<p>Good discussion.</p>
<p>My attempted original point was simply that it is unfortunate that some USNA-focused, fully qualified candidates (with nominations) are not offered appointments because some students deemed ‘more qualified’ have filled Admissions’ numbers. Obviously many appointees do not accept because ‘something better came along’, or they had never intended to accept in the first place, or had second thoughts when it was time to **** or get off the pot. For those students who are not totally committed before appointment, it makes complete sense for them to wait, reflect, and evaluate before accepting.</p>
<p>It’s really just a matter of statistics and trending. Let’s say trending indicates 300 will not accept. If 1200 are expected or needed by Navy, Admissions will offer 1500. Fully qualified number 1501 (non-appointee) may have been chasing this dream for years, only to be denied by someone in the 300 that may have never intended to accept.</p>
<p>The point therefore, is that number 1501 will only get her shot if 301 or more do not accept. What about numbers 1550, 1600? Etc…</p>
<p>It’s just an unfortunate part of the process that there are fully qualified dream-chasers denied by some who decide to pursue other options, or worse, never intended on accepting. It would be interesting to get honest statistics on the 300.</p>
<p>Now, closer to home - my son’s primary focus is to become a naval officer (has been for 5 years). He has a 4-year NROTC in his hip pocket, but his dream commissioning source is USNA; his only SA application. Although he is triple Q’d, his numbers aren’t off the charts, so he does not expect a LOA. He might end up being that Number 1501, and that would be a shame, because there can be no doubt at least one of the 300 never intended to accept in the first place. That’s my point.</p>
<p>Of course the flip side (and a nightmare for USNA I’d imagine) is if all 1500 were dream chasers and accepted. Oooops :-)</p>