Thin Letter, now what?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
1

<p>This is the hardest post I've ever had to make here at CC, but thought I'd better let all the friends we've made on CC know about my daughters disappointment. Also, this could possibly help those who have to reapply.</p>

<p>Daughter received her letter on Saturday, dated Monday the 5th. It says:</p>

<p>Dear XXXXX,</p>

<pre><code> The Admissions Board has completed a comprehensive review of your application file. Regrettably, we are not able to offer you an appointment to the United States Naval Academy Class of 2011 or a position at the Naval Academy Preparatory School. The competition for admission into the Naval Academy is always intense, and every year we are, unfortunately, required to turn away many fine young men and women.

A number of factors, including your scholastic background, standardized test scores, extra-curricular activities and recommendations, were considered to determine your standing in the appointment process. Unfortunately, the Admissions Board did not find your record competitive enough to continue to compete for an appointment. Please be assured that this decision is based on our Admission Board's careful review of your complete candidate file, including all correspondence and documents received. If you had a medical waiver pending with the Naval Academy, the process has been stopped with no further review of your medical status.

If you are still interested in a career in the Naval Service, I urge you to contact the nearest Navy or Marine Corps recruiter for more information on NROTC scholarship opportunities or other officer and enlisted accession programs. This information is also available at the following web sites www.navy.com or www.marines.com
</code></pre>

<p>We are honored by your interest in the Naval Academy and your desire to serve our country. We wish you success in your future endeavors.</p>

<pre><code> Sincerely,

                                                          Director of Admissions.

</code></pre>

<p>When the letter was opened there were a few tears, then a little anger. We let her be and go commiserate with a good friend on Saturday. Sunday morning I got her up early and we went for a run to discuss where to go next. </p>

<p>I asked her if it wouldn't be easier to give up on the Academy and just go to College. She said, "I can't go through life doing the easy thing, I've got to reapply for next year!"</p>

<p>I was hoping that would be her attitude, but I wanted her to say it out loud. </p>

<p>We still haven't heard about an NROTC scholarship but aren't very hopeful this late in the process. She'll definitely go to our local college next year, but they don't have Naval ROTC.</p>

<p>To those of you out there that have had to reapply in the past, did you do it right away? Can you fill out the application as a High School Senior, even if college plans are still not firmed up? </p>

<p>Her short range plan is to contact her BGO and our MOC's to let them know she's reapplying. Any other advice?</p>

<p>Thanks very much to everyone on this board who has been so supportive, especially Peskemom, Jamzmom, Zaphod, Whistle Pig, subvet and all the rest.</p>

2

<p>Did the academy say anything about a Foundation scholarship for your daughter? They said no the NAPS but what about a civilian prep school?</p>

3

<p>Haven't heard anything about Foundation, maybe that would be a good reason to get a hold of her Regional counselor? I also heard from someone that a lot of ROTC scholarships still haven't been awarded, so maybe she's not out of the running there.</p>

4

<p>Cougar, I am so proud of your daughter's determination. She needs to try to get ahold of dmeix who did a year at Univ. of Wash NROTC, reapplied, and is now a plebe.</p>

5

<p>Our son asked his NROTC contact last month about timing; specifically whether his applicaiton would be impacted by the failure of his guidance couselor to get them the material they needed to close out his application before the Christmas break. My son was shooting for the January review cycle. He responded that they frequently see half the total number of applicants for NROTC scholarships in a given year coming in just prior to the deadline.</p>

6

<p>I was in the same shoes a few years ago, so I feel your daughter's pain. I know the anger that she is feeling. I have the following information to offer you:</p>

<p>Note: I am pretty sure that foundation is out of the realm because the admissions board recommends those to the USNA Foundation and you wouldn't have got a rejection letter.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>If your daughter really wants USNA, try again. It is statistically easier to be appointed.</p></li>
<li><p>You can re-apply, I think you must submit a pre-application again (though I am not real sure).</p></li>
<li><p>DODMERB is good for 2 years.</p></li>
<li><p>Go to college and do well in similar courses and get involved in activities (sports, intramurals, xROTC, etc.)</p></li>
</ol>

7

<p>Yes, and make sure she gets involved with campus activities! My BGO told me this year that once you graduate high school, all the focus is on how and what you do in college.</p>

<p>Best of luck to her, and if it's any consolation, it's much easier walking into those nomination boards knowing that you have 1 up on everyone else there; you were told no, but you're coming back again, and that shows determination, something the others will have to prove in other ways.</p>

8

<p>Cougar, this is definitely a sad moment to all of us who have shared through you, this journey to see your daughter’s dream come true. It must be truly difficult to understand the why’s of it all right now. I’ve got a huge question mark in the middle of my forehead at the moment. Please remain encouraged! I know there is no need to remind you of the many instances of the “second try” kids doing that year of college and receiving appointments right here on this forum. You’ve also read about how those kids having that extra year helped a great deal in academics during Plebe year, making their lives a tad easier. I commented once that my son called while studying for a huge Physics test & said, “I wonder if I can give back the appointment, go to Naps or college to prep, then come back here. I could do this then.” He was really having some self doubts at the time. </p>

<p>Tell my cyber kid a little analogy from me. Ask her when she was little & you would give her a quarter at the gumball machine, did she ever stand & wish really hard that a blue gumball would come out & she’d get a green one instead? It wasn’t a failure to get what you wanted which was essentially the gum. It was just another option of color. I know this is all kinda stupid but….. You can still get what you want. Just get happy with the color of things at the moment until next time when the blue one might roll out your way! Going on to college just increased your chances, you know the application process inside & out now, you’ve time to add some more great stuff to your resume. Go get ‘em darlin‘!!</p>

9

<p>Does your daughter only want to attend the Naval Academy? She might want to consider applying to all of the other service academies as well. What one academy thinks is important is not necessarily something the other service academies may emhasize in the selection process. I know of other kids that were rejected by one academy that got into another service academy. Your daughter might also benefit from a frank, off the record discussion, with her BGO officer. Ask for his or her advice on what factors chilled her application. Are they factors that she can change for next year? She may also want to consider a year at a civil prep school even if she does not have a foundation scholarship. Those schools seem to have an "in" with the Admission's Office(s) and can often help a candidate on the second try. If she does get in for 2012 after attending a civil prep she will have a good idea of what to expect and will have a leg up on her peers at least on the military side. Good luck and best wishes to you and your daughter.</p>

10

<p>Cougar, although I've responded privately I wanted to post publically....STAY CONNECTED HERE and keep us informed of your daughter and her desire to serve her country and attend USNA, please.</p>

<p>You have alot to be proud of with her - and give her a huge hug from all of us</p>

11

<p>Cougar, sorry about the news. </p>

<p>I'm glad that your daughter is gung ho about trying again next year -- good for her. We all really hope it works out! </p>

<p>I would recommend that you and she attempt to determine the reason(s) for this year's rejection. You may already have a sense, but I'd still suggest asking your BGO for his/her views. First, he/she may have a pretty good idea based on experience. If not, you might ask your BGO to contact CGO sometime this summer (NOT NOW, as CGO is swamped and probably wouldn't be very receptive). I can't say that my experience is universal but I have on occasion been able to learn what factors were to "blame" for students where I'm stumped on why they didn't get the appointment. That will give your daughter some idea of where to refocus her efforts this coming year.</p>

<p>Second, be sure that no matter what college she enrolls in (community or otherwise) that she makes every effort to take Calculus, Chemistry, English, and History -- as close as possible to plebe courses. If academics were an issue, doing well in those college courses will definitely make a positive impression on CGO. You might also look into tutoring, study skills help, etc., if it's financially practical for you.</p>

<p>As a motivator, one of my candidates last year was in her THIRD year of college when applying. She is now a plebe. And, nearly 40% of each entering class now has at least a year of post-high school education. So it definitely can be done.</p>

12

<p>Cougar: wishing your daughter all the best....this too shall pass... and it sounds like she is a very determined young lady, so if USNA remains the goal (sounds like it is) then definately try again...</p>

<p>the post above by USNA1985 is right on the money- including contacting the BGO where her file can be strengthened, taking the classes listed above, and doing well in them.... </p>

<p>I keep coming back to this- but do keep in mind that 1/3 of the incoming class does not come straight from HS...but with at year, or more, of prep/college behind them... and it will make things easier once she gets there (from an academic perspective).... so it is very, very worth the time and effort! </p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>

13

<p>Ouch...... :(</p>

14

<p>Cougar,
Sorry to read about the 'thin letter.' Granted, it's a major disappointment for your daughter and everyone who loves her. But, don't give up the ship, because a number of current midshipmen and USNA grads initially received the 'thin letter' too. As a matter of fact, one of the most outstanding youngsters (3rd class sophomore) currently at USNA got an appointment on his THIRD try, after completing three years of college. This young man attended a civilian college, worked part-time, and followed his dream. I wouldn't be surprised if he retires someday with lots of awards at the rank of captain. </p>

<p>Krypter's comment about reapplying and determination is powerful.</p>

<p>Listen to USNA1985. She gives the best advice!</p>

<p>If your daughter takes after her daddy, she'll make it!</p>

<p>Good Luck!
usna09mom</p>

15

<p>Cougar,</p>

<p>First of all, I am sorry to hear about your daughter's letter. When I received the letter last year I pretty much reacted the same way. With regards to any suggestions about reapplying, I think I might be able to offer some words of advice. I am actually reapplying for the Class of 2011 after being rejected for the class of 2010. I decided right before I left for the University of Missouri to give it another shot. Currently, I am enrolled in the NROTC unit here and am trying to take courses that shadow what current plebes are taking their first year. One positive thing about reapplying is that you have already figured out the process and know the members of congress/nominating authorities processes. The first thing I did was submit a preliminary application, get a candidate number, and send a letter to all of the MOCs and let them know that they hadn't heard the last from me. Even though I am not sure how this try will turn out, I do think that going to a college and being part of the NROTC unit will help prepare me exponentially for a possible plebe year experience. Just getting used to college life, being away, and the academics I think will help tremendously. I would strongly encourage her to try and get involved in some sort of rotc unit. I know some colleges do "across town" deals where you can go to another college, but be part of their NROTC unit. Being part of the rotc unit gives you all of the fundamentals of being in a military unit and prepares you for being successful in military life. There are a lot of things such as uniform standards, other knowledge, not to mention the physical aspect, that would tremendously help to prepare her. Also, if she does well and commits herself to reapplying, she can also get nominated by her commanding officer at the unit. I could go on and on about this, but hopefully these comments have helped. Please feel free to email me or send me a message if you or her have any questions. I am always willing to answer questions and help someone who is really committed to doing something. I wish her the best!</p>

<p>Will
<a href="mailto:williamcunha@mizzou.edu">williamcunha@mizzou.edu</a></p>

16

<p>Thanks for all the great advice, and support and sympathy. Daughter will definitely contact BGO and see if that will go anywhere, and is very happy to hear that NROTC scholarship probably could still be in the works.</p>

<p>We'll keep you poste, you guys are the greatest!</p>

17

<p>Hi, Cougar_62, I'm so sorry for your daughter's disappointment. I know she must have worked very hard to get this far. Nothing hurts more than to see yur kid hurting. NROTC could definitely still be in the works. S is a soph. in NROTC as is his college roommate who also is his best friend from h.s. I know roommate didn't hear about his NROTC scholarship til around Feb. S heard early (end of Oct.) and was anxious for his friend to get it too. I think some might hear as late as April. Don't give up hope. I know USNA was her dream but S is finding ROTC to be the best of both worlds. Maybe she would too if she goes that direction. What school would she go to if she gets NROTC scholarship?</p>

18

<p>My youngest son was in the same position at this time last year. He also was not offered a foundation scholarship. He chose to go to Northwestern Preparatory in Southern California. It is a semeter long, private prep school that specifically preps kids to get into the service academies. Currently, my son is doing well at the academy just having maxed out the PRT. He is happy, working hard and thankful for the Directors and the staff of Northwestern Prep It was money very well spent.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.northwesternprep.com/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.northwesternprep.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

19

<p>^^^^^
Northwestern Preparatory School is an excellent option. The total cost for tuition, fees, room and board is approximately $7,000 -- probably the least expensive of the private prep schools. Northwestern is well regarded by the Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy. They have a success rate of approximately 99 percent in students gaining admission to service academies.</p>

20

<p>Just make sure that that is what she wants. If she wants it, tell her to reapply. I applied the first time and shocked my parents when they found a letter from USNA in the mail because they didn't know I was applying. After I didn't get in last year, everyone figured I wasn't "USNA material" and just sorta stopped asking how I was doing with the application and lost interest. But that didn't matter to me: I wanted to go more than anything, so I re-did the whole application, and I'll do it again and again and again until I'm 23 if I have to. If your daughter truly wants to go, tell her to go for it no matter what. If you're going to do something, commit to it!</p>

<p>Remember, it's not the fact that she didn't get in that matters. It's how she's going to deal with this rejection that will truly tell what kind of person she will become.</p>

<p>Best of luck.</p>