Principal Nominations on their way out???

[2018midmom]

Are principal nominations fair? We have seen the angst recently over some principal nominees that received TWE's or wait listed. The academies prefer competitive slates from senators and congressmen and apparently can be put in a bind when politicians designate a sole nominee.

Let's look at it through our most populous state. California has 38 million people and like all states, two senators. California has about 500,000 high school graduates every year (Cal. Dept. of Educ publication). Of course they all do not apply to an academy, but of the thousand or more that do, could any one person be readily identified as clearly the most qualified and deserving?

Even in a smaller state it seems a bit presumptuous to name one candidate "principal", thereby reducing greatly the chance of all others on the slate to be appointed.

On this board we have seen some of the statistics of principally nominated candidates that were equal to, or even inferior to some that did not receive appointments.

A particularly charming or skilled confabulator can win over an interviewing panel, but that does not necessarily indicate success at an academy.

The academy has been identifying the types of kids that will be successful in their institutions for many years. Perhaps it is best left to them and drop even the possibility of being a principal nominee.

Thoughts?

Equal to or even inferior to? Are you kidding? I have seen stats from non principal, non RA kids inferior to others who received appointments. See Maplerock this is a big ole country. MOCs (esp Reps) are in a fantastic position to ascertain those things an admissions board may not be able to see in a very short personal essay-the kid in the district who consistently reaches out to make his community a better place (but doesn't write his essay on it and the teacher reqs don't focus on but the 3 community reqs do), the kid whose address alone tells them about the challenges they likely face, etc. The point is, the MOC & his/her nominating board is given the responsibility to choose 10 candidates from among many to make a "first" cut. If they decide that the privilege of choosing a principal will be utilized, that is their privilege. The SA makes the ultimate decision as to qualified/not qualified.

Skilled confabulator? Are you really suggesting principal nominees BSd their way in? How about this-officers MUST be excellent communicators (those who aren't usually find their career progression limited). This is true for both written and oral presentation skills. If a well spoken, well qualified kid got a principal nomination-great for him. Again, suggesting that principals confabulated their way to the top of the list is about as ridiculous as suggesting a competitively appointed kid just wrote the best personal statement.

If we are going to have this conversation why not take it all the way-eliminate nominations entirely and just let kids compete nationwide like at civ schools. Forget geographic distribution, the need for officer ranks to reflect enlisted populations in diversity, the desire to compose a SA community of individuals with different interests and strengths.

MOCs favoritism or political payback? Doubtful in 99.9% of the country (there's always one guy begging for a congressional investigation on something). Again, this is why boards are suggested and used. SA appointments are reported publicly throughout each district. All it would take is a mad parent that little sweetie didn't get in but MOC Xs campaign managers kid went on a principal and the political fallout could be huge. Esp for the Reps because their districts are small and they are much more visible and accessible. For that matter- go ahead and try to find out if/how/what source/stats etc the kids of those currently assigned to USNA got in (if they did). Microscope it all.

This year has been a rough ride for many. There are flaws in any process and this one is no exception. However, suggesting one group as a whole (be it principals or RAs or whomever) is possibly less qualified than another group (even those not selected) is just wrong. Don't cheapen the achievement of others-it just sounds like sour grapes (just like the Mom in another thread who attacked RAs because her DS got the TWE).

Bottom line-SA admissions is almost impossible to predict or understand. Slamming those who were successful in the process regardless of what someone thinks made that kid successful is just bad behavior.

 

[Maplerock]

I can feel the claws!

You probably saw that I used California as an example. 30 million people... 2 senators. Only Jesus should be a principal nominee there.

And, what does this mean? " I have seen stats from non principal, non RA kids inferior to others who received appointments." This is where my own kids would say, "no duh."

I have no dog in this fight. I just don't understand how any MOC (except those with very few applicants) could pick one as principal, thereby virtually eliminating the chance for all others on the slate to get in. (I know, other avenues such as supe's nom, etc. are possible, but not probable).

Sorry to get your dander up.

 

[2018midmom]

It's not just you. It's several who have questioned why some kids and not theirs, why have RAs, etc. the bottom line is MOCs have the privilege, some use it and some don't. The way you posed the issue with the questioning of some proncipal's stats as being potentially subpar is infuriating and demeans their accomplishments. ANY kid that gets in has been deemed worthy but those that did not get in include many who are also worthy of an appointment. Deconstructing all the packages is worthless. If there is anything the military has taught me it's this-you may have earned the top spot but that doesn't mean you will get it.

 

[usna1985]

Remember, Congress, not the SAs, wrote the law. This obviously gives them a bit more "power," clout, influence or whatever you want to call it, should they choose to use it. Most MOCs historically have used competitive slates.

Understand the frustration, but if you aren't happy with the system, the only way to change it is to get Congress to change the law. Lotsa luck with that.