1st semester grades

[usnabgo08]

There also can be more than 20 appointed because the class is never filled from just the slates or 150 MOC qualified alternates.

“ (b) If it is determined that, upon the admission of a new class to the Academy, the number of midshipmen at the Academy will be below the authorized number, the Secretary may fill the vacancies by nominating additional midshipmen from qualified candidates designated as alternates and from other qualified candidates who competed for nomination and are recommended and found qualified by the Academic Board. At least three-fourths of those nominated under this subsection shall be from qualified alternates under paragraphs (2) through (8) of section 8454(a) of this title, and the remainder shall be from qualified candidates who competed for appointment under any other provision of law. An appointment of a nominee under this subsection is an additional appointment and is not in place of an appointment otherwise authorized by law.”

10 U.S. Code § 8454 - Midshipmen: number

www.law.cornell.edu

10 U.S. Code § 8456 - Midshipmen: nomination and selection to fill vacancies

www.law.cornell.edu

 

[Capt MJ]

Bottom line - the SAs have maneuvering room, until they don’t.

 

[brosefi]

Thanks for all the research and replies. I have scoured all of these same sources many times--I did not grasp the 150 alternates until reading the above. What is also interesting to me is that many times, cadets/mids will never know their actual nomination source. I don't think I am 100% certain of who nominated me some 30 years ago. In any case, I appreciate the discussion,...Capt MJ--your responses are always thoughtful and thorough!

 

[anom]

Did you have an ROTC nom also? I don’t want to be Nancy Negative, but I am in a crazy state/district for noms and think my chances for a congressional nom are low, especially from a senator. If I have a chance, it’s probably going to be via ROTC.

I did have one, but the ROTC nom is a hail mary.

 

[WestCoastRefugee]

I did have one, but the ROTC nom is a hail mary.

As I mentioned, I am good with whichever. I really wanted a military school experience for college, but I will take what I can get. I am the first in my family to attend college, so pretty happy with just being here. Still kinda torn between enlisting/not enlisting, partially because money is really tight, but if I can get a side load, my school picks up the rest of the bill so that would make things really doable. Doing Marine Option ROTC has really helped me put things into perspective, and it's nice to not have to worry about the games or beauty pageant questions or having to write stories about how I carried my Abuela on my back to her doctor appointments in the snow because her legs don't work or some other sob story. Keep your grades up, give 100%, show leadership and stay motivated. I don't have to worry about somebody determining if I "check the right box" or not, I just have to perform. Frankly, if I cannot get at least 1 nomination from my local rep with my HS record and my course load at college combined with Marine Option against a bunch of high schoolers, then I guess I am just not what the Naval Academy wants. I absolutely hope you achieve what you are looking for though.