Applying to More Than One SA

[Ted]

I've heard different things from different people about this. Some say that's its a good thing where as some others say it shows a lack of commitment to that branch. I'm wondering because I'm not 100% sure USNA is where I will want to go rather than another academy because I'm trying to look at all my options and see what is best for me.

I'm asking here becasue I'm sure someone can give me a knowledgable answer. I very much appreciate it.

[Beaz]

My son wants to attend and play football for a Service Academy. The one thing that has really attracted him to the USMMA is that he could wait till his third year to pick a branch of service.

[jasperdog]

My experience and answer is that relative to the actual Academy Admissions offices, I don't believe the fact you may or may not have applied to more than one Federal Academy influences their review of your application either way. That said it is merely my understanding and believe and perhaps someone wore directly involved like Kings Point Diversity will answer and if I'm wrong correct me.

As regards the nominating authorities (in USMMA's case - Members of Congress (House of Representatives and/or US Senators), I have a different answer and that answer is "it depends" - as in it depends on the Member of Congress and/or generally the chair of his review board, which most if not all have. Though again, in general, the advice most will give is apply to all you have interest in and with the exception of how you might be compelled to answer specific interview questions from specific review board members, your pursuit of more than one nomination or to more than one Academy will likely not be viewed in a negative light, if it is considered at all.

Good luck!

[baxted]

Jasperdog, as usual, makes some great points. When our DS was working to get his Congressional appointments, our junior senator made it clear she would only nominate a person for one academy. Our house representative would give multiple recommendations. Our senior senator never bothered to reply even after calling his office so it does, indeed, vary with the person.

Carefully go over the web pages your members of Congress keep on service academy appointments. It doesn't hurt to call either. When getting appointments, pro-active is a real plus.

Thankfully, our DS backed off of USNA after we visited Annapolis, and my Navy brother told him he'd be happier at King's Point. As such, by the time he got to the interviews for the congressional appointments, he only was going for USMMA.

[KP2013Momm]

Apply to the Academies you may be interested in, visit them if possible and then make your decision. There are many factors when in comes to noms that you can not control (mainly numbers). My DS applied to Coast Guard, USNA and USMMA he was accepted in 2 of the 3.

[mtnro]

I agree that talking with your MOC's (member of congress) to understand their viewpoint is very important. Most Congressmen have Academy Information events that you should attend. Ours encouraged everyone to choose as many SA's that they would be willing to attend. My DS received nom's for both USMMA & USNA. Our Senators only allowed one choice and my DS got one of those as well. USMMA req's a MOC from your state, not necessarily your district,while the 3 Military SAs allow other nom's & Coast Guard doesn't req. at all. My DS got his LOA in Dec. from USMMA & is in the 2016 class at USMMA. Good luck to you-Pursue opt's a,b,c,d etc...