The Waiting Game

Mr. A completed his US Naval Academy application. An admission application to a service academy is so much more involved than a regular college application. In addition to writing essays, requesting transcripts & test scores, asking for recommendation letters, and interviews with admissions officers, Mr. A had to train for and pass a physical fitness test, pass a medical exam, and obtain a congressional nomination.

That last one is a lengthy process all in itself. A nomination is required for an appointment to any of the service academies. Mr. A had three opportunities to receive a nomination. One from either of Florida’s US Senators or our district Congressman. Each office had its own application packet that was more extensive than any college application. The packet was reviewed by a selection committee made up of retired officers from all branches of the service. Then Mr. A interviewed in person with each selection committee. He was very proud and didn’t want me or my Sweetie to accompany him to the interviews.

Each Senator or Congressman can nominate one candidate per service academy.

This weekend Mr. A heard back from the offices of one of the Senators and the Congressman. The Senator’s committee did things a little differently and nominated ten candidates’ names and will let the Naval Academy select which candidate gets the actual nomination. Mr. A was in the list of ten.

Then Mr. A opened the envelope from the Congressman’s office. He is the principal nominee. In other words, he’s the selection committee’s first choice.

Mr. A is ecstatic! He almost crushed me when he hugged me. We are thrilled and so very proud of him!

Everything is in place. Now the hard part comes. Waiting for an acceptance letter from the Naval Academy.