<p>I posted this question several months back and didn't get a very good explanation. If you receive a candidate number is that saying your accepted by the naval academy's standards? and the only thing you lack then is an appointment?</p>
<p>A candidate number is basically an id number to log you on to the application which is online. I am pretty sure that in order to receive this candidate number, you must meet certain bare minimum standards such as minimum PSAT scores or other criteria.</p>
<p>So once you receive a candidate number you have been accepted to the school you just lack an appointment?</p>
<p>Since only about 10% of those who 'start' the application process eventually get an appointment and attend, being assigned a candidate # does NOT mean you have been accepted.</p>
<p>The official application process starts when you get a candidate #. Lots more happens in between as described on the various threads here.</p>
<p>I think you have your terminology mixed up a bit. What a normal civilian school would call "acceptance" is termed an "appointment" at the service academies. The Candidate Number is simply a screen name to login to the Naval Academy web site and check the status of your application.</p>
<p>To reinforce what the others said, receiving a candidate number in no way states that an appointment is guaranteed. Once you receive the candidate number, THEN you can officially START applying to the Academy (ie sending test scores, transcript, CFA results, recommendations, applying for nominations etc.) .</p>
<p>WHHW, just out of curiosity. What year are you applying/planning on applying to USNA for?</p>