Help With Congressional Nomination Application?

Littlepenguino · Jun 22, 2012

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forums, so I'm sorry if I put this in the wrong place.
I'm trying to get into USMA, but since I'm not technically eligible until 1 month from now (late summer birthday), I'm trying to get a head start on the essays my congressman requires for the app.
One of the questions reads, "Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?"
Would they find it smart-aleky to say in the military? I'm aspiring to be an officer through the academy or ROTC, so 4 years of college followed by 5 years active and 1 reserve would leave me in the reserves.
Do you think I'm taking this question too literally? Or is "10 years from now?" a bit more figurative than I'm looking at it?
Thank you for taking the time to read this post!

efirestone14 · Jun 22, 2012

I'm also applying to USMA and am new to the application process... I have been told that congressmen look for people who truly want to serve their country, so if you see yourself in the military ten years from now, then say so. I have been told that you do not necessarily need to say that you intend to make the military a career, but USMA's purpose is to produce Army officers, so congressmen will look for people who want to serve their country.

So... if you want to get an appointment to USMA and become an officer, then I would say in your essay that you will be in the military ten years from now.

Littlepenguino · Jun 23, 2012

That's what I was thinking as well, I just wanted to check with others to make sure I wasn't taking the prompt too literally. Thank you! I'll definitely get started.

GoArmyBeatNavy · Jun 23, 2012

Littlepenguino said:
I'm trying to get into USMA, but since I'm not technically eligible until 1 month from now (late summer birthday),

What do you mean by this? You just have to be 17 by 1 July of the year you enter. Will you be 17 later this summer? If so, open a file.

Littlepenguino · Jun 23, 2012

GoArmyBeatNavy said:
What do you mean by this? You just have to be 17 by 1 July of the year you enter. Will you be 17 later this summer? If so, open a file.

I wanted to open a file early so I'd have a headstart and a better understanding of how to apply, but the site wouldn't let me because I don't turn 17 until July 21st. It denies me access saying I'm not eligible.

GoArmyBeatNavy · Jun 23, 2012

Littlepenguino said:
I wanted to open a file early so I'd have a headstart and a better understanding of how to apply, but the site wouldn't let me because I don't turn 17 until July 21st. It denies me access saying I'm not eligible.

Are you a rising senior and you will turn 17 this 21 July?

Littlepenguino · Jun 23, 2012

GoArmyBeatNavy said:
Are you a rising senior and you will turn 17 this 21 July?

I am going to be a senior this fall and turn 17 this July 21st.

GoArmyBeatNavy · Jun 24, 2012

Littlepenguino said:
I am going to be a senior this fall and turn 17 this July 21st.

Then you should be able to apply now. I would call someone at the admissions office.

Littlepenguino · Jun 27, 2012

GoArmyBeatNavy said:
Then you should be able to apply now. I would call someone at the admissions office.

I am very sorry for the late reply. I did as you said, and for some reason the application did open up to me this time. I believe last time I may have tried to apply too early, and that's why the site denied me. Thank you again.

GoArmyBeatNavy · Jun 27, 2012

Littlepenguino said:
I am very sorry for the late reply. I did as you said, and for some reason the application did open up to me this time. I believe last time I may have tried to apply too early, and that's why the site denied me. Thank you again.

no reply needed

glad you were able to open your file. Based on other posts here, I recommend sending in your transcripts and standardized test scores. When you are able to complete your file, finish it quickly.

Littlepenguino · Jun 27, 2012

GoArmyBeatNavy said:
no reply needed glad you were able to open your file. Based on other posts here, I recommend sending in your transcripts and standardized test scores. When you are able to complete your file, finish it quickly.

I'm glad to say I already did! Now I just need to save up a bit to send my scores to my congressman and senators, since I ran out of the free score reports that SAT and ACT gave me.

Pima · Jun 28, 2012

Contact your MOC.

Many accept copies/faxes of hard copies too, that is if you had a hard copy sent to your email or home address. DS sent copies, because his SAT/ACT options went to the schools, including the AFA. MOC's never had a problem with it, probably because HS transcripts also have the scores and dates for verification. He received every MOC nom.