<p>My daughter has little time to spend on discussion boards. She has never posted here and I have found it a place to better understand what she is going through and hopefully to help her with any questions she may have (it's kinda my job as a parent). As far as someone's inference above that a parent's involvement will somehow inhibit a candidate's ability to gain entrance into the academy----bunk. She had an LOA in hand in July last year for WP (clas of 09) and in Oct for the Naval Academy. She accepted an appointment to WP in December (and received one for USNA in Dec as well). Neither was related to any athletic recruiting. I have never spoken nor communicated to anyone at either academy--she has done that herself---but I reserve the right to ask questions on my own and hopefully provide her with even more info than she may be able to gather on her own. Some of the info here has turned out to be mostly correct, some is just good advice from parents and cadets who have been through the process, some is just fun conversation. None of it is designed to exclude anyone from participating.</p>
<p>jrbunz, wow. That's not a very cool attitude. KateLewis and Bill, I have to say that I agree with both of you as well. Though, I have to comment--I'm one of those few New Cadets that's going to show up at R-Day with barely a trace of parental involvement. </p>
<p>I filled out the Pre-Candidate Questionairre as a Freshman. When I went to the Naval Academy SS, I booked my own flight and arranged with my Aunt to have her take me to the airport. I wrote every essay, filled out every form, by MYSELF. The only thing my parents did was sign where I asked them to. I paid any kind of fee for any/all applications from my own checking account, and the parentals later reimbursed me. I've called/emailed my liasion officer over and over again, and I've scheduled Doctor's appointment afte Doctor's appointment to get my DODMERB issue cleared up. Some of you might be asking why my parents didn't help with this at all. Why? </p>
<p>Because I wanted to do this on my own. This is my future, and I want to be able to say that I made it concrete on my own (i.e. acceptance). My parents paved the way by fully supporting me in school and athletic endeavors, but I was the one who actually received the Appointment. Don't get me wrong--I TOTALLY appreciate and understand how much my parents have done for me. But I wanted to do this one on my own, and I did. Is this supposed to be a comment on the parents who type on this board? Of COURSE not. Through the year I've been on this board, I've come to love the parents who participate--Shogun, Aspen, wstcoastmom, KateLewis, and probably several others I'm missing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a parent seeking information--in fact, it's perfectly natural. So, jrbunz, it'd be appreciated if you didn't blast those seeking the information, especially when you haven't been around long. IF you end up getting into and going to an Academy (I don't know your status as of now), hopefully you'll learn a little respect--you won't last long without it. </p>
<p>I'm now going to take a deep breath, and step back from the computer screen. Have a good day, everyone.</p>
<p>Kudos to you, marines4me, for having the maturity to do all that on your own.</p>
<p>Good luck next year.</p>
<p>I didn't mean to cause a stir. My son doesn't even know I am utilizing the discussion group. I am trying to get the information on my own, period. It is fun for me and I love learning more about NASS for myself.You are correct that he doesn't have the time to even look on these sites. To have the qualities that I believe the USNA requires, he has to be concentrating on achieving those requirements. He also has to follow the required protocol towards admission. I believe that he is more aware of the protocol than I am as he has his own BGO and has personally spoken to the congresswoman on several occasions. He wouldn't have gotten into NASS if he looked unqualified. I am also thoroughly impressed with MARINES4ME. I hope my son will follow suit.</p>
<p>I was hoping anybody reading the post would get past the gruff demeanor and simply read the information, its all there and correct. My father (USMA'72) taught me not to take stuff personally. That is key to success in the military. </p>
<p>I'm in all the summer programs (MA, AFA, NA), but read the rejection posts of the AFA section. Although helpful, the semminars are the last thing from acceptance. Basically, it means u are worth their consideration. It is a benefit for those who participate; if they can't make it for a week, forget CBT/ Beast or whatever you Mule-Stealing midshipmen call it. I am not arrogant, so I will not speculate on my future appointment, but I do know my Senator quite well...</p>
<p>jrbunz:
"I will not speculate on my future appointment, but I do know my Senator quite well..."</p>
<p>Did this senator grant you some form of Amnesty???</p>
<p>jrbunz...the problem with knowing your Senator well is that he/she doesn't have anything to do with the nominee selection process. They have a special board of people from the community who do everything, finally submitting their list for a rubber stamp approval.</p>
<p>Nope...</p>
<p>But I did spend last summer at his ranch.</p>
<p>that was to mom, sorry</p>
<p>As I understand, each Senator/ Congressman has the right to choose his appointee in any manner. However, I sure you are correct that most will use a selection board. I doubt each Senator spends his nights toiling over applications. </p>
<p>Anyways, there's no honor in just taking the nomination. That would be unfair to the non-service connected applicants. Like I said, my father graduated in '72 from USMA. Purple heart and 20 yrs service; full colonel. This opens up all kinds of doors for Presidential noms...</p>
<p>Many people, including myself, get the Pres Nom and it is automatic with no cap, thus it isn't a big deal at all. However, there can be no more than 100 appointees under this category. I don't get it...what sorts of "doors" does this open?</p>
<p>Junior:</p>
<p>How do you spell H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E? On the one hand youre criticizing a parent for helping her son with the service academy application process, but on the other hand youre bragging about political connections through your own father... </p>
<p>The best candidates receive appointments on MERIT and their own achievements, not because daddy or mommy pulled some strings. As I understand it, Presidental nominations are unlimited...</p>
<p>"I doubt each Senator spends his nights toiling over applications." In case you forgot, there are several female United States Senators.</p>
<p>Amd..., It opens the doors to Thayer Gate, of course!</p>
<p>I did not even mean to be shovanist. </p>
<p>I was just messin' with y'all anyways.</p>
<p>I saw a secial on the history channel about West Point, looked into it a bit. I found this sight and have been playing games ever since. </p>
<p>I did have fun being the annoying bombastic child, but I am done.</p>
<p>So you can go to sleep and not hammer every post I put up</p>
<p>The sun has not yet set over the Pacific Ocean. ;)</p>
<p>When do we find out about admission to the SS. I sent my application over the internet on like the first day and I haven't heard a thing yet. Does this sound good or bad? I applied to the Westpoint seminar and found out back in early February but I haven't even got an email from Naval. Is it good that I haven't heard anything....?</p>
<p>michealburt:My son heard the beginning of this month. But he is in Session 1. He told them he was available any session. Maybe, you aren't hearing yet because you had a specific session in mind. You could e-mail them to verify that they received your application. We had some mail problems and my son contacted the academy to check to see if they received everything and if they had his correct address.They responded immediately by e-mail.</p>
<p>If they did received it, what are your grades etc.. ?Also what state are you from? Maybe there are a lot of applicants from your state?</p>
<p>Good luck, though!!</p>
<p>Michaelburt - which email address did you use? thanks!</p>
<p><a href="mailto:michaelpburt@hotmail.com">michaelpburt@hotmail.com</a> - and i think ill just call them tomorrow... i gto 1370 sats first try and a 3.8 with a ton of ecs and leadership... senior patrol leader, class pres, football captain, good sports and crap. I was just wondering tho, i dont think ill go if i get in, and i dont think ill get in if i havent heard yet anyways. im hardcore westpoint anyways. does anyone know anything about NOLS? im going on alaska mountaineering in july and i think they should have a NOLS thread somewhere on CC.</p>
<p>My son e-mailed to <a href="mailto:admisn@usna.edu">admisn@usna.edu</a> . Good luck.. I know how anxious you feel. My son was feeling the same way.</p>
<p>Remember, although NASS is helpful, don't assume that if you don't get in, you won't get an appointment. My son has many kids in his company that either chose not to go to NASS or didn't get in. Sometimes it's just a matter of demographics.</p>