LOA but no Nomination...

J

jpaik101

Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2016
Messages
14
In a state of disbelief right now.

I went through my congressman's nomination process relatively confident due to receiving an LOA beforehand as well as being told by admissions that I am one of, if not the best in my district. My application was great, the interview was "meh" (Not bad, but definitely not amazing); I was informed today that they were "unable to select" me.

Sure, I have my Senator interviews coming up, but I'm not getting my hopes up since I live in California. If I couldn't even make the top 10 of my district, how in the world am I going to make the top 10 in the most populous state in the US? I guess it was my mistake for taking it for granted; everyone around me told me how a nomination would come easily with an LOA. Now, I feel like an idiot who's been hung out to dry.

I'm working hard on prepping for my interview with Senator Feinstein, but I don't want to get my hopes up and set myself up for disappointment again. I really don't know what to do, I'm bouncing around ideas like ROTC, reapplying, etc. Thoughts on where I should go from here?

Sorry for the vent, just needed to get this off my chest.
 
Crush your next interview and let the cards fall where they may. If USMA wants you bad enough they could use a Supt's or VP nom too. Good luck.

This isn't for the OP, but others applying. Please read this and take this to heart. This happens every year for a few kids at each academy and why so many of us say an LOA is great, but there is more to it and it's not an appointment. Each MOC picks candidates in their own way. LOA or no LOA, these interviews are important.
 
jpaik101 said:
In a state of disbelief right now.

I went through my congressman's nomination process relatively confident due to receiving an LOA beforehand as well as being told by admissions that I am one of, if not the best in my district. My application was great, the interview was "meh" (Not bad, but definitely not amazing); I was informed today that they were "unable to select" me.

Sure, I have my Senator interviews coming up, but I'm not getting my hopes up since I live in California. If I couldn't even make the top 10 of my district, how in the world am I going to make the top 10 in the most populous state in the US? I guess it was my mistake for taking it for granted; everyone around me told me how a nomination would come easily with an LOA. Now, I feel like an idiot who's been hung out to dry.

I'm working hard on prepping for my interview with Senator Feinstein, but I don't want to get my hopes up and set myself up for disappointment again. I really don't know what to do, I'm bouncing around ideas like ROTC, reapplying, etc. Thoughts on where I should go from here?

Sorry for the vent, just needed to get this off my chest.
Click to expand...


Focus on what you can control, that next interview, your Plans B and C, your current school year academics and activities. Many SA mids and cadets are re-applicants. In fact, there is a USNA web page specifically directed toward re-applicants and college applicants, with suggestions on college course load and what is needed. I would assume USMA and USAFA have similar. It shows desire and drive to re-apply. Some do it more than twice.

When your mind is calmer (good PT helps), think about your MOC interview. Gut feel why it was meh? Are there any reactions you noticed after answering that may indicate your answer, demeanor or approach hit the interviewers the wrong way? How did you present the fact of an LOA to them? Spend a little time on this, but if you can't arrive at any insights, move on. It's like a job interview, of which I have had several this past year. I think I'm a great fit for a job, my resumé is great, but for whatever reason, I'm not what they want. Try not to take it too personally.

Choose how you handle this - with grace and positivity - or with bitterness and negativity. Handling disappointment and taking charge of how you coach yourself through rough patches are the hallmarks of a successful transition into young adulthood.

Many posters here are denied a Senator interview; you've got one. Fresh page!

Did you practice interviewing, perhaps with a teacher or parent? You've got some questions from the MOC interview. Everything from the handshake, to eye contact, to posture, to tone and content - it all counts.

There WILL be good news to share with us, eventually, with your excellent record. You may just not know what form that will take!
 
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I would add that I believe CA is a state where they do not duplicate nominations. IOWS, the MoCs talk to spread the wealth and they are just moving you over to the Sen. slate.
 
Pima said:
I would add that I believe CA is a state where they do not duplicate nominations. IOWS, the MoCs talk to spread the wealth and they are just moving you over to the Sen. slate.
Click to expand...

That thought occurred to me too - let's hope that is the case. "Unable to select" could possibly mean "because the Senator's screening staff has already put a half-check by his/her name..."
 
jpaik101 said:
I don't want to get my hopes up and set myself up for disappointment again. I really don't know what to do, I'm bouncing around ideas like ROTC, reapplying, etc. Thoughts on where I should go from here?
Click to expand...

You've received sound advice from some of the most knowledgeable, helpful posters on this site in NavyHoops, Capt MJ and Pima - follow it!

Remember that many outstanding candidates do not get into SA's every year. All you can do is prepare yourself as best you can. Getting your hopes up is fine, but be prepared for disappointment as a real possibility and work on backup plans. You mentioned ROTC. I highly recommend you explore this option before it's too late for this year. A SA isn't the only way to achieve your goals. My DD is USNA 2019. Her brother applied for USNA 2020. After a long, long wait with status of CPR, he found out on April 13th last year that he did not get in. His heart was set on USNA and he was really focused on that route. But, he did apply for a NROTC MO 4yr and got it. He is at a SMC now and doing well. Initially he viewed the SMC/ROTC route as sort of a second-best backup plan. He was just home for Thanksgiving and said he feels he is at the right place and not sure that USNA would have been the best place for him. So you never know. Think about where you want to be in 4 years and all the possible ways to get there.

Best of luck with USMA - I hope you get there. But make sure your backup plans are in place. Creating backup plans does not mean you are giving up on your Plan A.
 
Pima and Capt MJ you are correct. California is a very competitive state. LOAs are conditional and getting into a service academy does take a few more extra steps.
So our Senators application, they will receive a hundred apps. They only conduct telephone interviews if you are lucky enough to get one. You may never hear back from her office either way. Work on your Plan B! A couple of routes to think about, civil prep school, AROTC, college.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
Don't forget to apply for a VP nom. Work hard on plan B and if worse comes to worse consider re-applying next year. Hoping for good news from the Senator.
 
So sorry to hear this, but don't give up! You're still in the hunt! Take all the excellent advice to heart and crush your senator interview.

My DD has an LOA as well as a nom, but I am still nervous that something can happen. You never know, what will happen, just do your part. I finally talked her into applying to a financial safety school where her merit aid is guaranteed and not dependent upon being healthy or uninjured. Be sure you have a good backup plan.
 
NavyHoops said:
Crush your next interview and let the cards fall where they may. If USMA wants you bad enough they could use a Supt's or VP nom too. Good luck.

This isn't for the OP, but others applying. Please read this and take this to heart. This happens every year for a few kids at each academy and why so many of us say an LOA is great, but there is more to it and it's not an appointment. Each MOC picks candidates in their own way. LOA or no LOA, these interviews are important.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much. I'll do my best. To others applying, even if you have an LOA, you really, really should still apply to other colleges just in case. Even though I failed to get a nom from my MOC, I'm still relatively okay because I have all my other applications to other colleges finished as well. No matter how much admissions officers tell you an LOA pretty much guarantees a nomination, it doesn't, and you should be prepared for the possibility that something falls through. Have all your bases covered.

Capt MJ said:
Focus on what you can control, that next interview, your Plans B and C, your current school year academics and activities. Many SA mids and cadets are re-applicants. In fact, there is a USNA web page specifically directed toward re-applicants and college applicants, with suggestions on college course load and what is needed. I would assume USMA and USAFA have similar. It shows desire and drive to re-apply. Some do it more than twice.

When your mind is calmer (good PT helps), think about your MOC interview. Gut feel why it was meh? Are there any reactions you noticed after answering that may indicate your answer, demeanor or approach hit the interviewers the wrong way? How did you present the fact of an LOA to them? Spend a little time on this, but if you can't arrive at any insights, move on. It's like a job interview, of which I have had several this past year. I think I'm a great fit for a job, my resumé is great, but for whatever reason, I'm not what they want. Try not to take it too personally.

Choose how you handle this - with grace and positivity - or with bitterness and negativity. Handling disappointment and taking charge of how you coach yourself through rough patches are the hallmarks of a successful transition into young adulthood.

Many posters here are denied a Senator interview; you've got one. Fresh page!

Did you practice interviewing, perhaps with a teacher or parent? You've got some questions from the MOC interview. Everything from the handshake, to eye contact, to posture, to tone and content - it all counts.

There WILL be good news to share with us, eventually, with your excellent record. You may just not know what form that will take!
Click to expand...

Thank you very much for the words of advice. Your analysis is spot on, I'm definitely going to change my attitude to be more positive rather than bitter. Rest assured, I'll prepare even more for this interview and try to learn from my mistakes on the last one. Thanks again.

Pima said:
I would add that I believe CA is a state where they do not duplicate nominations. IOWS, the MoCs talk to spread the wealth and they are just moving you over to the Sen. slate.
Click to expand...

Hopefully this is the case, but I'm not counting on it hahaha. I just don't think they would move me to the Senate slate before I'm even interviewed by the Senator's panel.

Dadof2 said:
You've received sound advice from some of the most knowledgeable, helpful posters on this site in NavyHoops, Capt MJ and Pima - follow it!

Remember that many outstanding candidates do not get into SA's every year. All you can do is prepare yourself as best you can. Getting your hopes up is fine, but be prepared for disappointment as a real possibility and work on backup plans. You mentioned ROTC. I highly recommend you explore this option before it's too late for this year. A SA isn't the only way to achieve your goals. My DD is USNA 2019. Her brother applied for USNA 2020. After a long, long wait with status of CPR, he found out on April 13th last year that he did not get in. His heart was set on USNA and he was really focused on that route. But, he did apply for a NROTC MO 4yr and got it. He is at a SMC now and doing well. Initially he viewed the SMC/ROTC route as sort of a second-best backup plan. He was just home for Thanksgiving and said he feels he is at the right place and not sure that USNA would have been the best place for him. So you never know. Think about where you want to be in 4 years and all the possible ways to get there.

Best of luck with USMA - I hope you get there. But make sure your backup plans are in place. Creating backup plans does not mean you are giving up on your Plan A.
Click to expand...

Yes, of course. By no means am I giving up, just toning down my expectations. I wasn't aware there was a deadline during senior year of high school for ROTC, I'll look into that immediately. Thank you for your support.

tug_boat said:
Pima and Capt MJ you are correct. California is a very competitive state. LOAs are conditional and getting into a service academy does take a few more extra steps.
So our Senators application, they will receive a hundred apps. They only conduct telephone interviews if you are lucky enough to get one. You may never hear back from her office either way. Work on your Plan B! A couple of routes to think about, civil prep school, AROTC, college.

Push Hard, Press Forward
Click to expand...

You know, the odd thing is, if what Senator Feinstein's office told me is true, and her interviews are only on one day and last half an hour each for a few hours, then she's only interviewing me and around nine other candidates. That feels like a WAY lower number than usual.

kinnem said:
Don't forget to apply for a VP nom. Work hard on plan B and if worse comes to worse consider re-applying next year. Hoping for good news from the Senator.
Click to expand...

Yes, of course. Thank you for the support.
 
kxjones said:
Jpaik101 - Which Congressional District are you in? I'm in CA-17 and haven't heard anything yet since interviewing on 11/19.

Thanks.
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Holy crap what a coincidence. Yes, I'm CA-17. Mike Honda, right? I interviewed on the same day as you. I'm assuming you did pretty well because you didn't get cut yesterday like I did hahaha.
 
JPaik,

Assuming Captain MJ, Navy Hoops, Pima or Kinnem are in agreement, consider sending an email/letter to Senator Feinstein's academy coordinator informing him/her of your situation. Something like this:

Dear M_. ___________:

I am a candidate for the USMA. On December ___, 2016, I am scheduled to interview with Senator Feinstein's selection committee. In advance of my interview I would like to let the committee know that the USMA Admissions Department has issued a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to me, a copy of which is attached to this letter. The only condition I need to satisfy in order to secure an appointment is a nomination from Senator Feinstein. My understanding is that USMA issues very few LOAs and I am truly honored to have received one. I can assure the Senator and her selection committee that should I receive a nomination from the Senator I will immediately accept my appointment and work hard to represent the great State of California well at West Point.

Very Respectfully,

Jpaik101
 
jpaik101 said:
Holy crap what a coincidence. Yes, I'm CA-17. Mike Honda, right? I interviewed on the same day as you. I'm assuming you did pretty well because you didn't get cut yesterday like I did hahaha.
Click to expand...

I did NOT get the nomination either.

There appears to be 1 more CA17 candidate on these forums named AlphaBumChang (see his response to the post link below). I wonder if he received the nomination.

http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/ca-senators-and-20th-district.51690/
 
kxjones said:
I did NOT get the nomination either.

There appears to be 1 more CA17 candidate on these forums named AlphaBumChang (see his response to the post link below). I wonder if he received the nomination.

http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/ca-senators-and-20th-district.51690/
Click to expand...
Oh that's unfortunate. What'd you think of the interview? I felt like half of the panelists were super friendly and the other half were a bit... cold? Idk. Have you gotten any word from the senators? Feinstein got back to me but i never got any communications from Boxer.

Good luck on the rest of the application period.
 
Superior rocks said:
JPaik,

Assuming Captain MJ, Navy Hoops, Pima or Kinnem are in agreement, consider sending an email/letter to Senator Feinstein's academy coordinator informing him/her of your situation. Something like this:

Dear M_. ___________:

I am a candidate for the USMA. On December ___, 2016, I am scheduled to interview with Senator Feinstein's selection committee. In advance of my interview I would like to let the committee know that the USMA Admissions Department has issued a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to me, a copy of which is attached to this letter. The only condition I need to satisfy in order to secure an appointment is a nomination from Senator Feinstein. My understanding is that USMA issues very few LOAs and I am truly honored to have received one. I can assure the Senator and her selection committee that should I receive a nomination from the Senator I will immediately accept my appointment and work hard to represent the great State of California well at West Point.

Very Respectfully,

Jpaik101
Click to expand...
Thanks for the suggestion! There's a good chance they already know, though. And i dont want to come off as presumptuous. I'll find a way to casually bring it up during the course of the interview hahaha

Thanks for your input though
 
jpaik101 said:
Thanks for the suggestion! There's a good chance they already know, though. And i dont want to come off as presumptuous. I'll find a way to casually bring it up during the course of the interview hahaha

Thanks for your input though
Click to expand...
There is nothing presumptuous about writing a respectful letter informing them of your accomplishment. I would copy Superior rocks letter almost word for word and send it along with a copy of the LOA (Letter of Assurance, not Acceptance I believe). Superior has done you a favor by composing an excellent letter that emphasizes your desire and may inform them of something they overlooked or, at the least, reinforces what they already know.

Do you want to take the chance that they will know about your LOA or that a casual interview comment will carry the weight of written correspondence? You have to decide how best to represent yourself, but I try to never miss a chance to sell myself to stand out in a competitive group.
 
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