I have a nomination, what's next?

Lewis95

5-Year Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2012
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I received my letter from my senator saying I got a nomination to USAFA! I live in Maryland, so the competition was tough.

However, I realize that the senator nominates 10 per academy, and only appoints 1 of the 10, is that true?

I'm slightly confused, am I in good shape? Can anyone explain the process I will go through now that I have a nomination?

Also my letter says I have a "competitive nomination"
 
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Have you completed the application packet? Have you done your DoDMERB exam and any remedial stuff?
 
@raimus everything is complete, I'm medically qualified, entire online submission is completed, and Fitness too. But what I don't understand is how nominations work.
 
I received my letter from my senator saying I got a nomination to USAFA! I live in Maryland, so the competition was tough.

However, I realize that the senator nominates 10 per academy, and only appoints 1 of the 10, is that true?

I'm slightly confused, am I in good shape? Can anyone explain the process I will go through now that I have a nomination?

Also my letter says I have a "competitive nomination"

What it a senator or representative? I ask because thats where im applying :biggrin: great job man!!! :thumb:
 
@raimus everything is complete, I'm medically qualified, entire online submission is completed, and Fitness too. But what I don't understand is how nominations work.

It's complicated, but know that you have the thing you need to be eligible for an appointment.
 
Lewis95 congrats, if your file says complete you're good. You can still retake ACT/SAT and submit if you aren't happy with those scores, they will accept those even after the deadline if your file hasn't gone to committee (you won't know when this is). My DS got a senate nomination also, those are harder as they pick from the whole state so they are the most competitive files. I know of at least one other who had nom from same senator who got in also. My DS was very competitive, high class rank, eagle scout, 2 sport varsity athlete, very high ACT, etc still didn't find out until April 1st. Have plan B and C ready then wait, good luck, it's an amazing place! :shake:
 
@usafamom2016 thanks so much! I'm really excited. The Nomination was all I was worried about! I have above average SAT for USAFA, 3.83 academy weighted GPA and im crss country team captain and class president. I think I have a good shot! Best of luck to your DS there now, think I have a good shot?
 
It's really so hard to know the total package and where you stand in the jigsaw puzzle that is USAFA admissions. The senate nom is a good sign, keep in shape, keep the grades up and enjoy your senior year.
 
I agree with usafamom it is a giant jugsaw puzzle.

A couple of other things to realize are:
1. Qeue.
~~~ The board meets only 1x a week, and depending on where you are in the pile, it might take them a few boards before they get to you.
~~~ The board shuts down when the school shuts down, so now that we are entering the winter break period, they might not get to you until they return.

2. The competitive slate
~~~ They can appoint, but cannot charge an MOC until everyone on that slate has the highest WCS.
~ If a candidate does not submit their CFA until Feb., they may wait to appoint anyone on that slate.

The reason why it is a giant jigsaw puzzle, that can have a domino effect. For ex:
Candidate Jones has 3 MOCs and a Pres
Cand. Smith has Sen A, and a different Cong.
Cand. Bob has Sen A. and the another different Cong.
Cand. Percy has Sen A, Same Cong, and a Pres.
Cand Tom has Sen A.

etc.

The fact is if you look at last yrs appointment list, only about 25% found out before Feb. They call it Mass Mailing March for a reason.

I would not be Snoopy waiting over the mailbox every Thursday-Saturday. I would be happy if it does come soon, but I would be prepared for the spring.

Flieger and CC, both whom are ALOs have said multiple times that due to the high volume of applicants, and low amount of appointments expected this yr., that March is really the target date.
 
Lewis95 congrats, if your file says complete you're good. You can still retake ACT/SAT and submit if you aren't happy with those scores, they will accept those even after the deadline if your file hasn't gone to committee (you won't know when this is). My DS got a senate nomination also, those are harder as they pick from the whole state so they are the most competitive files.

It depends on the state and how well the groups work together. If the representative selection committees are talking to the senator selection committees, there are instances where they don't want redundant nominations. So some of the strongest candidates are "pulled out" early on. This isn't always the case. Using this same logic, the largest pool would be for VP and presidential nominations. They are not necessarily harder to get appointments (nor easier).
 
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