Alternate

ksenior07 · 12-16-2006, 03:24 PM

I got a letter today saying that I am an alternate. I was just wondering:
How many other people are alternates?
What can I do to improve my status (I sent in my first trimester grades- all A's and one B+ in 4 AP classes)?
Do I still have a good chance of being accepted?

I am also medically qualified by DODMERB

wanabuscgamom · 12-16-2006, 05:34 PM

My son got a letter today saying he was an Alternate. He was disappointed, as was I.

Does anyone know what the responses could have been?
Is it:

Appointment
Alternate
Rejection and
Deferral?

Thanks.

D03 · 12-16-2006, 06:29 PM

i got the alternate letter today too

ColbyBuss · 12-16-2006, 07:43 PM

I am also an alternate

ksenior07 · 12-16-2006, 08:50 PM

I know I'm really upset and disappointed too.

TheCommissioner · 12-16-2006, 09:17 PM

No mail from the USCGA here! :-( Anyone know when the rejection letters are sent?

Bossf51 · 12-17-2006, 08:41 AM

To all those who got an alternate letter. Don't despair! At least 30% of the class will come from the alternate list. Only the very top candidates and some athletes get picked for early action.

As I have mentioned before my son came off the alternate list. To answer some of the questions.

What to do to improve chances of being accepted: send in your grades from the second quarter if you are on that system. Take the SATs again. Send in to your admissions officer any new awards or leadership positions that may come your way. If you are good in a sport, let the coaches know of your ongoing interest. They can help your application. KS you still have a good chance to be accepted.

The responses are either appointment, outright rejection or alternate status. There is no "deferral" status per se. That is what the alternate status covers.

All early action letters should be out by early next week. If you don't hear something call or email your admissions officer.

Finally remember some of you will be offered NAPS or CGRIT. While this involves another year of schooling, it will guarantee your appointment assuming you meet all the other requirement.

I know this is a disappointment but know that many kids get in from the alternate list and you just have to hang in there. Appointments from the list will start to arrive in February. Good luck!

ksenior07 · 12-17-2006, 09:43 AM

Thanks for the advice Boss.
Do you think it would be helpful to get a letter of recommendation from the science department chair because I have had straight A's in science since I went to school there. I took Chem, AP Chem, and AP Physics. Also, should I ask my AP Calc teacher for a letter of recommendation?

Bossf51 · 12-17-2006, 10:00 AM

Those would be good. But probably more important, do you have any leadership positions that would appeal to the Academy? Are you in sports. You need a complete package to be of interest to them. If you want to PM me feel free with your complete profile. I will be happy to comment.

Jamzmom · 12-17-2006, 12:17 PM

People People! Don't be down about an alternate status. This means you're still in the running! I'd blow up some balloons & have a little party. Alternates do get in. I have proof.

Hang tough & listen to Boss. Keep those files updated.

Welcome here to the Commish from the "other" place. Don't give up the ship. I recall some kids not hearing a thing until April. Its a nerve wracking wait for sure.

rjrzoom57 · 12-18-2006, 08:28 AM

Does anyone know how large the alternate pool typically runs? Are you one of 100 or 1000? Also, I assume the list is ranked???

Bossf51 · 12-18-2006, 09:34 AM

It varies from year to year. I would say it's in the area of 2-300.

suzannegra · 12-18-2006, 12:00 PM

My son received an alternate status also. He too is disappointed, but still hopeful. He just got promoted in AFJROTC to LT. COL and is now Director of Operations for the Unit (200+ Cadets) and also was named Capt. of his indoor track team......I sure hope these things help!!