Is a nomination required in order to be considered for admission into USMAPS or NAPS?

Yes. You can't apply to Prep Schools. You apply to the Academies. Admissions determines who goes to Prep Schools :wiggle:
 
Thank you for the quick response. Just to clarify, I do NOT have a chance at attending a preparatory school if I don't receive a nomination?
 
A nomination is not required to attend NAPS or MAPS. You do have a chance to attend a prep school or foundation (or equivalent at each SA) without a nom.
Thanks for this. Did not know this. DS has been instructed by Admin that because of his Math score he is a strong candidate for MAPS but we were thinking he still had to get the nomination. This just made my night. I guess it makes sense, since they have to get another nomination the following year
 
Does anybody know when these invitations to the Prep School go out? Just wondering how much time son will have to make a decision.
 
Thanks for this. Did not know this. DS has been instructed by Admin that because of his Math score he is a strong candidate for MAPS but we were thinking he still had to get the nomination. This just made my night. I guess it makes sense, since they have to get another nomination the following year
We’ll see if someone else corrects me but I actually think prep is a path that can avoid the need for a nomination. If you are sent to prep and you pass your classes and whatever other requirements there are, you go to the academy the following year. No need to reapply or get a nom.
 
We’ll see if someone else corrects me but I actually think prep is a path that can avoid the need for a nomination. If you are sent to prep and you pass your classes and whatever other requirements there are, you go to the academy the followingwee year. No need to reapply or get a nom.
Well that part is not true. We talked to admissions today just never asked the question about the nomination for USMAPS. You do have to re-apply and get a nomination. Whats good is because you are considered "active duty" you have multiple ways to get a nomination besides your Congressperson or Senator.
 
Well that part is not true. We talked to admissions today just never asked the question about the nomination for USMAPS. You do have to re-apply and get a nomination. Whats good is because you are considered "active duty" you have multiple ways to get a nomination besides your Congressperson or Senator.
Interesting as there are threads on here that seem to indicate otherwise. Perhaps it’s just that the nom following prep is more readily available/easier to obtain for the reasons you mentioned. The overall message I’d gotten was go to prep and don’t mess up and you’ll be in.
 
Well that part is not true. We talked to admissions today just never asked the question about the nomination for USMAPS. You do have to re-apply and get a nomination. Whats good is because you are considered "active duty" you have multiple ways to get a nomination besides your Congressperson or Senator.
This is correct. During prep school they will outline the requirements to secure an appt. Generally it is get a certain GPA, pass the required PT tests, remain physically qualified and remain in good conduct. They will also tell you if you have for retake SAT/ACT, required to apply for all eligible noms and any other details. A nom is required to attend a SA, even if coming from a prep school. The prep school path opens up a new nom source as you enlist in your respective services reserves which opens up your Sec of X nom also.
 
Just to add one more point specifically to USMAPS. Admissions must deem you not qualified for the cycle to be considered for Prep. Their may be some wiggle room in reaching that determination for borderline candidates but fully qualified candidates that do not receive a nomination need to look hard at Plan B and Plan C. USMAPS is not used to circumvent the nomination system.

All prep candidates sign a Army Reserve contract for the year at the prep school. They are encouraged to apply for all nominations that are available to them. Being in the Army Reserves, candidates are eligible for the Service Connected Nomination. That is why you hear people say as long as you complete the program, you will get in the next year.
 
Does anybody know when these invitations to the Prep School go out? Just wondering how much time son will have to make a decision.
I am not an expert but did have a preppie... my preppie did NOT have a nomination his first attempt at the Academy... In January, last year, he received an appointment letter to the prep school... it is NOT a separate application as Mr. Mullen indicated above... the academy application was used for his prep appointment.

As for what the process is after you attend... my preppie was required to re-apply to the academy. His original application was transitioned to the following years application. The portal indicated that he needed a nomination and that the prep school would supply his GPA and PFA at the end of the 10-month program. He was required to apply to ALL nomination sources he had available to him. Please note that should your candidate receive an invitation to attend the prep school - the academy has seen something in him/her that they want AND that they are ‘holding’ a spot for that cadet candidate (CC); however, the CC is still required to perform... and demonstrate that they have what it will take to be successful as a cadet at the academy... they are being ‘monitored’ for their leadership skills, military proficiency, academic performance and physical aptitude. Should the CC NOT receive a nomination from one of their Congressional nomination sources (Congressman, Senator, VP, President...) they could POTENTIALLY be given a nomination from their commanding officer at the prep school - as they are enlisted personnel at their designated academy (assuming they are given an appointment at one of the Academy prep schools and not a scholarship to a prep school - like the Falcon Scholarship.

I have heard this prep school offer is like getting a “Golden Ticket”... but it is up to the CC to ensure they achieve the actual nomination/appointment based on their performance at the prep school.

Please let me know if this helps... or if you have any other questions.
 
Last edited:
We’ll see if someone else corrects me but I actually think prep is a path that can avoid the need for a nomination. If you are sent to prep and you pass your classes and whatever other requirements there are, you go to the academy the following year. No need to reapply or get a nom.
Yes and no... as you are enlisted, your commanding officer can provide you a nomination; however, it is not a given... you are correct that you must pass all qualifications required... but again, your commanding officer has to be willing to offer you the nomination and it is based on your entire collection of ‘work’ during your 10-moth program... meaning you are being assessed on your leadership, military, physical and academic performance at the academy. You could potentially fail one portion and it hinder your ability to get a nom from your commanding officer...

I would say that getting into the prep school is a ‘golden ticket’; however, your work is not at all complete... you must perform. You are being watched 24x7 and being assessed on how well you do with every aspect - engagement with your peers, how you assume leadership responsibility and how well you perform those tasks, your physical performance and ability to continue to improve physically, your academic performance and your military acumen... I hope this helps...
 
Yes and no... as you are enlisted, your commanding officer can provide you a nomination; however, it is not a given..
For Navy, the Commanding Officer is not a Nominating Source. The actual nomination source is SecNav. The CO merely provides an endorsement to the application for Nomination, but USNA can charge up to 170 active or reserve sailors and marines to the SecNav category. It should be noted that the 170 includes NAPS candidates who are unable to secure a Nomination from their own MOC.
 
My DS received his offer to NAPS last week. Now just waiting to see if he receives a medical waiver. 😬
Do you have any idea why your DS received an offer to NAPS instead of the USNA? Is he a recruited athlete?
 
Back
Top