Summer seminar reviews help a lot. I was medically disqualified, and while I was being considered for a waiver, the Dean of Admissions called me to ask about AP classes and academics. He was interested in getting me a waiver and the one part of my application that he mentioned was my NASS review. It may seem insignificant, but given the right conditions it will go a long way.
Have any LOA's gone out for the class of 2019?
- Thread starter nodiva
- Start date
c17hopeful
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2014
- Messages
- 107
Summer Seminar
When SS detailers say that the candidate did a outstanding job at summer seminar, what are they most looking at? (e.g. physical ability, enthusiasm, etc?)
When SS detailers say that the candidate did a outstanding job at summer seminar, what are they most looking at? (e.g. physical ability, enthusiasm, etc?)
USAFA83GradWife
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2013
- Messages
- 1,113
DD got an LOA last Oct with a note that the mid at SS said she'd be a great addition. I asked DD why he might have said that given she was in a knee brace (recovering from knee surgery.) She said that you'd be surprised at how many attendees would sit out activities, not try their best, etc. She said that she had to be told not to do certain things because the mids were afraid she'd hurt her knee, while other attendees wouldn't even make the attempt.
My DD couldn't even run the whole mile for the CFA, but she made the attempt. One of the other attendees ran with her and encouraged her. He also got an appointment.
So, I would say that you need to show enthusiasm, try everything, do your best, and show teamwork.
Just my very humble opinion.
c17hopeful
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2014
- Messages
- 107
Thanks a lot @USAFA83GradWife
I think it is a combination. Physical ability and motivation are key, but a lot of it is putting full effort into everything and working cohesively with your squad. Working well with your squad and putting them ahead of yourself, but still not missing opportunities to exceed expectations.
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2010
- Messages
- 16,002
So, work the problem like the Naval officer you someday hope to be. It's OK to be nervous, but use it as a motivator to drive you, not something that becomes and obstacle. You're going to do fine!
mdn18
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2013
- Messages
- 262
Hey...my SAT was an 1820 and I got nominated by my MOC. In PA!
Think of it this way, you, out of so many applicants, received an LOA. Personally, I'd use that to motivate myself to study day and night to get a great score on the next test. You're so close!! Don't lose sight of that beautiful BFE
good luck and hopefully we will both see each other next July.falconchic88
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2009
- Messages
- 1,124
Congrats on the LOA! I think we are from close to same area based on your post in the Welcome thread! Good luck to your son with his MOC noms!
mdn18
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2013
- Messages
- 262
Ahh, just submitted both Senators' nom packages. What a load off my back!
That would be so awesome if I were appointed this year! I like my civvy school but my sights are set on USNA.
Nom interviews tips:
-expect odd questions. I got one "What is the most fun thing you have ever done?"
-good body language: eyes, feet, posture, emotion
Various Q's
-In what way can you repay USNA for the education, training, etc. that it gives you?
-Why do you want to attend a service academy?
-What makes you think you're ready to attend a SA?
-What would you do if you were ordered to fire on a coastal town and inside are possible WMD's BUT civilians too? Civilians cannot be evacuated. Would you disobey an order? Moral obligation?
-WHY HAVEN"T YOU TAKEN YOUR CFA YET???
Hehe. I laugh about it now, but that was really awkward when I was asked that. I said I was still training. Got the nom though -do you think you'll make military service into a career?
-does your family support this idea of joining?
Other ones I can't remember. Practice. There is a really useful book I bought at the Naval Academy called "The Naval Academy Candidate Book" by Sue Ross. 2008 edition. Though I see on Amazon right now that there is a 2014 edition! Check it out, it has been a very useful book for me.
mdn18
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2013
- Messages
- 262
That too. I asked them about their (possible) military backgrounds.
ca2midwestmom
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Oct 23, 2013
- Messages
- 1,335
+1 My DS was asked this same question. Then the panel said, "Ok, answer that question." So make sure you have an answer ready.
JShawshank
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2013
- Messages
- 256
Many of these have been covered here but below is a list of questions pulled off of this forum and supplemented as DS went through interviews last year. I also recommend practicing with someone several times in a 'mock' interview several times before the real thing. DS thought it was a little ridiculous before actually going through the practice and found it extremely useful when he got to the interview with 7+ adults staring across a big table at him....
Sample Nomination Interview Questions:
Tell us about yourself and why you want to go to a service academy? (seems simple but many people trip up on this because it isn't always comfortable to talk about one's self with a good balance of humility and confidence)
How do you feel you will fit in at an academy, and how will you adjust to the environment?
What do you want to do in the military as an officer?
How long do you see yourself in the military?
How do you feel about killing someone?
What will you do if you receive an order from a commanding officer that is not 'right' and is contradictory to your beliefs?
Who is your favorite military figure in history and why?
Why should the American people spend $400,000 dollars on you?
If you could have a conversation with any person, alive or dead, who would it be?
Which Service Academy do you want to attend and why? Be prepared to articulate compelling reasons for your interests
What do you expect to receive from an Academy education?
Why are you a good candidate for the Service Academies? Also elaborate on real life examples and highlight your achievements
How have you prepared for the hard work, sacrifices, demands, and life at a Service Academy?
What does honor mean to you? Have real life examples ready
What are your professional goals? Keep in mind that a Service Academy education prepares you for a career of service to your country
How are you more qualified than the other outstanding candidates?
I see you play guitar - who is your favorite guitar player? (try to prepare for questions derived specifically from your essay in the MOC package)
Sample Nomination Interview Questions:
Tell us about yourself and why you want to go to a service academy? (seems simple but many people trip up on this because it isn't always comfortable to talk about one's self with a good balance of humility and confidence)
How do you feel you will fit in at an academy, and how will you adjust to the environment?
What do you want to do in the military as an officer?
How long do you see yourself in the military?
How do you feel about killing someone?
What will you do if you receive an order from a commanding officer that is not 'right' and is contradictory to your beliefs?
Who is your favorite military figure in history and why?
Why should the American people spend $400,000 dollars on you?
If you could have a conversation with any person, alive or dead, who would it be?
Which Service Academy do you want to attend and why? Be prepared to articulate compelling reasons for your interests
What do you expect to receive from an Academy education?
Why are you a good candidate for the Service Academies? Also elaborate on real life examples and highlight your achievements
How have you prepared for the hard work, sacrifices, demands, and life at a Service Academy?
What does honor mean to you? Have real life examples ready
What are your professional goals? Keep in mind that a Service Academy education prepares you for a career of service to your country
How are you more qualified than the other outstanding candidates?
I see you play guitar - who is your favorite guitar player? (try to prepare for questions derived specifically from your essay in the MOC package)
Vista123
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2011
- Messages
- 1,179
? what? a hand written note from CAPT Stephen B. Latta, USN (Ret), Dean of Admissions on the back of your LOA saying you were outstanding at summer camp????
Naval padre
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2014
- Messages
- 24
I don't know if that is standard procedure but my son's LOA also had a personalized note from Dean S.B. Latta (note didn't pertain to summer session). Otherwise everything on hold until MOC (hopefully more than one) notifies my son he was selected to be interviewed.
Continued good luck to everyone!