Nomination Help

Apple4

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Could someone steer me in the right direction as to how to request nomination from my senator? I know how to contact them, just not sure what to put in my message or letter. Is it informal or does it need to be lengthy? Thank you!
 
Start by reviewing the website of your senators and representative. There will be a link for service academy nominations with very specific details of how to apply, timetables and the necessary submissions. Once you review the requirements you can always call their office directly with any additional questions. Typically, an individual on the senator’s staff is assigned the role of handling service academy nominations.
 
Most offices have a formal application process. If you go to your congress member’s website, there is usually a “Service Academy Nomination” page with instructions on how to apply for his/her nomination.
 
And the same goes for your congressman. Make sure you apply to all nomination sources available to you. At the very least: two senators, one congressman, vice president.
 
The application deadlines are usually all different. Do not miss one of those deadlines. The VPOTUS application is entirely online, and can be found here.
 
And remember that is almost definite that each senator and congressman will have their own specific requirements--it isn't cookie-cutter. One will want 2 recommendations, one will want 3. One will want at least 2 but more than 4. One will want an essay no more than 1,000 words, one will want one at least 1,000 words but no more than 1,500. They all had different deadlines. You get the idea...

My son made a folder for each MOC, and added a printout of their requirements in each folder, along with his completed work. Then he checked, double checked, triple checked...
 
The application deadlines are usually all different. Do not miss one of those deadlines. The VPOTUS application is entirely online, and can be found here.

If you are serious about USNA, apply for the VP nomination along with your 2 Sen and 1 Rep, and any other for which you are eligible. I guarantee that the admissions board will see that you applied for it. I got an email from USNA a few week after applying through the website @THParent linked saying thank you for your VP nomination request.

Applying for ALL nom sources shows USNA you are someone who really wants to attend.
 
With MOC noms, there are no bonus points for turning them in super-early. So, take your time to do them well because, in many parts of the country, securing a nom is a huge part of the "battle." However, do NOT miss the deadline as, especially in super-competitive districts, that's an easy way to reduce the number of applications (tossing those submitted late).

Also as noted above, some MOCs have very early deadlines (one MOC in our area used to have a deadline of 15 SEP. School here didn't start until after Labor Day. So, if you need teacher recs, transcripts, etc from your school, you need to plan for that. Other MOCs may allow applications almost up to the last moment.

Finally, in many areas of the country, MOCs ask you to rank your SAs. In some areas, you may only be able to get one nom to one SA per MOC and in some areas the MOCs compare notes and you may only be able to get one nom period. There are many threads on this topic with some great advice. I won't rehash that here other than to say that you should give your selections A LOT of thought now so you aren't regretting an impulsive decision come winter/spring.
 
Could someone steer me in the right direction as to how to request nomination from my senator? I know how to contact them, just not sure what to put in my message or letter. Is it informal or does it need to be lengthy? Thank you!

Ok don’t know if this will help. My daughter is off to USNA in 13 days but it was NOT due to any help from a senators. They receive so many applicants that twice they wouldn’t even respond to her. She received her nominations twice through her congressman. Not to say she shouldn’t apply but shoot for her congressman as her best bet. Also if possible see if she can apply to intern at their office. Good luck to you folks and what ever you do don’t give up. GO NAVY BEAT ARMY !
 
They receive so many applicants that twice they wouldn’t even respond to her. She received her nominations twice through her congressman. Not to say she shouldn’t apply but shoot for her congressman as her best bet.

Unfortunate experience, but one data point doesn't make a rule. Sure, in theory a Senator has a much bigger territory to cover, and more applicants, and often less ties to your local community, and may not be as responsive to individual requests. However, all Senators are different, and some take the whole Service Academy nomination duty more serious than others. Both Senators in my State are very pro-military, supportive of the Service Academies, and responsive. The bottom line - APPLY FOR ALL NOMINATION SOURCES YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR !
 
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