Applying to multiple academies

taymcg12

taymcg12

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Apr 21, 2015
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So I am applying to all of the academies, although the only ones I am even considering going to (in order of most desired to least desired) are USNA, USMA, USAFA. I just heard that applying to all of the academies can look good in an applicatio. I would MUCH rather be accepted to USNA or USMA, but I would still be extremely pleased with USAFA. So my question is: when trying for 3 academies, how do nominations work? Can I get nominated to all 3 by one source or do I have to get them seperate. Is it even possible to apply to all of the academies after the initial application???
 
You might have to apply to both your Senators and Congressman, if you're lucky, your congressman can nominate you to two academies.
 
The answer to your question is specific to your state and district. Read the sticky regarding Nominations the the SA forums. There are also tons of old threads within the Nomination section that can help gain some perspective on the process. Some MOCs coordinate noms, some don't. This can vary year by year too as new MOCs enter office. You will need to do some research regarding your MOCs. Some will only allow you to list one SA, others will allow you to list them all in order of preference. Read some of the older threads that talk about areas that do coordinate or only allow a candidate to list one SA. These threads can help you gain knowledge on that process.

And why apply to schools you do not want to attend? If I was on the board and asked why you want to be a USCGA Officer (although no Noms are needed for USCGA) and you said I don't, I just listed it because I thought it would look good is probably not going to fly over very well.
 
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Life after the SA is 24/7/52 weeks for 5 years wherever they want to send you. Can you say Minot ND for the AF as a Missileer?

Some MOCs will allow submit your name for multiple SAs, but that is rare, rare, rare. Did I say rare? Senators typically can have 200+ applications for 40 noms (USNS/USMA/USAFA/USMMA) It is doubtful you will get multiple, unless you are a shining star,
~ LOA to each SA would be shining star to me.

I would take this time and really do a soul search. What is your dream career in the military? What is the back up dream? If all of the SAs have those career fields, go for it. However, if being a maintenance officer at Laughlin AFB makes you want to scream, than I suggest you knock the AF off your list.

Many would see your post as the question of should I game the system? I want an SA, no matter what.
 
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^^^ I agree. One thing you will tend find when applying to ANY of the SA's is that neighbors/friends/the postman/etc..........will offer you all kinds of 'advice' even when they have no idea what they are talking about. Stick to reliable sources when seeking out currently/timely/accurate information.

Only apply to SA's you are truly interested in attending.
 
OP said he'd be happy with an appointment to any of his top 3, so I don't think he's gaming the system.

taymcg12, you'll be asked to rank your choices. Just put them in the order you have listed. My DD had USAFA & USNA and the committees for all 3 asked by she didn't list USMA. I don't think it will hurt nor help to list all of them. You just need to make sure you have a good reason for listing them & for not listing others.

BTW - DD got 2 noms from each committee. It's possible!
 
USAFA83GradWife said:
OP said he'd be happy with an appointment to any of his top 3, so I don't think he's gaming the system.

taymcg12, you'll be asked to rank your choices. Just put them in the order you have listed. My DD had USAFA & USNA and the committees for all 3 asked by she didn't list USMA. I don't think it will hurt nor help to list all of them. You just need to make sure you have a good reason for listing them & for not listing others.

BTW - DD got 2 noms from each committee. It's possible!
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Thats exactly my point, thank you. I am in no way trying to game the system. And thank you for taking the time to answer!
 
I don't think you are gaming the system. Depending on your MOC, you may only be able to list 2 selections. Also, depending on what state you live in, you may only be able to gain one nomination for one school between all your MOCs. Some of the MOCs work together in order to ensure as many kids as possible get nominations. Each state is different. There is no hard and fast rule.
 
OP, no one is saying you are trying to game the system. We are all saying it is dependent on where you live. Read some of the posts in the Nomination thread on this site. Some areas only allow you to list 1 SA, some allow you to list them all. The term 'gaming the system' refers to candidates who are forced to only list 1 SA or forced ranking systems that candidates will change their list or priority hoping to get a Nom to each. That term is also necessarily negative it is just a term used on this board to explain the system that candidates face. Candidates in a situation where they can only list 1 SA or where only 1 Nom is given are forced to make some tough decisions if they are interested in multiple SAs. Some places coordinate and will only give 1 Nom to 1 SA to spread the wealth as much as possible. None of us know your district or state. With a little research and reading your MOC websites you can probably gain some good knowledge on what system your MOCs use.
 
Thank you for explaining. Luckily for me, my congressman allows ranking, so I can still vie for all of the academies.
 
Ranking is one thing. Spreading the wealth is another. Need to verify if they hand out multiple noms.
 
I wouldn't characterize that it is "very rare" to get multiple SA nominations from a MOC (perhaps it is for Senators, not so much for Congressmen). As others have said, it is dependent on location....there are many districts that might not field an entire slate to one or more SAs. NavyHoops is right on about doing some homework so you can make the best decision on how to proceed.
 
My daughter received nominations to three academies and appointments as well so it is indeed not a rare occurrence. Several USNA Plebes we have met did the same. Apply for the ones you are interested in and let the chips falls. Hopefully you can get what you want.
 
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