We had been worried about a medical DQ but submitted paperwork and explanations….And waited and waited. Finally, the Appointment came. For anyone who isn’t aware of the process, it is arduous…. Extensive application Essays Recommendations Extensive medical disclosures Interview with Blue/Gold officer Medical exams Applications for Congressional nominations More essays Interviews with Congressional staff Pass Candidate Fitness Assessment (physical testing) Responding to medical document requests You need to be qualified by the Admissions Board, pass the CFA, and clear medical. That, plus a Congressional nomination, allows you to compete for an Appointment. Obtaining a Congressional nomination in California is especially difficult. We were told by one Senator’s staff that they had received over 700 applications for a nomination to the USNA. Each Senator can only nominate 15 and each can only have 5 at Academy at any one time. So, with a couple of loopholes, of the 700+ applications, only one or two per Senator will get an Appointment. The Senators’ staffs communicate, so no duplication. You can also get nominated by the Representative from your District. This is somewhat easier (fewer applications) but the process and limitations are the same. We obtained a nom from a Senator and our Rep. 3 months after obtaining the first nomination and going back and forth with Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board, the Appointment finally came through. Now he just needs to decide what he wants to do. 🤞