Another LOA Question -- Nominations

[gramal]

Hi everyone,

I heard rumors at SLS about how the Academy will try to "find" a nomination (from an unused district in Wyoming or other low-population state, for example) for candidates who receive an LOA but cannot get a nomination from any of the usual sources.

Does anyone know of this actually happening, or how frequently they'll do it? I have good stats, but I come from a VERY competitive district, so I feel that it is quite possible I will find myself in this position.

Thank you!

 

[USMA2016]

Well seeing that you come from New Jersey (a clearly inferior state to California but that is aside the point) I would agree with your district's competitiveness. As far as 'finding' nominations goes, if it does happen, it's probably very rare. So don't count on it. Really push for your congressman and your senators (though those will be more difficult). Don't forget the VP too... he matters I guess.

 

[GoArmyBeatNavy]

Hi everyone,

I heard rumors at SLS about how the Academy will try to "find" a nomination (from an unused district in Wyoming or other low-population state, for example) for candidates who receive an LOA but cannot get a nomination from any of the usual sources.

Does anyone know of this actually happening, or how frequently they'll do it? I have good stats, but I come from a VERY competitive district, so I feel that it is quite possible I will find myself in this position.

Thank you!

I do not think this is true. By Title 10, US Code, a member of congress can only nominate someone who is their constituent.
If someone receives an LOA, they will most likely get a nomination (Congress members like to get people into West Point, why not give the nomination to someone who has already been conditionally accepted).

Now, I had a classmate who received the vice-presidential nomination after not receiving a congressional nomination. He suspected it was because of early decision.

I believe the Supe has some noms, they might be used for backfill.

 

[hawk]

Caveat- just a parent of a cadet.... talk to your MALO or admissions rep for an official answer!

That said, there's much confusion on this subject, but one clear answer:

Do not speculate- you need to apply to all nom sources you are eligible for!!!!

1) Most MOC's ask who else you have applied for, and it's often viewed negatively if you did not apply to all
2) USMA will know who you have applied for, and it can be viewed negatively (We were told)
3) The MOC's need flexibility if coordinating noms. (Our senators coordinate)
4) You need to give USMA the most flexibility in finding a workable slate in case you get an LOA. (and sometimes if not)

Here's the part that most get confused about:

You have to be "nominated" (IE: on a slate if MOC uses competitive method) by one of your MOC's.

But USMA does not have to "charge" the nom to the MOC. IE: LOA holders are usually "freebies". So all other things being equal, MOC's like to have LOA holders on their slate as they are the sure thing in most cases. (at least by that point)

My understanding is that USMA and MOC's will work together if needed to make things work. IE: Your nom may come from your other senator if that allows the LOA's & noms to work out better.

WCS factors in as well, depending on the nom method used by the MOC. (from memory)

So an individual MOC could have several "appointees" in one year- 2 charged to them, and the remaining as LOA holders. One of our Senators had 7 USMA appointees this year, if I recall! I'd have to dig to confirm, but from memory, it theoretically could be 10, as that's the slate size for competitive method.

But all had to be "nominated" on the slate in some form.

What's less clear is where the non-charged "slots" come from. I've seen an explanation, but would have to dig to find it. But ultimately, it boils down the allowable size of the corps, and the targeted size this year.

Can an LOA holder get an appointment without MOC or other nom? Potentially, superintendent nom, etc. But those are normally reserved for recruiting, etc.

Can an LOA holder not get a nom, and thus not an appointment? We were told it happens just about every year.

So speculation & curiosity aside.... you have to fight for every nom app just as if you did not have or expect an LOA! Do not risk it!

 

[TerryS]

A LOA means West Point wants you. If you are fortunate enough to get a LOA and apply to all sources for a nom, West Point works with the noms to insure you get one. If memoirs serves me correctly, we were told only one potential canidate who received a LOA did not get a nom over the last few years. They told their congressman they perferred a different academy so did not get a nom to West Point.

I understand all candidates want an LOA, but almost all new cadets will not get a LOA. The process is long, keep working on it.

 

[usna1985]

If you are fortunate enough to get a LOA and apply to all sources for a nom, West Point works with the noms to insure you get one.

Just so you know, not all SAs work this way. There have been USNA LOA candidates who don't get a nom and don't get an appointment. Each SA has a slightly different approach to LOAs.

Also, USMA can't exactly "work with the noms." They can inform MOCs' offices that you have an LOA which may make the MOC more likely to nominate you. In the end, however, if you don't secure a nom, USMA will likely have to use their equivalent of USNA's "Superintendent's nom." There are 50 per year and USNA controls them (but you can't apply for them). However, there are only 50. I assume USMA has something similar.

There is also the VP nom, which the SAs control. However, usually, there is only 1 VP slot open each year.

And, despite the rumors that go around each year, there isn't "swapping" of noms among MOCs. You can't be nominated from a state (senators) or district (representative) that is not your legal residence. It's against the law.

 

[hawk]

Also, USMA can't exactly "work with the noms." They can inform MOCs' offices that you have an LOA which may make the MOC more likely to nominate you.

snip

And, despite the rumors that go around each year, there isn't "swapping" of noms among MOCs. You can't be nominated from a state (senators) or district (representative) that is not your legal residence. It's against the law.

I think what confuses folks is that many senate offices and some congressional offices will coordinate between senators in the state to maximize the number of appointees with & without LOA's. I know for a fact our Senate offices do this.

And while I did not see this happen, the sense I get is that if needed, the senate offices would have contacted the reps of an LOA holder that they could not "fit" into their slate.

Regarding notification, it appears that USMA does notify regarding LOA's. But the applicant needs to make sure the offices have received that, and it does not hurt to just include a copy of the LOA in the application, or send in ahead of time. In DS's case, our Rep did *not* have the LOA, and would not have factored it in if he had not sent it.

At our local academy days & briefings the MOC staffers hammer the need to apply for all nomination sources. You also have to list who else you've applied to on the applications. It's also been stressed in every USMA & USNA admissions briefing we've seen.