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It could also be that there is nothing to share at this time. I recall feeling like we were in limbo about this time, and communication with our BGO, while reachable, was scarce until an offer of the foundation came through. I would not read more into it than what is. I will venture to say that some BGOs are more communicative than others, some have more time to devote than others, some call only when there is concrete information to share. Several BGOs that have been kind enough to mentor me have shared experiences that, while I will spare the details, the outcome has left them on the cautious side with saying too much, too soon. Several of them have also shared that they are sitting back a bit to see how the admission cycle goes this year, in light of the academy’s desire to increase minority representation in the Brigade. Again, the more experienced BGOs can speak to this better than I can. </p>
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<p>Sounds like your son is doing all he can do, no matter where he ends up. While reading scores are important, please understand that no matter the major chosen, all will take a basic core in engineering classes; thus, the math SAT score is given more weight in the “whole person” multiple than verbal for those reasons. The recommendation letters from teachers are looked at closely, as are all other supporting documents, so again, your son has done his part, and I will assume to the best of his ability. What is hard is that while standing “alone” a package can look great, when compared to others that are vying for the same limited seat, may not hold up in the larger pool of competition, which is out of your control. </p>
<p>You have not mentioned if your son is a minority candidate, so I will assume he is not, which places him in the most competitive pool for admission. The USNA has clearly stated its goal of increasing African American and Hispanic enrollment, which makes the competition from other pools that much harder. One can argue the merrits of that, but ultimately it ends up in the same pile of things not in one’s control.</p>
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Some will indicate that right on their application, others in conversations or in the interview process with their BGO. I know it is a question I ask directly during the interview process, and I will venture to say that many BGOs do the same. I see that your son was interviewed by his BGO some time ago, so if he did not indicate that he would be receptive to that, and if you are unable to get your BGO, then that would be a conversation to have with the Regional Director. Even without indicating that desire, however, all applicants turned down for a direct appointment will be considered for NAPS or Foundation recommendation. </p>
<p>NAPS is generally considered for athletes and priors, although posters have indicated they fell into neither category and still got NAPs. Foundation is a separate process, and is a competitive one- meaning, you compete within the pool of candidates that have been recommended for consideration. Out of that pool, which can average around 600, not all will continue with the process- meaning, when contacted, there is no interest in considering the Foundation program, which is most unfortunate. Out of the remaining candidates, 60 or so will be selected. </p>
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The official answer to that is “no.” Unofficially, I don’t know- in our case, we were told he would still be considered for a direct appointment, but my gut told me that once sent in that direction, that is generally where you stay. I will share that while our son’s immediate reaction was a bit of disappointment, that faded quickly when he looked at the bigger picture and his end goal. In retrospect, it was the BEST thing that happened for many reasons. But not all see it that way, and many, unfortunately, turn the offer down.</p>
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Congratulations on the nomination. And yes, the admissions process will speed up a bit now that the Nomination slates are in, the deadline for those January 15th. Your son will compete in that slate first, and if not given an appointment in that round, will move to the national pool, which granted, is more competitive. Your son can check the CIS to see if he has received a nom from your Senator, but depending on how competitive your state is, some senators will not give a second nomination to a candidate that has already received one from their area MOC. (note: Some will- ours did not)</p>
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<p>I do not have an answer to that, and hopefully USNA1985 and the other BGOs on here that have more experience with this can chime in. I do not know how to state this politically correct or with enough sensitivity, so cut me a little slack here- my take, which is my opinion and in no way representative of the official stand on things, is that NAPS will see a higher percent of applicants from the targeted groups that, when compared to the whole, fall to the left of the bell curve, and NAPS will be used to help get them ready, and in the larger picture, achieve the goal of increasing their numbers in the Brigade overall. So while I could be totally wrong in that assessment, it would seem to be a logical means to reach the desired end. </p>
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<p>From the sounds of it, your son has done everything required on his part, and as hard as it is, the waiting game begins. There is really nothing else to do at this point, no edge to be gained, no other strings to be pulled,no other deadlines to be met until you get further word. If it makes you feel better, have him call the RD and restate his willingness to consider NAPs or Foundation if offered- but do that only if he is, indeed, willing to consider that as a viable option for him. If it is not, don’t make the call.</p>
<p>So how to deal with the frustration.
Wish I had the magic answer.
Will share what we did.
We focused on other things. We talked about his other schools, and tried to steer the focus away from Blue and Gold just in case it was not to be.
I bought sweatshirts- one for each school he got accepted to- just so I would have the right one on hand when he made is decision. I took a chance and bought one for USNA just in case, but that was my secret. Silly, in retrospect, but that is what we did.
We said some extra prayers, lit some extra candles.
He kept busy with his sports and ECAs, and we enjoyed his final time at school, at games, and with friends. We kept busy living our lives.
We made a conscious decision to check the mailbox every other day-rather than appear too anxious to run down the hill daily- not sure why we did that, but we did.
The waiting game was perhaps a bit easier as he was already accepted to all his other schools, but as Navy was his first choice, it was still hard, especially as he had to put off coaches and dance around their push for a commitment to their offers and programs. </p>
<p>Will spare you the rest of the details, other than to say that the answer will come, good or bad or in-between as it may be. Hang in. It is hard, but if this is what your son wants, then hang in. And if he does have questions, there are plenty of alumni, Mids, USNA parents, and BGOs on this site that can help with at least some of the questions that he may have, short of the final answer that only the USNA Admissions Office can provide.</p>
<p>Just in case it doesn’t work out this admission cycle, after bit of time, if this is what your son really wants, approach the subject of trying again. As many as 1/3 of the admitting class come in with at least one year of post-HS study under their belts.</p>
<p>Hope this helped, and best of luck!</p>