recruited athlete & nominations

Hi All,
Can someone explain how the varsity athletic teams at USNA are able to secure nominations for their "best" recruits that have a letter from the academy that says "guaranteed appointment" IF a nomination is received? We were told our student-athlete needed to apply to nomination sources (which has been done), but if one was not received, "the team" would use one of theirs. We come from an area where, for example, the senators get over 700 apps so even though our student-athlete has good stats (32 ACT and 3.95 gpa, national level accomplishments in chosen sport, leadership, volunteer, etc) they are not likely to get the attention out of 700 apps considering some of the stats I have seen on this website.
I know nominations only come from MOCs and related sources, so I'm wary. Student-athlete is seriously considering this great opportunity, but would be turning down other scholarship offers which are not likely to still be available past the November letter of intent signing period, while we wait to see if a nom is received from a MOC.

Also, one Senator has already sent rejection by email. It arrived the day before the LOA from USNA.
The Representative's packet was just due the other day, info said out right that they encourage early application to the academy b/c they very much consider input from the academy itself, so prospective student-athlete put copy of the LOA in the app packet sent. The other Senator's packet was already due a few weeks ago but haven't heard anything. Would it be helpful or hurtful to now sent a copy of the LOA, respectfully asking if it could be added to the applicant's file?

Thank you very much!

Reader's Digest version: (Which is hard for me).

Senators and Representatives are NOT the only places nominations come from. There are also military related nominations such as presidential, VP, ROTC, etc... But there is also 1 other source. The academy "Superintendent" also has some. Honestly; I can't remember how many they are. It's not too many. Something like 20 I believe. (I could definitely be wrong about the amount).

These can be used on ANY candidate that the "ACADEMY" FIGHTS for admittance but wasn't able to get a nomination from some other source. Yes, many can be SUPER Athletes applying that the coach is making a case for. (Any coach, not just football). It could be a 4.00gpa/36ACT/ kid living overseas and couldn't get a nomination in time. There's a lot of reasons.

But even the coaches will tell potential student/athletes to apply to ALL the nominations they can get so they don't need to use the Superintendent's except as a last resort. I understand the other opportunities for schools. But MOST senators/reps do their nominations between now and December and your son/daughter should know if they are getting one of those nominations or if the coach is getting them one PRIOR to having to make a commitment with another school. best of luck. Mike...

As always CC is on the mark and this time he was even succinct.

My DS was a Falcon Scholar and we included his Falcon letter in the MOC applications. I think including the LOA with the application was wise. I would recommend updating the other Senator's app with the letter as well. The LOA clearly sends the message to each MOC that USNA wants this candidate. Of course the MOCs can choose whoever they want but at least they are aware of the Academy's desire for your DD or DS.

For USNA, there are 50 Supe's noms. I had a candidate receive one -- she was obviously not a football recruited athlete.

However, there are few of these available. So USNA wants all candidates, including athletes, to do their best to get a "regular" nom.

usna1985 said:

For USNA, there are 50 Supe's noms. I had a candidate receive one -- she was obviously not a football recruited athlete.

However, there are few of these available. So USNA wants all candidates, including athletes, to do their best to get a "regular" nom.

Click to expand...

USAFA is the same.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

Christcorp said:

Reader's Digest version: (Which is hard for me).

Senators and Representatives are NOT the only places nominations come from. There are also military related nominations such as presidential, VP, ROTC, etc... But there is also 1 other source. The academy "Superintendent" also has some. Honestly; I can't remember how many they are. It's not too many. Something like 20 I believe. (I could definitely be wrong about the amount).

These can be used on ANY candidate that the "ACADEMY" FIGHTS for admittance but wasn't able to get a nomination from some other source. Yes, many can be SUPER Athletes applying that the coach is making a case for. (Any coach, not just football). It could be a 4.00gpa/36ACT/ kid living overseas and couldn't get a nomination in time. There's a lot of reasons.

But even the coaches will tell potential student/athletes to apply to ALL the nominations they can get so they don't need to use the Superintendent's except as a last resort. I understand the other opportunities for schools. But MOST senators/reps do their nominations between now and December and your son/daughter should know if they are getting one of those nominations or if the coach is getting them one PRIOR to having to make a commitment with another school. best of luck. Mike...

Click to expand...

+1

DS is a recruited athlete with an LOA. Before submitting his applications to Congressman DS called and asked if it was ok to include a copy of the LOA with his app. MOC Academy Staff asked that he NOT include the LOA. He did include the LOA with his two Senators apps...(he decided not to call). Question; will the Congressman be aware of the LOA? The WP Congressional Liaison is on the MOC interview panel, I assume that he would know, am I right about that?

Roadking said:

DS is a recruited athlete with an LOA. Before submitting his applications to Congressman DS called and asked if it was ok to include a copy of the LOA with his app. MOC Academy Staff asked that he NOT include the LOA. He did include the LOA with his two Senators apps...(he decided not to call). Question; will the Congressman be aware of the LOA? The WP Congressional Liaison is on the MOC interview panel, I assume that he would know, am I right about that?

Click to expand...

All depends.

If the staffer responsible the for nomation process is proactive enough, they should no.

Many MOC don't have WP Congressional liaison on the MOC interview panel.

From what I read the The academy "Superintendent" has 50 each year that can be used.
Regards
John

Just saw that at the very bottom of the LOA my student-athlete received from the academy, it "cc'd" our Senators and Rep.