Nominations interview

Astef67

5-Year Member
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Aug 16, 2014
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My ds had 2 interviews today with the senators. He was interviewed by 2 gentleman for each one. Do they really make the decision?? They asked my son what he would like to go in the academy, he responded he would like to fly and the guy said "good luck getting that". Do I am assuming it didn't go well
 
Hmm. Not sure. I'm a college reapplicant so I've been through the Senator interviews. I also had 2 older men in one of the interviews. They can be kind of hard to read, I think partly because they want to see how you'll react. What SA was he interviewing for? That would determine whether he'll fly (planes).
 
It's an intimidation method. Some of these interviewers want to see if they can get inside the applicants head to see if they really have the desire and passion to attend these schools. I'm sure your son did well, and tell him to keep his head up. Everyone is going to face this kind of pressure anyways when he gets to the academy, if he gets there.

Overall, I wouldn't worry too much about it, as long as he did the best he could, then he'll be fine.

Good luck:thumb:
 
JMHO, but some of these MOC committee interviewers need to get a grip. Or a life.:rolleyes:

I understand the desire to find the "best" candidates -- but there are better ways to do it than being intimidating or, worse, being a jerk. Some of these folks seem to forget that they are interviewing 17-year-old "kids," many of whom have never been interviewed in their lives.

They're not the Drill Instructors. They're not the PS detailers. They're a bunch of men and/or women who are trying to find out a bit more about someone than what's in their paperwork. No more; no less.

And sadly, no one will call them on it b/c the successful candidates (and parents) don't want to rock the boat and the unsuccessful ones figure it will just come off as being disgruntled. I can only hope the stories we read here are the true exceptions.
 
Stand up and be counted!

JMHO, but some of these MOC committee interviewers need to get a grip. Or a life.:rolleyes:

I understand the desire to find the "best" candidates -- but there are better ways to do it than being intimidating or, worse, being a jerk. Some of these folks seem to forget that they are interviewing 17-year-old "kids," many of whom have never been interviewed in their lives.

I agree with you. Primarily because many (most) candidates will not go on to receive a nomination or an appointment. Their only real experience with feedback may be what they get from that interview and what that may do to their confidence in future endeavors is not worth whatever small benefit it offers the MOC board. My DS's interview with his MOC was very encouraging and respectful toward him. Grade wise, he may not get the nomination but they certainly made him feel he was worthy to be there and were encouraging of his desires and hope to serve his country. I think it's a shame that any MOC would allow his/her panel to squash enthusiasm. If this happens to you...stand up for yourself. Remind them (if you dare) that you are sitting there before them haven given it your very best and your best is worth more than their dismissal. And to those who have been dismissed...THANK YOU for your desire to serve our country! :tank:
(I've always wanted an excuse to use the tank)
 
My ds had 2 interviews today with the senators. He was interviewed by 2 gentleman for each one. Do they really make the decision?? They asked my son what he would like to go in the academy, he responded he would like to fly and the guy said "good luck getting that". Do I am assuming it didn't go well

It could have been just simple encouragment. Forum posting lacks context and tone, so hard to say if the interviewer was being cynical or just making a small talk.
 
The interviews were running 1 1/2 hours late and my ds was interviewed late. He said they started off very negative and they didn't have one positive thing to say. My ds has interviewed with his bgo,the other senator and NROTC and they all say he is a great candidate he just needs to boost his ACT. Its sad that he has been working on this since freshman year and maybe bc they were tired and hungry my sons dream may not happen!!
 
The interviews were running 1 1/2 hours late and my ds was interviewed late. He said they started off very negative and they didn't have one positive thing to say. My ds has interviewed with his bgo,the other senator and NROTC and they all say he is a great candidate he just needs to boost his ACT. Its sad that he has been working on this since freshman year and maybe bc they were tired and hungry my sons dream may not happen!!

Surprised a Senator or Congressman would have interviews run late - they should run like clockwork. I'm sure if your DS did well on his end that's all you can ask for. That's their fault if they're grumpy. They signed up for it! :rolleyes:
 
The interviews were running 1 1/2 hours late and my ds was interviewed late. He said they started off very negative and they didn't have one positive thing to say. My ds has interviewed with his bgo,the other senator and NROTC and they all say he is a great candidate he just needs to boost his ACT. Its sad that he has been working on this since freshman year and maybe bc they were tired and hungry my sons dream may not happen!!

Well, Senatorial nominations are competed state wide, so for a big state there will be several hundred kids. Even with senatorial nomination, it is still one appointment from ten nomination.

It is what is, so I will give you a different perspective. To me "a great candidate" that needs to "boost his ACT" means a non-competitive candidate as there are many great candidates with good SAT/AC
 
They said this was the first time they were ever that late. The SATs were the day before so kids who were set up to test on Saturday didn't go and showed up sunday.
 
Maybe I'm just being overly cynical, but I have a hard time believing that any of these MOCs (particularly the senators) have anything to do with the selection process. They almost never attend any of the interviews and I just can't see them taking the time pouring over SAT scores, reading recommendations and then doing a comparison. At the most, they are probably briefed on the candidates; yet, probably not even that. Consequently, I'm convinced that the Service Academy Coordinator is the one making the final decision; or maybe some low-level staff members. And, even with that, it's probably a collateral responsibility for them. The slate of ten nominees goes across the MOC's desk and he/she signs their signature to it.

I realize that some of the MOCs actually make phone calls to the nominees to congratulate them; but, that certainly does not mean that they had any deep involvement in selecting the candidate.

This is why I always advise candidates to be cognizant that all their dealings with the MOC's office - every phone call, every letter, every email, everything you submit - that the person with whom you are corresponding may very well be the person who ultimately decides your fate. Make life very easy for them. Do not think of them as the intermediary between you and the MOC. Think of them as the MOC!
 
100% Right on Point!

Maybe I'm just being overly cynical, but I have a hard time believing that any of these MOCs (particularly the senators) have anything to do with the selection process. They almost never attend any of the interviews and I just can't see them taking the time pouring over SAT scores, reading recommendations and then doing a comparison. At the most, they are probably briefed on the candidates; yet, probably not even that. Consequently, I'm convinced that the Service Academy Coordinator is the one making the final decision; or maybe some low-level staff members. And, even with that, it's probably a collateral responsibility for them. The slate of ten nominees goes across the MOC's desk and he/she signs their signature to it.

I realize that some of the MOCs actually make phone calls to the nominees to congratulate them; but, that certainly does not mean that they had any deep involvement in selecting the candidate.

This is why I always advise candidates to be cognizant that all their dealings with the MOC's office - every phone call, every letter, every email, everything you submit - that the person with whom you are corresponding may very well be the person who ultimately decides your fate. Make life very easy for them. Do not think of them as the intermediary between you and the MOC. Think of them as the MOC!
I was informed that our Congressman will never see or speak to the candidate until the telephone call. The staffer takes the recommendations of the interviewers informs the Congressman and he then signs off.
Your comment about the Academy Coordinator being the "MOC" is on point!
They do in fact hold the keys to the kingdom! Thanks for your insightful comments.
 
How very true on the participation of the MOC. Both my DD three years ago and DS this year found the interviewers engaging and knowledgeable on the military and leadership as a whole. They were people who were community leaders, current and former military members, and frankly were more concerned about the candidate showing passion in the answers and being engaging than in what a specific answer may have been. They didn't try to play games or any trick questions. In all three cases each year it became more evident as the process went on there was one person who "set it up" and in fact had as much input as the interviewers. What was interesting was what both my DD and DS said about the reaction to the other candidates who showed up and Mom or Dad "checked" them in vs the candidates who "went it alone". The interviewers don't see that, but the person who set it up did.
 
This Saturday will be our 11th round for interviews for my DD's and DS. Still don't know who oldest was charged to. Only once have we ever received a personal call from a MOC with a confirmed nomination. They all received nominations but not all have gotten appointments. One more to go:thumb: I don't think the MOC ever sees the nomination until the Service Academy Coordinator puts it on his/her desk. Just remember that if you are one of the ten you still have a great shot.
 
How may Ds and Ss do you have?

This Saturday will be our 11th round for interviews for my DD's and DS. Still don't know who oldest was charged to. Only once have we ever received a personal call from a MOC with a confirmed nomination. They all received nominations but not all have gotten appointments. One more to go:thumb: I don't think the MOC ever sees the nomination until the Service Academy Coordinator puts it on his/her desk. Just remember that if you are one of the ten you still have a great shot.

Help me out here. Are us saying you have two DDs and one DS who will have a total of 11 nomination interviews or are you saying you have 10 D's and 1 S?
 
One DD with three interviews and two nominations with appointment and graduation 2011 from USNA and chose USMC. Marine dress looks good at graduation.

One son with six interviews as second was freshman year college. Two nominations but no appointment. Still received commission as Ensign USNA Reserve Sealift Command on the decks of the Constitution in Boston Harbor last year. Those dress whites do look good.

Last DD has done her first interview and received USAFA nomination. Still wants USNA and still trying this weekend. So that would make our interview total 11 after this weekend.

Hey, we are not doing a reality show here. (what was that? 19 and counting?)
 
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