Slotting system for NCSA?

[lucky19]

I think I understand the overall system, giving priority to older, more experienced, and committed cadets. But what are good scores? Like to go to one of the top NCSA like PJOC, what score would be competitive? I am a 35, but I am not sure how competitive that actually is.

[HGjunkie]

I got into COS with 27 points if I counted correctly, but it's a different process. 35 is pretty good, but your wing will have a say in whether you go or not.

[Майор Хаткевич]

What are these magic points? Is this new?

[NCRblues]

What are these magic points? Is this new?

New for like...7 years ago, yup.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Do all wings use the same system?

[Offutteer]

It's National's system, NCSA FAQs that they started in 2008.

The magic number needed to get into any activity will be different each year as the number of activities and the number of cadets applying changes each year.  The system is designed to try to get everyone into one activity, so make sure that you rank order your activities in the application. 

[jimmydeanno]

One of the things that hangs up a lot of people is what they apply for.  The more popular activities like NBB, PJOC, etc., have more people who apply.  Therefore, someone needs a higher score to get in.  So, if you only apply to one or two popular NCSAs, you may not get selected for anything. 

If you apply to a good mix of NCSAs, your chances of getting picked up for one are slim.

This is why you see some cadets who go to two or three NCSAs in one year, while others do none.

So, if you aren't too picky, put apply to the really cool ones you want really want to do, then add a few alternatives as well.  At least then you can do -something-. 

[Майор Хаткевич]

Good to know. 2008 is when I went off to college, so just like L2L this is new info for me.

Edit: In 2008, I would have had a score of 49. I wonder if that would have been good enough for IACE.

[lucky19]

How are cadets "green lighted"? Is there a way to request it? If you are green lighted, how would you know?

[NCRblues]

How are cadets "green lighted"? Is there a way to request it? If you are green lighted, how would you know?

Cadets are able to be "green light" or "red light" by the Wing they belong to. Some wings have review boards and give out scores (so the highest score will get green light). Some wings just pick the cadets, YMMV.

Green light increases the cadets chance of getting into an NCSA, but does not gaurntee it. For example, NBB generally gets a 6:1 ration of applications to slots for cadets. Normally, 3 of those 6 are "green lighted" by their Wing, so they are back to the basic points competition by NHQ at that point.

The only way you would find out if a cadet was "green lighted" was if someone on Wing staff told you.

[Offutteer]

Good to know. 2008 is when I went off to college, so just like L2L this is new info for me.

Edit: In 2008, I would have had a score of 49. I wonder if that would have been good enough for IACE.

IACE has a special selection process.  The way that they select cadets and escorts is in a letter in that FAQ listed above and it's posted on the IACE web site.