MOC application

mumsyto3

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5-Year Member
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In general does a matter when you get all your information to the MOC as long as it is done before the deadline? Does turning it in earlier make a difference? I know that the website for one of the MOCs in our state says that they don't look at the packets until the day after the deadline.
 
Nope.
Nope.
Trust that.

It is even better, and some require, that all information be sent at one time in ONE packet. In this case, it's better to wait until you have all information together.
 
JAM's right. They don't look at 'em until after the deadline. Better to have the best packet than the earliest one!
 
Now I've heard diferent stories on this. My MOC says it shows you have more ambition if you turn it earlier, and he says they give noms on a rolling basis. Could someone please clear this up for me? Thanks.

USMAalltheway
 
Now I've heard diferent stories on this. My MOC says it shows you have more ambition if you turn it earlier, and he says they give noms on a rolling basis. Could someone please clear this up for me? Thanks.

USMAalltheway

There is no set way that the MOC are forced to follow. Therefore, the MOC decides the criteria and turning in the forum early can influence the decision in some way if that is something the MOC decides should be a part of the "grade".
 
Now I've heard diferent stories on this. My MOC says it shows you have more ambition if you turn it earlier, and he says they give noms on a rolling basis. Could someone please clear this up for me? Thanks.

USMAalltheway

I am not aware of any MOC that gives a nom on a "rolling basis". However, I know many offices that prefer to get applications from candidates early. Many make note (even if only by date stamp on the documents) of the application received date and the nominating committee can (and usually does) see the date of application. It can reflect a level of desire. That being said, getting it in early is not going to "get you a nom" if you are not one of the best qualified. The MOCs each have their own criteria but for the most part MOCs select nominees with very objective standards. Generally they have a committee of some kind that makes these determinations. The committee invariably uses criteria that have been established and leaves very little room for subjective opinions.

As always, when discussing the nomination process, the answer is almost always, "it depends". :redface: Some MOCs won't even open the envelopes until after the due date - in which case, getting it in at the last minute does no harm. Others open and date stamp all materials as they arrive and many will review the material upon receipt, calling or writing to the candidate if there is something amiss. My opinion is that it cannot hurt, and can help if you get your app in early. That's just my two cents worth.
 
yes, it would probably look good if you turned it in early, BUT it's even better to make it as thorough and to the requirements as possible, and keep in touch with the people who are running the nominations process for your MOC. i turned in my packet 5 minutes before the deadline time to my MOC and still got his nomination. really, they can't judge you besides what you put on the paper.
 
It's also a slight risk. If you turn it in later you also get more time to do stuff to add to the application so you have to weigh both sides.
 
wow,

I turned in all my noms at the end of July. It probably won't make a difference, but I just wanted to check something off my list. That is pretty cool, MChansard, that you got the nom even when you just made the deadline. In Colorado, some of my congressmen/senators (2 of mine) will not give nom's to anyone who has a presidential (which I do). So I really only have one chance there. Good Luck all of 2014 and beyond.

Later,

Brian
 
USMAalltheway: Are you sure the MOC did not mean the academies issue appointments on a "rolling basis?" Because that is how the academies all issue appointments. The admissions boards meet throughout the year, beginning in late Aug or early September, assigning Whole Person Scores or Whole Candidate Scores (WPS or WCS) to each candidate, and sending out LOA's or appointments. Appointments cannot be sent out until the candidate has all things in place including nomination. MOC's typically let the academies know in Dec or Jan who their nominees are, then, appointments begin rolling out in earnest.

To be safe, I would contact your MOC (all three of 'em) with the very specific questions of how they handle this. America's Finest is correct in that there is no set way for an MOC to deal with this. I think it is most common for them to wait for the deadline. Often a committee meets, some are invited for interviews, etc. Truly, each MOC is different. I would go so far as to ask "Is it to my advantage to complete the packet early and have it in to your office well in advance of the deadline?" If you explain that you are trying to learn as much as possible about the process, they will likely be forthcoming with answers.


While you are at it, ask if they submit a ranked slate of nominations, a principal nomination with unranked alternates, or an unranked slate to the academy and get the next question you are going to have answered now. Just saying.............

All of this can be confusing. I would write my questions down before you make the call so you get it all straight. And then don't forget something and have to call back.:thumb:
 
I hear people talk about contacting MOCs office. Should my son call and make contact to introduce himself or only call if he has questions? Unfortunately we live in one of the very competitive states with multiple MOC nom applicants. How do you make yourself standout? (Other than the obvious content of your application!)
 
I hear people talk about contacting MOCs office. Should my son call and make contact to introduce himself or only call if he has questions? Unfortunately we live in one of the very competitive states with multiple MOC nom applicants. How do you make yourself standout? (Other than the obvious content of your application!)

It's difficult to answer b/c every MOC does things differently. In general, the person answering the phone and processing the nom applications is not the person making any substantive decisions. Thus, he/she is available to answer questions but calling him/her is unlikely to have any impact on whether you get a nom.

The best ways to stand out are (1) following all directions to the letter -- for example, if the MOC says to send ONLY 2 letters of rec, don't send 3; (2) have an outstanding packet -- duh!; and (3) do well in your interview, if your MOC conducts interviews.
 
JennyP and 2011 mom:

Sorry about the rolling admissions thing. I meant West Point. Thanks guys for all of your answers!

USMAalltheway
 
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