Nomination Dilemma

kaaron

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Oct 9, 2014
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We live in a competitive state where the MOCs and Senators like to "spread the wealth". We are concerned about the nomination process. DS has interview next week with his MOC. DS ranked USNA number 1 and USMA number 2 in his MOC application. Both senators only wanted first choice, so DS listed USNA as his first choice on both. The concern we have is that West Point has shown a lot more interest in DS than USNA. He has received an LOE and a 3Q letter from West Point and attended their SLE. The only positive indication from USNA is BGO telling him that he is a strong candidate and to expect a letter soon (not quite sure what that means). We are worried the following scenario might happen: MOC gives DS a nomination for USNA and doesn't give him one for West Point and then DS receives the TWE from USNA and then loses his chance for an appointment at West Point. DS would be honored to attend either academy. However, with all things being equal, DS ranked Navy as his number 1 because he has friends and relatives in the Navy. We have a large Navy presence in our area making it VERY competitive for USNA. Both academies are stellar institutions, would hate to lose this opportunity because of nomination logistics. Any advice or recommendation would be appreciated and seriously considered in DS's approach to next week's interview. Would it be prudent to have DS contact MOC's nomination director and ask him for advice?
 
Just because he has an LOE does not mean that he will be appointed. LOEs are not LOAs. LOAs mean that if they get a nomination, they will be appointed, as long as they remain 3 Q.

The way appointments work if the MOC does not do principal is the entire slate will compete using their WCS. The highest score wins the appointment. The others on the slate if competitive enough will go to the national pool. If their WCS is high enough they will win the appointment out of that pool.

So, in your scenario he actually could land up getting a nom to USMA and not USNA, but than end up with that letter being an LOA from USNA and scrambling for a nomination to USNA.

I would not contact the MOC office. I would however be prepared to answer the question why he wants either. It would not behoove him to say the Navy is my number one choice, but I would be happy at either.

Hopefully your DS has his plan Bs in place, ROTC scholarships. Remember, SA is 4 years and it is not 24/7/365. Active Duty is for five years and they get to decide your career plus where you will be stationed.
~ Lifestyles are very different. Career fields are different. Will he be happy driving a tank over being in a sub?

Things to think about
 
kaaron,

Has your DS ever considered USCGA? It is a wonderful service with vital missions and funding from the Department of Homeland Security.

It is much more relatable to sea service than Army and there is no need of a congressional nomination.

Congrats on the nomination and best of luck to your DS in his pursuits.
 
I don't know about how your MOC interview does it, but many MoCs will have separate boards. IE the AFA candidate will interview with a different committee panel than the USMA and USNA candidates.
~ Caveat is some candidates place all three, but in this scenario the top stated they could only place 1. If they interview with a Army panel, it just doesn't look right.

Secondly if you now place USMA as number one, but during the interview you tell them you want USNA, sonly follow up is going to be why did you than place USMA as number one when you wanted it USNA?

Hard to answer that without looking like you are gaming the system.
 
I'm a firm believer in always chasing what you want as opposed to gaming the system. I don't mean that pejoratively. I would consider going for a nom to USMA vs USNA because you think you have a better chance of getting an appointment to USMA (based on little to no evidence) to be gaming the system. Nothing wrong with it, but I just believe you should chase whatever would make you happiest. If it doesn't work out try again next year.
 
Thanks everyone for the advice. The last thing we want to do is game the system. That would be a losing battle. It's just that the nomination process makes DS second guess his decisions. MOC required DS to rank the SAs of interest and both Senators would only allow one choice. With no multiple nominations being handed out, one can't stop but think about the rankings. At the age of 17, all DS is 100% certain of is his desire to serve his country; the color of his uniform is secondary. (thanks bpu, for the words of wisdom)
 
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Do you know yet if he didn't get the Senators nomination? Has anyone here from your state acknowledge that they got a nom. from the Senators.

It might be he already he a nomination being processed and this concern is all for naught if the MOCs do indeed spread the wealth, and only offer one nomination to any candidate.

That would be the only way I would contact an MOC office. Verification that selections have been made and he was not on the slate.
 
Thanks everyone for the advice. The last thing we want to do is game the system. That would be a losing battle. It's just that the nomination process makes DS second guess his decisions. MOC required DS to rank the SAs of interest and both Senators would only allow one choice. With no multiple nominations being handed out, one can't stop but think about the rankings. At the age of 17, all DS is 100% certain of is his desire to serve his country; the color of his uniform is secondary.

That's admirable. Nonetheless the MOC's processes are what they are. I might suggest your DS consider life after the academy and what it would be like to serve in that particular service for 4-5 (or more) years. He needs to think beyond the college and it might help him with his decision. (Sorry if this repeats something suggested earlier but it can't be said enough!)
 
Pima,

The last time I checked, according to this forum, no one has been contacted by the California Senators. Someone already started a thread posting that question.
 
Sen. Feinstein

DS' portal shows nomination from Sen. Feinstein as of yesterday. He is 3Q and has an LOA so when he saw the nomination, he ran screaming across his high school campus.
 
Congratulations!! So happy for you and your family. Great Christmas gift!


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How do you know you are 3Q's?

Just a question how do you know you are 3Q'd?
 
Just a question how do you know you are 3Q'd?

From what I remember, WP sends a 3Q letter by mail or through the portal or both. USNA never tells you if you're 3Q. Not sure which SA you're referring to -- I don't know what USAFA's process is.
 
DS' portal shows nomination from Sen. Feinstein as of yesterday. He is 3Q and has an LOA so when he saw the nomination, he ran screaming across his high school campus.

Congrats to your DS 2019WPMom! Hang on for the roller coaster ride. The BFE in the mail is the icing on the cake.
 
USAFA sends a postcard, or at least they use to. USAFA is different than the other SAs, on their website they flat out state if you have 24 E on the ACT or a 490 V SAT you will be considered noncompetitive.
 
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