Candidate File

[1191]

So now that my file is open and everything, is there anything I should be doing to get off to a good start?

 

[BeatNavy]

Focus on getting good grade, SATs and sports and the like. Don't worry about working on your file till august when the application comes out (im assuming your 2015)

 

[AKH]

I was wondering the same thing 1191, I feel like I should be doing something!

Don't we apply for nominations earlier than that though? Spring?

 

[America's Finest]

I was wondering the same thing 1191, I feel like I should be doing something!

Don't we apply for nominations earlier than that though? Spring?

The usual deadline for nominations is around October of your senior year.

 

[AKH]

That makes sense. Thanks!

 

[x-ImPuLse-PL-]

The usual deadline for nominations is around October of your senior year.

Which is exactly why I plan on getting my three nomination applications in by summer's end, if possible!

And it does feel like we should be doing something, I agree. However, until admissions opens up more categories sometime over the summer, we can't do much more other than what was asked on the questionnaire.

But since I'm going to SLS, don't they help give you a jump start on the process? I know you do the CFA there which can be used for your file, if you pass.

Training for it now, to ensure I get decent passing scores. Got 9 perfect pull-ups, about 60ish sit-ups in 2 min, couldn't get ahold of a basketball yet for the b-ball throw, and have a mile time around 7:30ish. (Plan to lower that, I'm doing Varsity Track this spring) and 45ish push-ups before I collapse, hahah. I'm workin on improvin in all areas, then combining them in mock CFA's before June comes around.

 

[BAJohnson]

That is great that you want to get started early but a lot of the MOCs don't even look at the nominations until December. You will probably have an interview come December too. I don't quite recall when the information was even made available by my MOCs to start my noms but much of that may not even be available till the end of the summer. I do recommend getting teacher recommendations now as well as pulling together copies of your Birth Certificate. But if you can get started earlier definitely do it. Although I couldn't apply for a Presidential Nom I am pretty sure they open during the summer. And you said three noms, you can get one from the VP too. Even if you think you have no chance applying to as many as possible makes you look more competitive they say.

It's great that you're working on your CFA too. I did terrible on a couple parts of mine during SLS and had to take it again which was a major pain for me. Really work on your mile because your entire body is going to be exhausted from everything else. I'd recommend working doing those 45 pushups and then going out for a mile and then slowly adding more stuff.

 

[AKH]

I'm going to SLS too From what I've heard it does help a lot! I believe you get evaluated by your squad leader, and if it's a good eval that'll factor into any LOA consideration.

I want to pass the CFA when I'm there, and I'm not really worried about anything except the pullups.... I'm a girl, but I don't want to be a sissy and do the flex arm hang! I'm trying to get up to 4.

I can apply for Presidential.... but I'm not really sure how the whole process works quite yet. I'm sure we will all figure it out!

 

[BeatNavy]

No point in turning in your nom apps too early. You actually might not do as well because there could have been other extracurriculars/awards/leadership you earned during that time period. Go ahead and work on them over the summer (esp. your essays) but no need to submit them way before the deadline when it isn't rolling admissions.

 

[2012mom?]

Agree with BN (sorry, BN, as a USNA mom, I just can't write out your name!) that you shouldn't submit nomination applications too far in advance of the deadline. Our MOC deadlines ranged from October to January, and some from other states are earlier. Just make sure you know your MOC deadlines. Almost every MOC has a web site, and most post information about how to apply for SA nominations, including their point of contact, address, and deadlines.

Just do the things you can do right now: get good grades, participate in activities you care about, and get in the best shape of your life.

 

[x-ImPuLse-PL-]

Hmm, alright. But I know the deadlines for my districts, are all early fall, the earliest being Oct 1st, with meetings being held starting in October. So I want to make sure I get those in quick enough. I'll keep that advice in mind, thank you guys.

And yea, I know. I just started getting in better shape for the CFA just this past month, so I'm working on all aspects. My running should decrease during Varsity Track (mid-distance I'm doing, which is usually mile runs). Push ups I do Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The other aspects I'll focus on soon enough, and plan those accordingly.

 

[armybratkl]

My advice to prepare for the application process:

Keep your grades up! Sign up for the toughest classes you can your senior year as well, not only to prove that you're pushing yourself, but to prepare you for the academic rigors of the academy.

If you haven't already, familiarize yourself with your guidance counselor and whoever will be sending out your transcripts (at my school they're separate). Find out how the teacher recommendations at your school work. Do they turn in the rec's to you or to the person who sends out your transcripts? Will your teachers be okay with writing general recs that could be applied to any school, or do they prefer having a specific college/MOC to write to?

Start writing a resumé, so you can ensure you have all of your ECs, accomplishments, et cetera on them. Make sure that your strongest points stand out on the resumé. It's helpful to hand resumés in to your teachers when you ask for recommendations, because it helps them get to know who you are outside of their class.

Look into backup schools. I honestly had my heart set on West Point by the beginning of my junior year, and had no idea where I'd want to go if I didn't get in. Look to apply to about five schools (that's what I did, anyway). If you can narrow them down now, that's wonderful (I didn't decide until just a month ago) -- it will give you time to visit them over the next year, and you will also be able to ask your teachers for specific recommendations. Know what each of those schools needs for admission, and write it down to help keep track. Do you need SAT Subject Tests? Sign up to take those. Do they accept AP credits? Remember, ANYTHING could happen in the next 17 months, and you NEED a plan B.

Get in shape. Start a workout plan now, and set incremental goals with an accompanying long-term goal. Stick to it.

That's basically all you can do now. The hardest part of the application process is all the waiting, waiting, waiting.

But, in the future:

Before you get out of school, contact the teachers from whom you want to get the evaluations and recommendations for senators and other schools. Let them know you will be sending them an email in early August, most likely, when the Candidate Portal comes online, and find out an email where they can be reached. It would also be a good idea to get recs from them in late spring, when they won't have tons of your classmates also asking them for recommendations.

If you can, find a writing teacher with whom you're close, and ask if s/he'd be available to revise a few essays in early-mid August. If they can, great, and if not, that's okay. As soon as your three essay prompts are available, start working on them. Aim to have them finished by the time school starts, or earlier if your teacher is available for revisions.

AS SOON as it's available, SCHEDULE your DoDMERB. Many things can go wrong with the medical stuff -- I was disqualified for a history of a blood condition that I haven't been affected by since I was three. It took me six months to resolve the case -- if you wait to schedule your medical examination until January and it takes you six months to resolve the issue, you might be SOL.

Stay busy over the summer! Many summer activities can boost your resumé. I also found it's also much easier to volunteer over the break. If you can, attend other college summer programs as well.

Know what your MOC's require for nominations. Don't turn in your request too early, as some others noted, because you may receive other awards or positions that can boost your chances. At the same time, don't wait until the last minute. Personally, I would aim to have it turned in by 3-4 weeks before the due date, which would leave more than enough time for slow mail.

Wow, that was a long post. Hopefully it helps. :]

 

[coffeecup3]

Personally, I would aim to have it turned in by 3-4 weeks before the due date, which would leave more than enough time for slow mail.

Just a side note: You can also fax over your application in most cases. That's what I did with all 3 of mine just to make sure they definitely received it (and also cause I was pushing the deadlines ). But agreed, try to get them in a month early.

 

[x-ImPuLse-PL-]

My advice to prepare for the application process:

Keep your grades up! Sign up for the toughest classes you can your senior year as well, not only to prove that you're pushing yourself, but to prepare you for the academic rigors of the academy.

If you haven't already, familiarize yourself with your guidance counselor and whoever will be sending out your transcripts (at my school they're separate). Find out how the teacher recommendations at your school work. Do they turn in the rec's to you or to the person who sends out your transcripts? Will your teachers be okay with writing general recs that could be applied to any school, or do they prefer having a specific college/MOC to write to?

Start writing a resumé, so you can ensure you have all of your ECs, accomplishments, et cetera on them. Make sure that your strongest points stand out on the resumé. It's helpful to hand resumés in to your teachers when you ask for recommendations, because it helps them get to know who you are outside of their class.

Look into backup schools. I honestly had my heart set on West Point by the beginning of my junior year, and had no idea where I'd want to go if I didn't get in. Look to apply to about five schools (that's what I did, anyway). If you can narrow them down now, that's wonderful (I didn't decide until just a month ago) -- it will give you time to visit them over the next year, and you will also be able to ask your teachers for specific recommendations. Know what each of those schools needs for admission, and write it down to help keep track. Do you need SAT Subject Tests? Sign up to take those. Do they accept AP credits? Remember, ANYTHING could happen in the next 17 months, and you NEED a plan B.

Get in shape. Start a workout plan now, and set incremental goals with an accompanying long-term goal. Stick to it.

That's basically all you can do now. The hardest part of the application process is all the waiting, waiting, waiting.

But, in the future:

Before you get out of school, contact the teachers from whom you want to get the evaluations and recommendations for senators and other schools. Let them know you will be sending them an email in early August, most likely, when the Candidate Portal comes online, and find out an email where they can be reached. It would also be a good idea to get recs from them in late spring, when they won't have tons of your classmates also asking them for recommendations.

If you can, find a writing teacher with whom you're close, and ask if s/he'd be available to revise a few essays in early-mid August. If they can, great, and if not, that's okay. As soon as your three essay prompts are available, start working on them. Aim to have them finished by the time school starts, or earlier if your teacher is available for revisions.

AS SOON as it's available, SCHEDULE your DoDMERB. Many things can go wrong with the medical stuff -- I was disqualified for a history of a blood condition that I haven't been affected by since I was three. It took me six months to resolve the case -- if you wait to schedule your medical examination until January and it takes you six months to resolve the issue, you might be SOL.

Stay busy over the summer! Many summer activities can boost your resumé. I also found it's also much easier to volunteer over the break. If you can, attend other college summer programs as well.

Know what your MOC's require for nominations. Don't turn in your request too early, as some others noted, because you may receive other awards or positions that can boost your chances. At the same time, don't wait until the last minute. Personally, I would aim to have it turned in by 3-4 weeks before the due date, which would leave more than enough time for slow mail.

Wow, that was a long post. Hopefully it helps. :]

So I wrote you out a long PM in response to this, and when I hit send, somehow I was logged out in the process and it was all lost in cyberspace. I'm not up for typing it again, so I'll do that once more later this evening. Thought I would at least let you know that, haha.

But thank you all for your advice. It does help alot, and I'll keep it in mind during my applications process.

 

[HCDS]

Some more tips for end of jr year

1. Get great grades in challenging classes
2. Maintain good relationships with junior year teachers, esp. math, english, science. You will need to ask them for multiple recommendations.
2A. Maintain a good relationship with your GC as well as the administrative assistant who will be sending out multiple transcripts on your behalf.
3. Take the SAT as many times as possible, do whatever you can to prep.
4. Apply for SLS, attend if at all possible (even if you have to miss school)
5. Participate in varsity athletics
6. Do as much of your application over the summer as you can. It is worth all of the effort to be done early
7. Get application for congressional nominations done over the summer - look now to see what is required and what the deadlines are. These application packets are long and detailed and can include: essays, recommendations, test scores and transcripts.
8. Look into ROTC. Applications can be started in Spring of junior year. Get them done over summer break.
9. Get a nice, conservative suit, shirt, tie(for guys). You will need them for interviews.
10. Start DODMERB process ASAP
11. learn from reading the SA forums; also the XX Academy Candidate Books are quick reading and very helpful

 

[armybratkl]

Just a side note: You can also fax over your application in most cases. That's what I did with all 3 of mine just to make sure they definitely received it (and also cause I was pushing the deadlines ). But agreed, try to get them in a month early.

I was not able to fax in my records because of the way my school sends transcripts. At my school, I have to put in a request for where they send them (with a parental signature if under 18), I am not allowed to read any of my recommendations that are given to the guidance office, and I am not allowed to handle my official transcripts. For every official transcript that I request, I have to pay $5. On the other hand, I can handle unofficial transcripts, which are the exact same printout as my official transcript, except they have the "unofficial" stamp instead of the "official" one.

So, in addition to what I wrote before, check with your guidance office to see how they send out their transcripts. Will you be able to deliver your own official transcripts? Do they expect you to? Or are they like my school, and treat it like you need a security clearance to see?

So I wrote you out a long PM in response to this, and when I hit send, somehow I was logged out in the process and it was all lost in cyberspace. I'm not up for typing it again, so I'll do that once more later this evening. Thought I would at least let you know that, haha.

But thank you all for your advice. It does help alot, and I'll keep it in mind during my applications process.

Haha, that sucks.

I got it and will reply as soon as I look through everything else. :]