USNA - How to get Nominated

sailorgirl

5-Year Member
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May 4, 2012
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I am seeking nomination from my congresswoman of my district, my two Ohio senators, and the Vice President. It was recommended to me that I send letters. What information should I additionally include other than just my intent to be nominated? Any tips? All help would be appreciated. Thank you.
 
I am seeking nomination from my congresswoman of my district, my two Ohio senators, and the Vice President. It was recommended to me that I send letters. What information should I additionally include other than just my intent to be nominated? Any tips? All help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Each nominating source has its own procedure, although many of those for members of Congress ("MOC") are very similar. Typically, one must write to their MOC to request an application, but some MOCs make theirs available online. IMO, a simple, brief, professional letter is all that is required. "I am writing to request an application for your nomination to the United States Naval Academy." Etc. I don't think that part is critical to your application, if a part of it at all.

If you mean letters of recommendation, I would again follow the prescribed procedure of each particular nominating source. The number and persons making the recommendation vary, but typically MOCs request 2 or 3, and sometimes require one from a math teacher, one from English, a third from anyone else, or something like that. You needn't submit them for the VP nomination. As I came to understand it (and I'm not an expert on the VP nom), the VP is, in practice, a discretionary nomination available to the Academy which uses the recommendations in the candidates USNA application in selecting the recipients. My DS did not have any letters submitted in support of his VP nomination (he ended up receiving a senator's nomination).

So, read your MOCs' websites for instructions. You should find out which staffer handles service academy noms and contact them (now), but it's better of course to be informed as much as you can when you do. Just introduce yourself, confirm the process and deadlines, and you're off to the races! Best of luck!
 
Most MOCs have information regarding the nomination process on their website. The new "cycle" is just starting, so some might not have it posted at the moment. The VP nom goes to USNA and there should be info on the usna.edu website about how to apply for that.
 
Not sure what part of Ohio you are in, but 1985 is on track! I have checked the websites of our Senators and the Representatives in northeast Ohio, and they all have fill-in the blank sections in their sites - usually found under "Students". It is a good time to make contact as the Senators usually have a round of Service Academy days in late spring/early summer. Congresswoman Sutton (OH13) is having a Service Academy day at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center north of Brecksville the morning of May 19 @ 9am. Congressman Kucinich (OH10) had his event a couple of weeks ago. As you can see, you need to be making contact earlier rather than later. BTW, most of the MOCs welcome younger students at their events so they can get an early start and better position themselves as candidates when their times come. Best wishes to you... but get online today if you are serious in your endeavor. Also, you always can call the local offices of your MOC.
 
Not sure what part of Ohio you are in, but 1985 is on track! I have checked the websites of our Senators and the Representatives in northeast Ohio, and they all have fill-in the blank sections in their sites - usually found under "Students". It is a good time to make contact as the Senators usually have a round of Service Academy days in late spring/early summer. Congresswoman Sutton (OH13) is having a Service Academy day at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center north of Brecksville the morning of May 19 @ 9am. Congressman Kucinich (OH10) had his event a couple of weeks ago. As you can see, you need to be making contact earlier rather than later. BTW, most of the MOCs welcome younger students at their events so they can get an early start and better position themselves as candidates when their times come. Best wishes to you... but get online today if you are serious in your endeavor. Also, you always can call the local offices of your MOC.


I'm in OH District 12 and I attended academy day at Kucinich's a few weeks ago. When I was there I filled out an application, which was just basic contact info and which academies I preferred. It basically just put me on file with their office. His site said to send a letter by the end of junior year requesting for a nomination and explaining interest in a military career. This is just for my nomination process but I'm sure it's similar for the majority of MOCs. Just check their website and there should be something on there.
 
For the most part your MOC's website should have constituent information for academy applications. You can always (and most suggest you do) update your profile/application as time goes on. They expect this. Starting your application early gets the relationship started. Usually, it's a contact person in the MOC's office that you are connecting with and most are extremely helpful and good people.

Just get it started and make progress, keep them informed. In fact, during our DS's application process the academies and MOC both stated they took into account how long it took the applicant to complete the application. They use it as an indication of who is attentive to detail and seriously desire consideration.

I know our US Senator's nom's were determined in major part by who was done with their application early.
 
Some very important things to remember when competing for a nomination:

1) Educate yourself on what each source requires. Many things are common but there are usually subtle differences. Be aware of those differences!

2) Make a separate checklist for each source. Be methodical.

3) Don't bug them with questions that are easily answered online or in their information packet. It makes you look stupid. Don't burden them with tasks.

4) Be respectful at all times. Do not dismiss the Academy Coordinator as just some "secretary" or some insignificant underling of the congressman/senator. My guess is that these people have tremendous influence as to who gets nominated. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the staffers make all the selections and the MOC simply signs off on them. You will probably never meet any of the MOCs.

5) When you think your nomination packet is complete, call them and verify this. They probably will not call you and say, "Your packet will be complete as soon we get a photograph, or, "You're missing a recommendation."

6) Don't misspell their name or get their title wrong.
 
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