2027 State Nominations Thread

[A1Janitor]

I believe it is the full application, it includes transcripts, SAT scores etc. He only wanted to plan ahead to get his letters of recommendation lined up and work on the essays. We had heard that Senator Duckworth required multiple essays in past years. No big deal if they don't require them, it will make things easier.

I believe my son asked his teachers to write the letter of recommendations - and provide three copies in an envelope addressed to each MOC individually.

 

[IggyMom23]

I believe it is the full application, it includes transcripts, SAT scores etc. He only wanted to plan ahead to get his letters of recommendation lined up and work on the essays. We had heard that Senator Duckworth required multiple essays in past years. No big deal if they don't require them, it will make things easier.

Both IL senators require all those things. Neither does interviews, but Duckworth has interview questions to answer in an essay. I’m not sure if you can submit online, but DS submitted package for her via regular mail. Durbin has a very basic online app but you send the recommendations by mail.

 

[SnootyHen]

I am a fellow IL person. Both Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin have more that is required which will show up when you begin typing in the basic info. Duckworth had 9 short answer essay questions and Durbin's was simply "why do you want to attend the SA" or something like that. Both wanted transcripts, LOR and your standardized test scores. They also request a color photo. Once you do the fillable PDF, the rest comes up.

 

[IggyMom23]

Both IL senators require all those things. Neither does interviews, but Duckworth has interview questions to answer in an essay. I’m not sure if you can submit online, but DS submitted package for her via regular mail. Durbin has a very basic online app but you send the recommendations by mail.

Also, DS had the same 3 recommendations for each senator and rep. Just got 3 sealed copies of each to put with each application.

 

[Texark147]

I am a fellow IL person. Both Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin have more that is required which will show up when you begin typing in the basic info. Duckworth had 9 short answer essay questions and Durbin's was simply "why do you want to attend the SA" or something like that. Both wanted transcripts, LOR and your standardized test scores. They also request a color photo. Once you do the fillable PDF, the rest comes up.

Great info. Thank you!

 

[Texark147]

Also, DS had the same 3 recommendations for each senator and rep. Just got 3 sealed copies of each to put with each application.

Thank you so much for this info. So the LOR just needs to be sealed and the candidate will mail them in?

 

[Coffee22]

DD had different LOR requirements for all three MOC's. She used the same letter writers however each MOC had different requirements. One MOC wanted the whole package to be submitted by candidate directly all at the same time, however in our district letter writers were not permitted to submit LORs to the student, so that was one hurtle. Teachers who usually submit letters to Naviance had to write letters, print to sign in ink, upload and send individually to the MOC who required ink signature and direct receipt from writer, which then had to be tracked and added to candidates file. All steps required candidate to communicate clear instructions for each MOC process (and SA) between letter writers and MOCs staff plus follow-up and confirmation of receipt. Throw in an old school teacher and the print, sign, scan, attach and email instructions wind up being a tad overwhelming.

2028 candidates should know that it's challenging but not impossible. Be prepared to ask your letter writers in plenty of time before they are due, provide clear instructions and follow up to be certain letters are received in time for MOC's deadlines, some as early as Sept 2.

 

[IggyMom23]

Thank you so much for this info. So the LOR just needs to be sealed and the candidate will mail them in?

Yes, each teacher gave him 3 sealed envelopes of the same letter. They all also signed their name across the seal. I believe the letters were addressed inside generically “member of service academy congressional nominating committee” or something like that. For Duckworth, DS put hard copies of everything required in a legal sized envelope, and the 3 sealed letters went in there. For Durbin, on his website it says everything should be submitted electronically, but if you go further down, there is a mailing address you can send the LOR to. DS had issues with this part, as the staffer he was in contact with said he was supposed to send them via email…lots of back and forth, with DS confirming at least twice “so I open these and scan them and email them?” To which she responded yes. Long story short, he ended up having issues, of which the staffer eventually took responsibility for. So don’t make that mistake and send them via snail mail, even though it says everything should be submitted online.

 

[Texark147]

Yes, each teacher gave him 3 sealed envelopes of the same letter. They all also signed their name across the seal. I believe the letters were addressed inside generically “member of service academy congressional nominating committee” or something like that. For Duckworth, DS put hard copies of everything required in a legal sized envelope, and the 3 sealed letters went in there. For Durbin, on his website it says everything should be submitted electronically, but if you go further down, there is a mailing address you can send the LOR to. DS had issues with this part, as the staffer he was in contact with said he was supposed to send them via email…lots of back and forth, with DS confirming at least twice “so I open these and scan them and email them?” To which she responded yes. Long story short, he ended up having issues, of which the staffer eventually took responsibility for. So don’t make that mistake and send them via snail mail, even though it says everything should be submitted online.

Thank you so much! I will have him follow your instructions.

 

[Texark147]

DD had different LOR requirements for all three MOC's. She used the same letter writers however each MOC had different requirements. One MOC wanted the whole package to be submitted by candidate directly all at the same time, however in our district letter writers were not permitted to submit LORs to the student, so that was one hurtle. Teachers who usually submit letters to Naviance had to write letters, print to sign in ink, upload and send individually to the MOC who required ink signature and direct receipt from writer, which then had to be tracked and added to candidates file. All steps required candidate to communicate clear instructions for each MOC process (and SA) between letter writers and MOCs staff plus follow-up and confirmation of receipt. Throw in an old school teacher and the print, sign, scan, attach and email instructions wind up being a tad overwhelming.

2028 candidates should know that it's challenging but not impossible. Be prepared to ask your letter writers in plenty of time before they are due, provide clear instructions and follow up to be certain letters are received in time for MOC's deadlines, some as early as Sept 2.

Whew! I am worn out just reading that. Lol. This is the reason he wanted to find the right info and get a head start planning. Thank you!

 

[curious_m3rchant]

You know despite the fact that it's April and I got an appointment to USMMA, I still never heard anything back from Senator Kennedy's office. Even though I already have an appointment, it still would be nice to hear back from his office since I did apply to him and do an interview back in December.

 

[n8erger05]

Has anyone else received a PA-04 nomination from Rep. Dean for USAFA? Just trying to see if her slate is filled for 2027 yet