nominations process

USMAalltheway

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Hi!

I was wondering, what is the minimum and maximum langth essay you can have when writing to a senator or congressman? (You know, the essay that says why do you want to go to West Point?). Is there any good way to start my essay? Also, are the nominators looking for something specific in your essay?

USMAalltheway
 
The instructions for the essay should say the max.

They look for sincere motivation and dedication to attend the academy. They want people who will do whatever it takes and have no doubt in their mind this is what the want. Not someone who might quit or change their mind.
 
America's finest,

Thank you for your response. I wasn't quite sure of what to put in my essay. Thanks to your response, I now have an idea of how to write it. Thanks again.

USMAalltheway
 
Be sure to give them an indication of how you would be able to give back to the Academy, the Army, and the Nation if you were selected to attend. Be sure to be completely honest with whatever you write and don't put anything in your letter that you wouldn't be willing to back up or just have it in there because it "sounds good" or "is what they want to hear."
 
Icelander27,

Thank you for replying. I have one more question, what's a good way to begin your essay? (the first line area). I don't want to sound lame by putting the phrase, "the reason I want to go to West Point is...." Or is that the correct way to put it? Thanks.

USMAalltheway
 
It's up to you. The people who are reading your letters/essays are not English professors who are going to rip apart your letter trying to find every way to devalue your work. Not to say that you shouldn't ignore thinks like good grammar, proper punctuation, etc. they will be able to recognize basic mistakes. What you should really be concerned about is exactly what I said before. Be Honest, Be Open, and Be Yourself.

Another good rule of thumb to follow is the general form for any informative speech, essay, or other publication:

First tell them what you are going to say in your essay, Next tell them what you are saying, and Lastly tell them what you said.

It may seem redundant, but if you say things a little differently each time, while still coming across with a clear, understandable message, then you will have a very strong essay.
 
Icelander27,

Thanks for replying. I do have one more question, does my essay need to have a title or my name written on it? Thanks.

USMAalltheway
 
The people who are reading your letters/essays are not English professors who are going to rip apart your letter trying to find every way to devalue your work. .

Not always! My Rep. had an English teacher on their selection group. I had multiple English teachers correct mine before I handed it in seeing that I'm not the best writer. My friend did not do this and was returned his essay at his interview covered in read ink. He said it wasn't the best way to start the interview. Defiantly have your English teacher at least check it over, just in case.
 
kp13,

Thanks for the reply. Good for me, my Dad has a Master's in English. So I'm going to have him and my English teacher see my essay. Thanks for advice! Much appreciated!:biggrin:

USMAalltheway
 
Not always! My Rep. had an English teacher on their selection group. I had multiple English teachers correct mine before I handed it in seeing that I'm not the best writer. My friend did not do this and was returned his essay at his interview covered in red ink. He said it wasn't the best way to start the interview. Defiantly have your English teacher at least check it over, just in case.

I do recognize that there will be a 0.0000000000000000000000000000000000000001% or so chance that you will get an English professor/teacher on your review board, and I never said anything against going to a teacher for advice or proofreading. I have close to or at least four different versions of each essay I wrote for all three academies saved on my computer because of proofreading or changing the way I organized things or the ideas i presented. But then again I am a perfectionist when it comes to essay writing. :rolleyes:

Don't be afraid to bounce ideas off your parents or your counselor at school and be sure to give yourself plenty of time to write these, because you want them to be as good as possible. :thumb:
 
Ha I wasn't attacking you Icelander sorry if it came across that way, just giving my input and suggestions. Second the giving yourself plenty of time.
 
I wasn't mad, I was just a little overzealous. I admit that I should have toned down my last post a bit.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Mine are just better. :biggrin:
 
I just wrote the topic/question they gave me for the essay at the top (centered in some) in bold.
 
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