Regional representation- what are they looking for?

My DS has his applications in to two SAs. (Still have to do the CFA and a few other little things- waiting on nominations, etc.)

I am curious, do certain areas of the country get more attention when they are looking to fill spots? My kid is not a minority, in fact, he's had all the privileges a kid could have- the one thing is, we are from a rural area in the Pacific Northwest. Beyond being a stellar student with all the volunteer and leadership things he has, I guess I just hope there is something there for him to stand out a bit more from all the other middle-class white boys. (I am guessing that's the bulk of applicants.)

At this stage of the game, there really isn't much else he can do to change his life or add more (before applications are due) so, I guess, mostly, my question is for curiosity's sake!
thanks,
PP

peppypea said:

My DS has his applications in to two SAs. (Still have to do the CFA and a few other little things- waiting on nominations, etc.)

I am curious, do certain areas of the country get more attention when they are looking to fill spots? My kid is not a minority, in fact, he's had all the privileges a kid could have- the one thing is, we are from a rural area in the Pacific Northwest. Beyond being a stellar student with all the volunteer and leadership things he has, I guess I just hope there is something there for him to stand out a bit more from all the other middle-class white boys. (I am guessing that's the bulk of applicants.)

At this stage of the game, there really isn't much else he can do to change his life or add more (before applications are due) so, I guess, mostly, my question is for curiosity's sake!
thanks,
PP

Click to expand...

This question cannot be answered in a generic sense because it completely depends on what academy you are talking about.

What you describe is commonly known as a "hook." What hook does my kid have that others may not?

Recall (through a search through here), diversity at Service Academies is not necessarily the same as what passes for diversity in other institutions. Sure, race and gender have their place, but so do things such as:

homeschooling
hardship/adversity
regional diversity (for USAFA, think: Maine; for USNA, think North Dakota)
And other things which can set your child or you apart: dedication to a non-school atypical sport, even a sport not played at USAFA
Years of service at a long-held job
Non-English speaking family
Farm family
First member of family to graduate college/high school
Family size (and multiple birth sets all desiring a nom & apptmt to an SA)

For our sons, there were several hooks: both sons (twins) wanted to go together (and had almost identical stats)
Very good SAT, GPA
Homeschoolers
46 College credits at local U (all A's)
Twins (USAFA was doing some twin studies then comparing academic & other outcomes of twins of same gender who both attend USAFA, twins where one is at USAFA, one not)
Fencing with high national ranking and experience

peppypea said:

My DS has his applications in to two SAs.... we are from a rural area in the Pacific Northwest.
PP

Click to expand...

Think of it as a local competition. First, your DS is competing locally to earn a nomination from your district congress member. If he gets the nom and is otherwise qualified, he has at least a 1 in 10 (assuming a full slate of 10 qualified applicants) chance for an appointment. He is only competing against the other 9 nominees from the same district on the same slate.

If he also gets a nom from one or both senators, he is still just competing against the other 9 nominees on each slate, all from his home state.

Don't worry about the National Pool and what other applicants bring to the table or what stats someone on the other side of the country has. Your DS just needs to focus on putting forth the best application he can, including working out to prep for the CFA, and being able to articulate his accomplishments and goals during interviews. Good luck!

kpmom2013 said:

peppypea said:

My DS has his applications in to two SAs. (Still have to do the CFA and a few other little things- waiting on nominations, etc.)

I am curious, do certain areas of the country get more attention when they are looking to fill spots? My kid is not a minority, in fact, he's had all the privileges a kid could have- the one thing is, we are from a rural area in the Pacific Northwest. Beyond being a stellar student with all the volunteer and leadership things he has, I guess I just hope there is something there for him to stand out a bit more from all the other middle-class white boys. (I am guessing that's the bulk of applicants.)

At this stage of the game, there really isn't much else he can do to change his life or add more (before applications are due) so, I guess, mostly, my question is for curiosity's sake!
thanks,
PP

Click to expand...

This question cannot be answered in a generic sense because it completely depends on what academy you are talking about.

Click to expand...

Sorry, I forgot that I posted this, haha! We are from the upper left coast. (Dunno if it's a bad idea to list the state, but if you are interested you can pm me.)