIENCE. The USNA Admissions is notoriously slow in passing the word out. A very very very few strong candidates get LOAs. (I think that there are less than 200 LOAs ... I think I will ask the question of the Admissions Office.) Many candidates don't get their official offer of Appointment until February or March. (My son got a phone call from his BGO on March 25 ... so patience is definitely needed.)</p>

<p>Now ....if you are worried, start lining up your alternate plans (another academy, another school), continue to pursue scholarships (a few can be used to pay entrance fees, and even though there may be no up-front charge, there will be about $8000 of charges over the 4 years for computer, uniforms, supplies, etc. Some scholarships can be used to pay those costs!)</p>

<p>Usually - any service academy will give you until May to accept the appointment, so if you get an offer to another academy, you can park it off to the side and wait til the end of April.</p>

<p>My own belief - there are more people that want the Navy, so there are more people to screen, and it takes more time for the Admissions Board to issue offers. But if you really really want it ...you should be willing to wait. And it definitely worth the wait!!!</p>

<p>R/ Mike,
BGO</p>

<p>simayan-i'm in a similar position to you. I haven't received an LOA or early appointment offer of any kind. I have not heard anything regarding the CVW either. I am however triple qualified as of a few weeks ago when I got the letter saying that I was academically qualified (I had been medically qualified weeks earlier, and I know I passed the CFA with flying colors). I only have one nomination, though, from the President. I am still awaiting the word from my MOCs and one of them still has to conduct the interviews. I wish I had three nominations like you man...but the key is patience and you will eventually hear from them...no news is good news-you at least know that you are still in the hunt for an appointment...also...when did you complete your application packet for USNA...that might have something to do with it</p>

<p>For academically qualifying, you must have a decent curriculum/SAT, ACT scores and good grades...you haven't mentioned anything regarding that so I can't say as to whether or not you will be receiving a letter anytime soon</p>

<p>Also, what session were you in for NASS this past June? I was Alpha Co. 2-5 during the Second Session...</p>

<p>with a total of 30 applicants from the State of Maine - and 4 MOC's it is rather easy to see why Simayan got a nomination from all 3 of his MOC's.</p>

<p>First don't panic- it is normal for you not to hear anything yet.</p>

<p>This is a run down on how it will work - your MOC's will submit their slate.<br>
If any of your MOC's use the primary or primary with ranking alternates:
Their designated primary nom winner will get the appointment IF that person is 3 q'd. If you are top dog then you win. If not then you must see if that person rejects the academy will go to the next person - the MOC picks if he ranks otherwise the academy picks according to the WCS.
Now, the academy must give top dog time to get qualified, if not already qualified.</p>

<p>If your MOC's use the competitive method then the academy ranks the slate of 10 and makes their pick. They need time for everyone to get their applications complete and the deadline for that is February. This is why most appointments go out in Feb.<br>
Remember even though you have the noms the slates aren't due until Jan 31st. With only a small number of applicants the MOC may wait until the deadline for any late applicants they can add to their slate.</p>

<p>After the academy has the competitive slate complete - they will make their pick according to the WCS. If you are top dog then you win.</p>

<p>Let's say there are 3 other candidates more qualified than you in your district/state - you will go into the national pool and compete with applicants from the rest of the country.</p>

<p>I know you want to know but be patient. In the meantime keep your grades up, keep your application updated - if you win awards, become an officer - anything significant make sure you update your file with the academy.
This will increase your WCS.</p>

<p>One more thing - if you are concerned about your CFA - call admissions at the academy. This is a good excuse to touch base with the folks in admissions.</p>

<p>IMHO, Any candidate like Simayan who can correctly use the word pedantic in a sentence should automatically get in. :D</p>

<p>JustAMomof4 - what is WCS?</p>

<p>Whole Candidate Score?</p>

<p>yep. getting an appointment is a competition. When your package is complete it is reviewed and all the elements are scored - that is your academic work (transcripts, SAT/ACT's, class rank etc), all your leadership and extra curricular activities and athletics, and your CFA.</p>

<p>Each candidate is assigned a score - the one with the highest score wins.
This is also why it is important to keep your application updated.</p>

<p>For instance - you get extra points for being an Eagle Scout. If you get your Eagle in December then let admissions know and they will include it and your WCS will go up accordingly.</p>

<p>sounds good...nice info</p>

<p>Thanks everyone!</p>

<p>Some basic stats are:</p>

<p>3.3 GPA unweighted (3.7 weighted)</p>

<p>650 Math, 630 Verbal, 780 Writing (shame they won't count it)</p>

<p>Rank: 44/335</p>

<p>Note: School uses semesters, so according to my BGO, they are converted into years for academy requirements. Taken hardest classes available each year (Honors/AP/Honors Advanced), 5 'years' of English, 6 of foreign language, 5 of math, 5 of History, 7 of Sciences (4 were lab based). Took AP History, taking AP English and Calculus next semester (those being the only AP courses our school offers besides Computer Science). </p>

<p>Any thoughts as to whether this would be grounds for being Triple Q'd? And would it be out of turn to call admissions and ask if I passed the CFA?</p>

<p>i just asked my BGO and he found out for me if i passed the CFA.</p>

<p>They would let you know if you failed, but not your score. It's better to surf and see if your scores match up to other candidates. You said earlier you only did 1 pull up, did you ever re-do your CFA? What were your other numbers?</p>

<p>where are you from in maine? Because I am from Brunswick!</p>

<p>which senators did you get nominations from? I'll be able to qualify for a vice-presidential since my father went to USNA</p>

<p>everyone qualifies for VP. only career military children can qualify for the presidential.</p>

<p>Ckousky3 - Nominated by Snowe, Collins, and Allen.</p>

<p>CFA scores were:</p>

<p>1 pull up
65 push ups
70 sit ups
6:50 mile
7 sec. shuttle run
75ft Basketball throw</p>

<p>Simayan,</p>

<p>3 MOC Nominations is a significant feat and may be looked at by the admissions board as an apparent strength of your record.</p>

<p>Your CFA reflects the scores that are near the minimum passing scores of USNA's PRT (45 pushups, 65 situps, 10:30 1.5 mile run). Don't worry! Look at these scores that I had on my CFA:</p>

<p>34 pushups
42 situps
4:36 mile run
2 pull ups
5.9 shuttle
101ft basketball throw</p>

<p>USNA knows that not everyone is coming into the academy in peak shape. You should notice a hefty difference in your strength and running abilities during plebe summer when you take your last fitness test. </p>

<p>Your academic record is within the middle 50% for verbal, and slightly less than the middle 50% for math, but a 650 should be fine. USNA won't count the writing, but will note it as a strength on your record, I figure.</p>

<p>I didn't know anything until JAN 31 when my congressman called and said my appointment would be in the mail in 2 days. I was notified that I was the first from my state to get one.</p>

<p>Hang in there and best wishes.</p>

<p>Thanks for the reassurance, GoNavy. I suppose now I just have to wait.</p>

<p>Still terrified about the lack of a Triple Q'd letter, though.</p>