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StayingPositive

5-Year Member
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Oct 26, 2013
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So, I received two letters saying that my interviews with my states two senators have been scheduled. I was wondering, does everyone who applies for an interview receive one? Or is it selective? If it is selective and the fact that an interview was scheduled for me is a good thing, I will go to both. But if that is not the case, I would rather not go to one of them because one of the interviews is 4 hours away midday tuesday and to be honest, I don't know if its worth making the trip. Please don't get me wrong, I would go to hell and back to get into a service academy, but I have some personal reasons as to why going to this interview 4 hours away would be difficult. Thanks for the input!
 
So, I received two letters saying that my interviews with my states two senators have been scheduled. I was wondering, does everyone who applies for an interview receive one? Or is it selective? If it is selective and the fact that an interview was scheduled for me is a good thing, I will go to both. But if that is not the case, I would rather not go to one of them because one of the interviews is 4 hours away midday tuesday and to be honest, I don't know if its worth making the trip. Please don't get me wrong, I would go to hell and back to get into a service academy, but I have some personal reasons as to why going to this interview 4 hours away would be difficult. Thanks for the input!

Each slate you are on gives you another chance of an appointment. If you don't get appointed from one Senator's slate, you might get appointed from the other Senator's slate. So, in a sense, it could double your chances at an appointment. Is that important enough to overcome your rationale and make the trip? Only you can decide, but one would think that if someone were truly willing to go to hell and back for an appointment, one could easily make a 4 hour trip. You don't mention your personal reasons, and I won't ask. But so far your inspirational rhetoric doesn't seem to match your preferred plans.
 
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Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed...

There are times when the event, although super important is a huge inconvenience. It may be do-able, but would make for a hardship.

We had a similar thing. When he was a senior in high school hoping for an appointment the academy admissions officer contacted my son and wanted to see him the next day... 100 miles from our home. Parents were out of the country. Son had a high school game to play on that day. What did he do? He drove the 100 miles alone for the meeting. Couldn't make the trip with the team. His choice. Wouldn't have blamed him for not going.

The following month our Congressman had academy day. Asked my son if he would attend. Again, on a game day. Son scrambled to drive to academy day then race to the game... 60 miles away.

You may have something pressing... and if you feel great about getting a Congressional nomination, or one from the other senator, you are probably OK... If you don't get a nomination however, you'll always wonder if the Senator you missed might have given you one.

Good luck.
 
That's interesting that the interview is midday on a school day - is that typical? Our Congressman indicated that his interviews would be on a Saturday, and local, but we have not heard when the Senator interviews are or where. I guess I was thinking they would be in the evening or on the weekend....silly me!
My DS will be facing some of the same decisions as Staying Positive, and I think what he asked is a fair question. DS is suddenly faced with coaches from his Plan B schools asking him to come for overnight visits, possible MOC interviews (which could be during the day I guess), that is potentially a lot of school to miss during these crucial weeks leading up to that 7 semester transcript.... You have to weigh the pros and cons, which I think is what he is trying to do by asking what he did. The answers may be obvious to us, but to a 17 year old kid - not so much. Hopefully with the above answers he will come up with a solution that is right for him.
 
It is a legit question soccmomer. He did get his answers, although if he read the stickies and understood the nomination/appointment process, the need for the question would have been moot. I guess what burned me was the "willing to go to hell and back". Seems like not so much.

If he has a very pressing and legitimate reason for not wanting to attend on that particular day, one could always ask for a schedule change. It may or may not be granted, but one could at least ask.
 
DS has had 2 Senatorial Interviews.

One was a Tuesday at 310pm, and one is next Wednesday at 940am. He was told in the contact email there was a 'little' leeway, but it was mostly take it or leave it given the volume of Interviews to be held. 15 minutes seems to be the prevailing length of time given to each Interviewee, at least in DS's case here in PA.
 
StayingPositive,
I would suggest you go if you can. You won't know if it's worth it unless you do, and why not try for all nominations possible? My DS has had 2 senator interviews -- the first was scheduled from 8a-4p three hours away, so that meant we drove up the night before and paid for a hotel. It included three 10-min interviews with his Board, lunch with the senator, and pictures (and a lot of waiting in between). The 2nd interview was scheduled for a Wed at 3 pm, which meant DS had to leave school early. Third interview in November will be on a Saturday. Unless it really is a hardship for you to get to the interview, you should make the effort!
 
It is a legit question soccmomer. He did get his answers, although if he read the stickies and understood the nomination/appointment process, the need for the question would have been moot. I guess what burned me was the "willing to go to hell and back". Seems like not so much.

If he has a very pressing and legitimate reason for not wanting to attend on that particular day, one could always ask for a schedule change. It may or may not be granted, but one could at least ask.

Sir, if I may explain myself, I was just looking for some feedback from more experienced people. I already had read the stickies and done my research. But I just wanted some extra help is all. Both my parents can barely speak English, let alone help me through this extensive process of applying to the SA's. So from step 1, I have been in on this by myself. I assure you, now that I am close to done, my motivation is stronger than ever. My parents both moved to the States from Korea and now own a small restaurant in a building. The reason why I don't know if I can go is because the building they work in has a policy that prevents them from closing shop on the weekdays with repercussions if they do. My sister is in college right now and all my other relatives (cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents) all live halfway across the world and cannot provide me with a ride... I suggested to my parents that I take a bus (greyhound, megabus) but they are obviously worried, as any parent would be, about sending me by myself on a 4 hour excursion to somewhere I have never been before. I also don't have a license. Sir I apologize if this question was stupid and pointless but if I wasn't motivated as you implied twice or clueless as spud said, I would have dropped this entire process of applying early on. Regardless, thank you everyone for the feedback! I will keep everything in mind as the date slowly approaches.
 
Sir, if I may explain myself, I was just looking for some feedback from more experienced people. Both my parents can barely speak English, let alone help me through this extensive process of applying to the SA's. So from step 1, I have been in on this by myself. I assure you, now that I am close to done, my motivation is stronger than ever. My parents both moved to the States from Korea and now own a small restaurant in a building. The reason why I don't know if I can go is because the building they work in has a policy that prevents them from closing shop on the weekdays with repercussions if they do. My sister is in college right now and all my other relatives (cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents) all live halfway across the world and cannot provide me with a ride... I suggested to my parents that I take a bus (greyhound, megabus) but they are obviously worried, as any parent would be, about sending me by myself on a 4 hour excursion to somewhere I have never been before. I also don't have a license. Sir I apologize if this question was stupid and pointless but if I wasn't motivated as you implied twice or clueless as spud said, I would have dropped this entire process of applying early on. Regardless, thank you everyone for the feedback! I will keep everything in mind as the date slowly approaches.

OK. I'll buy that as a reason that might preclude you from going. It sounds like an issue that would keep you from attending at any time. Have you explained that to the Senator's office? Have you looked into whether an accommodation might be made? Perhaps a phone or Skype interview could work? Look for solutions. It does sound like you have the determination. Adapt and overcome.

EDIT: Other sources for a ride? School? Church? Local veteran's organization? And if you pull off getting there, make sure you make it known during the interview. It can only reflect well on you.
 
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Staying,

You should have put that out there in the 1st place.

Here is my opinion.

Call your MOC office TODAY! Talk to the staff and explain your situation. It is not uncommon for MOCs to interview over the phone.
~ They are not heartless and would not want to create a burden for your family from a financial aspect.

Xposted with kinnem.
 
So, I received two letters saying that my interviews with my states two senators have been scheduled. I was wondering, does everyone who applies for an interview receive one? Or is it selective? If it is selective and the fact that an interview was scheduled for me is a good thing, I will go to both. But if that is not the case, I would rather not go to one of them because one of the interviews is 4 hours away midday tuesday and to be honest, I don't know if its worth making the trip. Please don't get me wrong, I would go to hell and back to get into a service academy, but I have some personal reasons as to why going to this interview 4 hours away would be difficult. Thanks for the input!

I will layout a scenario why you shouldn't bother. To be clear, it's your decision.

Are you a competitive candidate?

Your senator can nominate up to 10 candidates per one vacancy at a SA. In a typical year, there are only one vacancy, so only one appointment against the Senator's vacancy. Usually the candidate that wins the Senator's vacancy is one of the top candidates in your whole state, not your Congressional district. He or she should be the best that the state. Most cases the difference between #1 vs #2 will be very minimum. It could be a difference of 20 points in SAT. So being #2 on the Senator's nomination list, if he or she is using competitive appointment, won't get you an appointment. Simple analogy is like finishing second in the Olympic 100 meter dash vs finishing first in your high school 100 meter dash. Of course there are different scenarios were #1 kid gets medically disqualified, #2 kid decides to go a civilian school, but if you are on the bottom you have to very lucky to win the appointment.

The unknown is where you stand and what your competitors will do . . .

There are other ways to get appointment when you have a nomination without winning your category - i.e. National Waiting List.

Not an easy decision.
 
I will layout a scenario why you shouldn't bother. To be clear, it's your decision.

Are you a competitive candidate?

Your senator can nominate up to 10 candidates per one vacancy at a SA. In a typical year, there are only one vacancy, so only one appointment against the Senator's vacancy. Usually the candidate that wins the Senator's vacancy is one of the top candidates in your whole state, not your Congressional district. He or she should be the best that the state. Most cases the difference between #1 vs #2 will be very minimum. It could be a difference of 20 points in SAT. So being #2 on the Senator's nomination list, if he or she is using competitive appointment, won't get you an appointment. Simple analogy is like finishing second in the Olympic 100 meter dash vs finishing first in your high school 100 meter dash. Of course there are different scenarios were #1 kid gets medically disqualified, #2 kid decides to go a civilian school, but if you are on the bottom you have to very lucky to win the appointment.

The unknown is where you stand and what your competitors will do . . .

There are other ways to get appointment when you have a nomination without winning your category - i.e. National Waiting List.

Not an easy decision.

Staying Positive,

MemberLG raises some good points you might want to consider. As he said, tough decision.

I sometimes "smack" people upside the head to get their attention or encourage them to additional effort. Just keep in mind that we are all here to support you. Please let us know how it all turns out and keep.... StayingPositive. :thumb:
 
StayingPositive,

First off, congrats on your determination. The end-to-end process for applying to a SA is not an easy one for any 17 year old; even with a parent's support.

And your desire to keep your private life private is understandable. But now that it's understood your situation may be unique, here are some possible suggestions (in no particular order)...

1) Certainly reach out to the contact person for that MOC's nominations and explain the challenge. Explain the economic hardship it may cause and ask if there are any alternatives available.

2) Consider reaching out to the local Parent's Association(s) for the SA(s) you are interersted in. My experience is that these individuals are typically quite special and willing to lend a hand in ways you may not have thought of.

3) Have a serious heart-to-heart conversation with your folks. You need to start your own life at some point. And if they cannot find a way to spare you for a single day, how are they going to do without you for a minimum of 9 years? Perhaps they are quite traditional, perhaps they are trying to avoid the future, but if you are determined to pursue this path of commissioning into the armed forces, soon enough they will have to face the reality that you won't be there. It might be hard to have that talk, but perhaps now is the time.

Hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck.
 
Also for what it's worth... The advice here about "why bother" is well-meaning surely, but take it for what it is.

You are 17, clearly bright, driven and motivated to do something meaningful with your life. If now is not the time to chase your dream then when? Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you. So if this dream is what's in your heart, I say find a way to go for it and take every shot you can! No regrets.

You can always pursue other avenues too of course if you fall short. But don't let chances to pursue your dream slip by.

And you can take that advice for just what it is too... :smile:
 
Thanks everyone!

So, despite the fact that my parents are still not able to go, I was able to find a ride and I will be going to the interview! Thank you everyone for your input! I reallly thought hard about it over the past few days and what everyone said and you guys were right. If I really want to go to West Point, I should give it my all and work around difficult and seemingly hopeless circumstances. Thanks! Hopefully I can nail this interview!
 
Good Luck Staying Positive!!!!!!! Great decision!!! Let us know how it goes.
 
A DS's mom

Staying Positive: What great news! You know, asking someone to drive you many hours to the interview allows that someone to be part of your support team. And that is what the academy is looking for and will teach you: to be part of a team and to rely on your team to help you and them succeed. Make sure that the MOC interview panel, your ALO and your AFA Admissions Officer knows what you had to do to get to that interview! And when the going gets "sucky" at the academy (as I'm sure you know that it will), just remember that everyone, especially your driver, is rooting for you!

:thumb:
 
That's great news StayingPositive! Truly awesome. I'm sure it gives you a new perspective on what's possible in this world and that can only redound to your benefit. I agree with others that you should make sure your efforts are known in a humble way. I look forward to hearing about your continued successes! :thumb:
 
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