Alternate status

NorthernCalMother · 02-17-2006, 03:39 PM

What are the chances for applicants named as "alternates"?

I saw posts from last year about alternates who were admitted, but does anyone know historical stat's on this? Thanks.

Bossf51 · 02-17-2006, 04:36 PM

Not sure but I once heard it was around 30%. Maybe Tino knows. My son was one of them last year.

CadetTino · 02-17-2006, 04:50 PM

I've heard that 30% number as well, though I can't find any statistics to conferm or deny it. I do know plenty of people that got in that way though; one person found out two weeks before R-day.

NorthernCalMother · 02-17-2006, 05:32 PM

My son's Alternate letter that says he should be pleased because "over 30% of the appointments come from the Alternate pool" but he's trying to do the related computation: how many in the how-big pool didn't get that chance?
Any ideas?

Jamzmom · 02-20-2006, 02:48 PM

Thats a tough question as I've never seen any numbers put out there concerning Alternates from any Academy. But I would remain very hopeful if I were you. Its good he has that letter in hand and not the one that says, "We regret to inform you......" So hold on tight for a while longer! DO NOT get discouraged yet. Gooooood Luck & let us all know when you hear!

Boss, make yourself useful up there. Stop feeding those boys. Ever see Gremlins? Think about it...

How many kids apply to CGA each year usually? Can't be near the 50,000 at NA. LOL But if you could guess-ti-mate, would the alternate pool be somewhere near 80 to 90 kids that come out with an appointment? I could be way out there in noo noo land (no comments from the peanut section) but it seems it could be possible.

Bossf51 · 02-20-2006, 02:56 PM

Ha ha JM...final big meal of the weekend was my famous meat loaf and mash potatoes...I'm not a gourmet chef...more like solid comfort food...but I digress...

About 4,000 a year apply from what I hear.

I would say about 90 from the alternate list get appointments. That is a wild guess.

soccer1458 · 02-20-2006, 07:24 PM

I just read somewhere in one of the booklets they sent out that something like 5,000-6,000 apply each year.

NorthernCalMother · 02-20-2006, 08:08 PM

Thanks, Bossf51. The Alternate letter says about 30% of the class comes from the Alternate list, so that sounds right.

Do you know how many make the Alternate list? Son is just trying to get a rough guess of his shot, based on the initial size of the group.

Bossf51 · 02-20-2006, 09:26 PM

No I don't know the specifics. It changes year to year. But I would say he has a decent shot at it. If you want to PM me his stats and other info I will give you an assessment of his chances.

cadetmom · 02-27-2006, 05:02 PM

I'd say...keep your hopes up!
Many of those in the 09 class have come from the alternate pool. It seems like many didn't even get word until April or later.

NorthernCalMother · 02-27-2006, 05:17 PM

Son and husband visited the CGA last week and learned that in the past, ABOUT 350 Alternates were named and ABOUT 100 were eventually accepted.

At least these numbers seem better than the typical waiting list!

Bossf51 · 02-27-2006, 05:27 PM

So that's right about the 30% figure that was previously mentioned. Fairly decent odds for the right candidate.

Cadetmom welcome. Do you have somebody at CGA?

cadetmom · 02-28-2006, 03:42 PM

Yep, I do! And I will be seeing you at the Regattas....

Bossf51 · 02-28-2006, 03:47 PM

hmmm...I'm gonna have to guess on this one...ha ha you got me going...

cadetmom · 02-28-2006, 03:55 PM

One interesting point to ponder. Of the MANY cadets we have had contact with, ALL of them were selected from the alternate pool.

My advice: Never give up the ship!
It doesn't matter whether your appointment is the first or the last to be offered....everyone enters on equal ground.