<p>WIN84 the utmost congradulations to your daughter! As sad as it is that she did not get into USNA... i think that getting into VMI has to be an EQUALLY apperciable honor! I think there is no shame or sadness involved with that aspect! Congradulations on that again.</p>
<p>WIN84 sorry to hear about DD, I know exactly how she is probably feeling but congrats to her about VMI</p>
<p>I received 2 envelopes from the Naval Academy last night; before I opened them I knew what they probably were. I was right they were what I had been dreading after all that hard work and waiting. Everyone has been mentioning the big packet which they get when they received their appointment and these were 2 normal size envelopes from admissions.</p>
<p>The first letter advised me that that I did not receive a vice presidential nomination.</p>
<p>Then the second, the worst letter you could get...REJECTION</p>
<p>I was hoping that my waiting would come to an end in a more positive way; I hoped that the packet that I would receive would be that with an appointment.</p>
<p>Awww, come on peskemom, not all ring knockers are pains in the *ss. I knew quite a few ROTC grads who partied away their college years and whined when we were 12 on 12 off (lack of discipline).</p>
<p>All I know is that great officers come from ALL walks of life, Academy, ROTC, OCS and prior enlisted ~ Just as bad officers come from the same. The difference is conviction and passion for what you want in life.</p>
<p>My heart goes out to all the seniors who find that their 1st choice school isn't an option, but my experience shows me that sometimes your alternate choices are what is meant to be.</p>
<p>The journey in life has just begun!</p>
<p>I got rejected too! :(. My eye waiver didn't go through. USNA was my first choice and my life long dream. I felt so crushed for weeks! But all the hard work I have done to prepare myself for the U.S. Naval Academy have not gone to waste. I have an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Military Academy and I'm still waiting for the U.S. Air Force Academy(ironically THEY granted my medical waiver). I'm glad I have choice between Navy, Army, or Air Force.</p>
<p>"Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you will land among the stars"</p>
<p>Oh VMI rocks too! I got accepted there too and visited the place.</p>
<p>Hannah Marcelo</p>
<p>Snipper, </p>
<p>By communication I meant the little postcards, the letter asking him to re-take the CFA, the extremely helpful discussions with the admissions counselor and our ALO, and their follow-up. Everyone associated with the AFA has been communicative and gave us the feeling their job was to help every candidate navigate the process as best they could.</p>
<p>Just....... Damn.</p>
<p>cadetmom, I'm married to the world's most wonderful man who is USNA grad '72 and I can assure you he isn't a pain in the a--!</p>
<p>I simply was quoting prevailing wisdom which not only win84's kiddo will hear, but all our mids will hear. The standard rivalries of who got the better end of the deal for their commission will be with our kids no matter which route they go. 'tis human nature</p>
<p>hamarcelo- congratulations on your appointments! You have much to be proud of! Let us know which one you end up at!</p>
<p>WIN84</p>
<p>The son of a friend of mine didn't get into USNA last year and went to VMI instead. Really worked out for him. He wants to be a Marine officer and this will give him a great opportunity.</p>
<p>Likewise, another friend of mine a number of years ago had her heart set on James Madison. Ended up at VA Tech. Six months later, JMU was a distant memory and she graduated a die-hard Hokie -- loved every minute of her 4 yrs there.</p>
<p>As a parent, you know this is only the beginning of disappointments. It will happen later with jobs -- both in and outside of the military. I've always believed that you are best off in life at a place where they are truly excited about having you join them -- whether it be a school, a place of work, a charitable organization to which you donate time, etc. </p>
<p>I agree with those who say to focus on the positive and the wonderful experience VMI will be. As for your family members, if they've never experienced short-term disappointments in their lives, they are very lucky individuals. I would only hope that they would be supportive -- not critical -- and embrace your daughter's choice and exciting future.</p>