Applying to Multiple Service Academies

[ALaz99]

Hello, I am a Junior and high school and I am planning on applying to the Naval Academy, West Point, and the Air Force Academy. My first choice would be USNA, followed by USAFA and USMA. For example, does the process of applying to three academies differ from applying to just one? If I were to apply to these three academies, how many letters of rec. would I need in total? Can some of them be used for both the regular applications and the moc nomination packet? Also, would I need to complete only one DODMERB exam for all three academies? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!

 

[navy22]

The academies applications are quite similar but do very in a few ways. Some request the letters of recommendation in different ways. Applying to multiple academies is a lot of work, but can definitely be done. Dodmerb apples for all the academies and ROTC so just once is fine. MOC/SENATE applications are different from the service academy applications. Refer to your state representatives websites to find out about the application and when they are due, which is usually around September - December.

 

[jaglvr]

my DS notified his recommenders who he needed them for (SA & MOC) and they were able to tailor each letter to the right authority. So yes, they can write for multiples as long as they have the correct info. Though each may require a different discipline. He mostly needed English, Math, and science but I believe I have seen on here USMA requires physical ed as well. And make sure he knows his guidance counselor well. They are invaluable in the process!

 

[ThePatternisFull]

Hello, I am a Junior and high school and I am planning on applying to the Naval Academy, West Point, and the Air Force Academy. My first choice would be USNA, followed by USAFA and USMA. For example, does the process of applying to three academies differ from applying to just one? If I were to apply to these three academies, how many letters of rec. would I need in total? Can some of them be used for both the regular applications and the moc nomination packet? Also, would I need to complete only one DODMERB exam for all three academies? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!

The process is the same yet it is different. IE USMA requires ACT writing and USNA and USAFA do not. The letters of recommendation are different for each. Each MOC ie Congressman and Senator has their own process. DODMERB and CFA are completed once and is used for all three you have mentioned. It is a HUGE process to apply to the Academies. I would suggest having a binder for each Academy and each MOC where you plan to applying. Each has their own process and deadlines are different for each. My DD had a binder for each with an outline of what was due and when it was due. Plus she had a spreadsheet listing everything required and the date due. She did tis without the assistance of her parents. It was her goal and journey! I would suggest getting the contact information of your teachers who will be providing recommendations as well as your guidance counselor and principal. They can and may be very helpful in your quest. DD also bought donuts for them before school ended as a little thank you for their help in advance. When the Appointments started to arrive DD took donuts in again as a thank you! IMHO you can get folks to help with a dozen donuts!

 

[candide72]

Some MOCs will only nominate you to one academy, some will nominate you to multiple, some will not nominate you if you already have a nomination. I would keep that in mind! I debated applying to West Point as well but only one of my nomination sources would nominate you to two academies and I didn’t want to ‘split’ my chances at USNA because it’s my dream school!

 

[candide72]

my DS notified his recommenders who he needed them for (SA & MOC) and they were able to tailor each letter to the right authority. So yes, they can write for multiples as long as they have the correct info. Though each may require a different discipline. He mostly needed English, Math, and science but I believe I have seen on here USMA requires physical ed as well. And make sure he knows his guidance counselor well. They are invaluable in the process!

YES! Tell them you’ll need multiple recommendations! I applied to 5 civilian schools, NROTC MO, USNA, and a whole bunch of local $500-$2500 scholarships. If you inform them most people will just keep a file with your recommendation and change some words to make it fit. A good letter takes time, so be respectful!

 

[ALaz99]

Hello, I am a Junior and high school and I am planning on applying to the Naval Academy, West Point, and the Air Force Academy. My first choice would be USNA, followed by USAFA and USMA. For example, does the process of applying to three academies differ from applying to just one? If I were to apply to these three academies, how many letters of rec. would I need in total? Can some of them be used for both the regular applications and the moc nomination packet? Also, would I need to complete only one DODMERB exam for all three academies? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!

The process is the same yet it is different. IE USMA requires ACT writing and USNA and USAFA do not. The letters of recommendation are different for each. Each MOC ie Congressman and Senator has their own process. DODMERB and CFA are completed once and is used for all three you have mentioned. It is a HUGE process to apply to the Academies. I would suggest having a binder for each Academy and each MOC where you plan to applying. Each has their own process and deadlines are different for each. My DD had a binder for each with an outline of what was due and when it was due. Plus she had a spreadsheet listing everything required and the date due. She did tis without the assistance of her parents. It was her goal and journey! I would suggest getting the contact information of your teachers who will be providing recommendations as well as your guidance counselor and principal. They can and may be very helpful in your quest. DD also bought donuts for them before school ended as a little thank you for their help in advance. When the Appointments started to arrive DD took donuts in again as a thank you! IMHO you can get folks to help with a dozen donuts!

Organizing each academies' applications into separate folders sounds like a great idea! Because the Naval Academy applications open in April, when do you think would be the best time to ask my teachers for letters of rec? I have heard that the teachers need to fill out a form for the service academies, but will I need a hard copy for moc noms?

P.S.- I have found this forum so helpful for my upcoming application process and would like to thank everyone for their amazing help! I really appreciate it!

 

[Overwhelmed]

We purchased two legal sized file boxes. They are almost filled. DS made files for each SA and ROTC program, civillian colleges, DoDmerb, nominations, transcript requests, letters of recommendation, SAT/ACT, awards, etc.
Also, we spent $80 on a nice scanner and it was worth every penny.

 

[jaglvr]

The process is the same yet it is different. IE USMA requires ACT writing and USNA and USAFA do not. The letters of recommendation are different for each. Each MOC ie Congressman and Senator has their own process. DODMERB and CFA are completed once and is used for all three you have mentioned. It is a HUGE process to apply to the Academies. I would suggest having a binder for each Academy and each MOC where you plan to applying. Each has their own process and deadlines are different for each. My DD had a binder for each with an outline of what was due and when it was due. Plus she had a spreadsheet listing everything required and the date due. She did tis without the assistance of her parents. It was her goal and journey! I would suggest getting the contact information of your teachers who will be providing recommendations as well as your guidance counselor and principal. They can and may be very helpful in your quest. DD also bought donuts for them before school ended as a little thank you for their help in advance. When the Appointments started to arrive DD took donuts in again as a thank you! IMHO you can get folks to help with a dozen donuts!

our MOC liasion harps of the importance of a binder. tabs for each worked for my DS. easier to flip through one binder than multiple ones.

 

[candide72]

Hello, I am a Junior and high school and I am planning on applying to the Naval Academy, West Point, and the Air Force Academy. My first choice would be USNA, followed by USAFA and USMA. For example, does the process of applying to three academies differ from applying to just one? If I were to apply to these three academies, how many letters of rec. would I need in total? Can some of them be used for both the regular applications and the moc nomination packet? Also, would I need to complete only one DODMERB exam for all three academies? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!

The process is the same yet it is different. IE USMA requires ACT writing and USNA and USAFA do not. The letters of recommendation are different for each. Each MOC ie Congressman and Senator has their own process. DODMERB and CFA are completed once and is used for all three you have mentioned. It is a HUGE process to apply to the Academies. I would suggest having a binder for each Academy and each MOC where you plan to applying. Each has their own process and deadlines are different for each. My DD had a binder for each with an outline of what was due and when it was due. Plus she had a spreadsheet listing everything required and the date due. She did tis without the assistance of her parents. It was her goal and journey! I would suggest getting the contact information of your teachers who will be providing recommendations as well as your guidance counselor and principal. They can and may be very helpful in your quest. DD also bought donuts for them before school ended as a little thank you for their help in advance. When the Appointments started to arrive DD took donuts in again as a thank you! IMHO you can get folks to help with a dozen donuts!

Organizing each academies' applications into separate folders sounds like a great idea! Because the Naval Academy applications open in April, when do you think would be the best time to ask my teachers for letters of rec? I have heard that the teachers need to fill out a form for the service academies, but will I need a hard copy for moc noms?

P.S.- I have found this forum so helpful for my upcoming application process and would like to thank everyone for their amazing help! I really appreciate it!

I told my Junior year teachers in January but maybe I was a little overzealous. I just informed them that around April or May they would get an email of some sort and kept them up to date. They appreciated the notice and it gave them time to ask about the academies because not many kids from my school apply. I think having a good relationship with your teachers helps here a lot. Explain to them the importance of why you’re applying/want to serve if they ask!

Most nomination sources publish on their websites what information they’ll need and when it’s all due. I checked online and was able to use the same couple essays for multiple sources. When mailing in applications a cover letter wouldn’t hurt too... I typed up a letter saying something along the lines of “to whom it may concern.... blah blah this is Ms. [my name]’s Application For Nomination to the United States Naval Academy. This file contains:
-a list of the required material”
The secretary at one interview pointed out that it wasn’t something many kids did and it looked professional. Don’t know if it helped, but it can’t hurt to look professional.

I agree with making a file! You’ll have a lot to turn it. Try reading Building a Midshipman by Jacqui Murray. It’s a little dated but the information guided me a lot (before I found this forum!).

If you want guidance Pm me and I can show you some of my spreadsheets. I had one for student activities, recommendations, and application requirements and due dates.

EDIT: I’m really good with technology so I did most of my organizing online with manilla folders for when I printed things out to submit them via mail (which my MOCs required).

 

[jaglvr]

Organizing each academies' applications into separate folders sounds like a great idea! Because the Naval Academy applications open in April, when do you think would be the best time to ask my teachers for letters of rec? I have heard that the teachers need to fill out a form for the service academies, but will I need a hard copy for moc noms?

P.S.- I have found this forum so helpful for my upcoming application process and would like to thank everyone for their amazing help! I really appreciate it!

check your senators and rep web sites now. there should be a heading for service academies and the requirements. all of DS’s opened in March of his junior year

 

[sa_applicant2023]

My respectful recommendation - paper clips / post its.

Applied to more than one academy and rotc programs. Offered appointment for USNA c/o 2023 and accepted.

Binders, a cheap but effective scanner and tabs are a fantastic idea. It is totally what works for you. When i applied using the paper clip / post its, I just made sure theres a sheet in the front that can easily tell me what group of papers it is. Just my suggestion though

 

[Overwhelmed]

Make sure the scanner can send .pdf files.
If you have any type of medical issue your scanner will seem like the greatest invention since sliced bread.

 

[Capt MJ]

GeniusScan is a free pdf scanning app, very handy. In iOS on iPhone, you can take excellent quality single and batch-mode scans in a single pdf document. It uses the Mail function in iOS, if you want to email it to yourself as a pdf attachment. Do the tutorials, watch YouTube, very easy to use. It’s my go-to on the road and at home if I have just a few pages.
Pro tip - put your document on a dark surface for best contrast of the edge. The app looks for the edges automatically, outlines then, snaps a pic, converts to pdf. I have even used the back of a Navy t-shirt on the hotel room desk.

 

[USNAismyplace]

Something that is really important to have before applying to college is a resume! If you have all of your leadership, ECAs, sports, and volunteering all laid out in one place it is significantly easier to fill out applications. I finished my USNA application early Sept and submitted my nomination applications then too. I didn’t keep a binder or spreadsheet; I knew the deadlines by heart and made it my priority to complete all the parts early and accurately. If you really want to attend an SA, your drive to serve will propel you through the process. It seems intimidating at first, but because I did so much research on here and on USNA.edu before I applied, I never felt overwhelmed about the process.

 

[ALaz99]

Something that is really important to have before applying to college is a resume! If you have all of your leadership, ECAs, sports, and volunteering all laid out in one place it is significantly easier to fill out applications. I finished my USNA application early Sept and submitted my nomination applications then too. I didn’t keep a binder or spreadsheet; I knew the deadlines by heart and made it my priority to complete all the parts early and accurately. If you really want to attend an SA, your drive to serve will propel you through the process. It seems intimidating at first, but because I did so much research on here and on USNA.edu before I applied, I never felt overwhelmed about the process.

Are MOC letters of recommendation supposed to be filled out digitally, or will I need hard copies to send in? I'm pretty sure that the SA's require teachers to fill out a form online, but I don't know about the MOC's.

 

[Capt MJ]

Are MOC letters of recommendation supposed to be filled out digitally, or will I need hard copies to send in? I'm pretty sure that the SA's require teachers to fill out a form online, but I don't know about the MOC's.

Research your Senators’ and Representative’s SA nom web pages and attend their information nights if they have them. They can conduct their selection processes any way they choose. They should be gearing up for the next cycle now. It’s up to you to research the primary sources.

This entire process is a test in itself - research ability, diligence, attention to detail, perseverance, timeliness, organizational skills, prioritization, multi-tasking, initiative, accountability. It’s not a coincidence these are all skills needed to succeed as a cadet, midshipman or junior officer.

 

[justdoit19]

Are MOC letters of recommendation supposed to be filled out digitally, or will I need hard copies to send in? I'm pretty sure that the SA's require teachers to fill out a form online, but I don't know about the MOC's.

Everything you need to do is spelled out for you in great detail within each application process: MOC, SA, ROTC. Files for each, and go!! You will figure it out, as daunting as it sounds. But everything is explained within each application. You will discover that you can use info from one application for others. So it gets a little easier with each application. If you follow directions, plug and chug, you will get through it. Don’t try and complete everything at once, rather plan to work on them a few hours each week. Countless people have done it , even before these forums existed. Good luck!!

 

[ALaz99]

Everything you need to do is spelled out for you in great detail within each application process: MOC, SA, ROTC. Files for each, and go!! You will figure it out, as daunting as it sounds. But everything is explained within each application. You will discover that you can use info from one application for others. So it gets a little easier with each application. If you follow directions, plug and chug, you will get through it. Don’t try and complete everything at once, rather plan to work on them a few hours each week. Countless people have done it , even before these forums existed. Good luck!!

Ok, thanks for the encouragement! It will be a lot of work, but it will all be worth it in the end!

 

[jaglvr]

Are MOC letters of recommendation supposed to be filled out digitally, or will I need hard copies to send in? I'm pretty sure that the SA's require teachers to fill out a form online, but I don't know about the MOC's.

Depends on MOC....both our senators were electronic, rep required hard copies mailed. Their websites will tell you what is required.