Possible to not receive a nomination?

[usmacandidate17]

Hello. I recently received my LOE on September 6 and I was wondering if it is possible for candidates that are ranked high on West Point's radar to not be chosen through nomination committees.

Would West Point try to negotiate with the committees so that candidates they want get chosen?

 

[dlee96]

There have been instances where candidates with an LOA did NOT receive a nomination. It happens, nothing is guaranteed in this process (i think).

 

[marciemi]

Per our Regional Commander, they have NO control over nominations/MOC's. They cannot call or talk to the different senators/congressmen and ask them to do anything. They can try to get a nomination from somewhere else (Supe's nom, etc.) if they really want a candidate who doesn't receive one from their own MOC. But I'd say this is very rare. Apply to all your nomination sources (congressman, both senators, VP) to have as many chances as possible and remember that the LOE of this year is far different than the LOA of past years. You still have to win your nomination pool - nothing is guaranteed. It's just an early expression of interest from West Point that allows you to make an overnight visit.

 

[M2inOR]

It won't hurt to let your congressman and Senator that you have received an LOE (or LOA).

Every little bit helps!

 

[jrangitsch]

Marciemi is correct....

The nomination process is totally independent of the USMA qualification process. Each MOC makes and executes their own nomination process and decisions. Remember to look at ALL the possible nomination sources - Presidential,Vice-Presidential,Congressperson, Senators, ROTC...many candidates do not apply for all the nomination sources they are eligible for and lose out.

Yes - it is possible for a candidate to have received an LOA / LOE from USMA and NOT get a nomination.

Remember that this is a multi - part process by design.

I also agree with M2inOR that letting your MOC / Nominating Committee know that you have received an LOE / LOA from USMA is a good idea. After all, you are competing against about 14,000 other applicants for one of 1200 appointments. Every item that you can use to distinguish yourself from the "herd" is valuable.