Nomination Packet

Navy92

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Apr 29, 2015
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What is the best way for DS to put together his nomination packet for the Senators and Congressman? Does the application and referral letters need to be in plastic sleeves with tabs that note what each page is? Our Senators and Congressman don't specify, so we were looking for suggestions.
 
It may vary among different congressmen/senators, but all of mine only said to mail the application in the specified page order (which was given in the application instructions) in a large orange envelope (no tabs or plastic sleeves needed), so none of the papers would be bent. And since I was not allowed to read my rec letters, i gave regular envelopes to my teachers and told them to mail it w/ their signature over the sealed envelope. Again, this was just my experience and I'm sure yours will be different in some way, but hopefully this helps!
 
It may vary among different congressmen/senators, but all of mine only said to mail the application in the specified page order (which was given in the application instructions) in a large orange envelope (no tabs or plastic sleeves needed), so none of the papers would be bent. And since I was not allowed to read my rec letters, i gave regular envelopes to my teachers and told them to mail it w/ their signature over the sealed envelope. Again, this was just my experience and I'm sure yours will be different in some way, but hopefully this helps!
Thanks tri! We are just trying to stand out from the pack by making it as professional as possible. Fortunately, all of our LOR's were given to us directly with no requirement of keeping them sealed. But every bit of input helps!
 
The way to stand out is to have an outstanding record. Seriously. I agree that you want things to be neat, complete, and orderly. But don't "overproduce" it -- your package tends to look like the parents did the work (even if they didn't).

Also, there is really little benefit (and some downside) in turning in your nom packet super-early. You may receive additional honors or awards or participate in additional activities during the summer. Some MOCs will not let you update your packet once it's submitted (usually b/c they don't have the manpower to update potentially hundreds of applications). And, provided you submit on time, you don't normally get "bonus points" for submitting early b/c they won't review any of the applications until after the deadline has passed.
 
None of my Congressmen specified, so I just paper clipped the application together, and then also the transcripts and test scores. (Figured that they'd be making copies and I didn't want them to have to take out a bunch of staples.) The letters of recommendation were in envelopes sealed by the recommenders themselves, so I just printed off some stickers with my name, DOB and the type of recommendation (English teacher, friend, employer, etc) and put them over the seal.

I highly suggest that you fill out the applications online. Too much can be mistaken with hand writing, in my opinion.

Going along with what usna1985 said, don't send 'em in too earlier. I'd suggest sending everything in 2-3 weeks before the deadline. That way, you look like your on top of your game, and they have time to review everything and make sure it's satisfactory before the deadline. At least, that time frame is what was recommended to me, and it worked out pretty well!

Best of luck!
 
The way to stand out is to have an outstanding record. Seriously. I agree that you want things to be neat, complete, and orderly. But don't "overproduce" it -- your package tends to look like the parents did the work (even if they didn't).

Also, there is really little benefit (and some downside) in turning in your nom packet super-early. You may receive additional honors or awards or participate in additional activities during the summer. Some MOCs will not let you update your packet once it's submitted (usually b/c they don't have the manpower to update potentially hundreds of applications). And, provided you submit on time, you don't normally get "bonus points" for submitting early b/c they won't review any of the applications until after the deadline has passed.

Thanks '85. I completely understand your saying stand out by your outstanding record. And as it stands right now, DS's record seems pretty outstanding to me. Way better than mine was back in the day. But of course, its way different now! Neat and orderly, yes. Overproduced, no. DS wouldn't do it that way even if we helped him. But one thing that has us conflicted is advice from USNA admissions to hit it hard and get everything done near the end of your junior year. Also, had our Nom source folks tell us to get it in early rather than later. Our senators opened it up in March, congressman May 15th. The only thing that summer would change is if during Boy's State he gets voted Gov or something like that. So I don't know the best thing to do. Plus, I do know that our Nom sources have told us that we can add to the packet.

Are you a BGO? Thanks again, I appreciate all of the input I have found on this site. I wish it had been around in 87!
 
I agree re getting your USNA packet in early -- it can always be supplemented and there is a process for doing it. Also, the Admissions Board operates on a rolling basis (different from appointments necessarily being rolling) so early is good.

Each MOC has his/her own process which is in parallel to -- but not directly connected with -- the USNA admissions process. In my experience, the nominating admin person collects all of the packets. Once the deadline has passed, they are provided to the nominating committee (the volunteer citizens) to review. I suppose there is some marginal benefit in getting a packet in early IF they note when the packet was submitted. When I served on such a committee years ago, that wasn't something we considered. I think USNA says that just to encourage folks to get it done -- not b/c they actually know earlier is better with MOCs.

If you can add to the MOC packets, then submitting early is fine. But I've not yet seen an MOC who makes the decision before his/her self-imposed deadline, so you do have the time you're given.
 
I agree re getting your USNA packet in early -- it can always be supplemented and there is a process for doing it. Also, the Admissions Board operates on a rolling basis (different from appointments necessarily being rolling) so early is good.

Each MOC has his/her own process which is in parallel to -- but not directly connected with -- the USNA admissions process. In my experience, the nominating admin person collects all of the packets. Once the deadline has passed, they are provided to the nominating committee (the volunteer citizens) to review. I suppose there is some marginal benefit in getting a packet in early IF they note when the packet was submitted. When I served on such a committee years ago, that wasn't something we considered. I think USNA says that just to encourage folks to get it done -- not b/c they actually know earlier is better with MOCs.

If you can add to the MOC packets, then submitting early is fine. But I've not yet seen an MOC who makes the decision before his/her self-imposed deadline, so you do have the time you're given.
As it turned out, last night after I posted on here above, DS said that he had received an email from MOC staff inquiring about his Nom Packet. So at least for that one, we will send it in early. I appreciate all your input, especially since you were on a committee several years ago. I'm sure as time goes by, there will be many more questions arise...
 
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