Nominations Essay/Personal Statements

USMA - I'm on my way!

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Aug 1, 2011
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I'm just curious, is it better to type up your personal statements for the senators and representative or hand write them to show an individual sense of attention?

Thanks!
Kevin
 
It usually not only states typed, but also the font size and spacing, plus how many words.

Most people would have the exact opposite opinion than you do about a hand written essay. They are in the business world, and to them it gives the impression you couldn't take the time to sit at a computer and print it out so they could read it easier. Instead, they have to strain through your penmanship to understand what you are writing. Some MOC's can have 150+ applications.

Finally, the military is about following directions, so follow their directions to a tee. Our DS's MOC stated because they had @ 300 applications when they said 500 words they meant it. They would scan the essay into a program and draw a line at 501, so if you were in mid sentence, it ended in mid-sentence. The reason why they did this was three-fold.
1. To see if you can follow directions.
2. To see if you can make your point succinctly
3. They did not have enough time to read 300 applications that droned on.
 
It usually not only states typed, but also the font size and spacing, plus how many words.

Most people would have the exact opposite opinion than you do about a hand written essay. They are in the business world, and to them it gives the impression you couldn't take the time to sit at a computer and print it out so they could read it easier. Instead, they have to strain through your penmanship to understand what you are writing. Some MOC's can have 150+ applications.

Finally, the military is about following directions, so follow their directions to a tee. Our DS's MOC stated because they had @ 300 applications when they said 500 words they meant it. They would scan the essay into a program and draw a line at 501, so if you were in mid sentence, it ended in mid-sentence. The reason why they did this was three-fold.
1. To see if you can follow directions.
2. To see if you can make your point succinctly
3. They did not have enough time to read 300 applications that droned on.
I agree with Pima, all of my essays where typed up, not to mention most of them had to be submitted online, although I had never heard of them using a program that would cut off at 501 if the limit is 500. If you are just writting your essay and stuff now for the nomination then your senator or congressman must have a really late deadline. My stuff had to be in by Oct 3rd and I'm going in for the interview on the 15th. Best of Luck and hope to see you at USMA!! :)
 
Some MOC's can have 150+ applications.

Of course Pima is right on. I would emphasis is that some MOC's have significantly more than 150 applicants particularly Senators from big states like California and populous states with a heavy concentration of military bases. Last year even our relatively small state of Kentucky had between 50 and 100 for each Senator for USAFA. However, we do have a military presence with Fort Knox and Fort Campbell in addition to being the main UPS air hub which means lots of ex-Navy and ex-USAF pilots.
 
Thanks so much guys! The only information given to me by my respective senators and congresswoman only was to create a one page essay decribing why I want to attend an academy. It was vague. I appreciate all of your responses! I'm off to type an essay right now :)

- Kevin
 
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