WHY IS IT SO COMPLEX: ROLLING ADMISSIONS
Most colleges have straightforward deadlines for Early Action or Regular Decision.
Not so much with Academies.
All the Academies (except USCGA) employ “rolling admissions.” This means they hand out appointments (or, letters of assurance) on a rolling basis.
Sometimes, you still have to wait until the end to find out. But, if you get it all done early, the chances of you being accepted is increased.
The deadline is not a suggestion. It’s a distraction.
Ex. When West Point says have your application submitted before January 31, treat it as a distraction, not a suggestion.
You want to strive to have your application completed before senior year starts for 3 reasons.
1. Increased chance of Letter of Assurance: You can earn a conditional acceptance letter, contingent upon medical clearance and nomination. This is huge for peace of mind!
2. Medical Clearance: Being more proactive on the front end means more time on the back end in case you’re in a medical waiver situation. DODMERB gets backlogged by all the procrastinators. If you want a smooth medical process, submit early.
3. Focus: Fall of senior year will be the most hectic time of your life. Getting it knocked out creates more headspace for Congressional nomination season, other college applications, and ROTC scholarships that happen later in the fall.
