Appointment Qualifications with a Principal Nomination

A

AWM109

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Oct 19, 2018
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Hello,

I received a principal nomination to West Point this past September. It is my understanding that if I meet the minimum requirements, I should receive an appointment to the academy. This has led me to try and figure out if I meet the those requirements.

I have 100% completed my candidate application, including passing my CFA and DoDMERB examinations. Note, It was not until yesterday that my medical status changed to qualified. My concern is my academic qualification. I have a 4.0 GPA and have additionally taken numerous AP classes. I have taken the ACT several times and currently have 27.25 composite score. My current scores are; 32 Reading, 26 Science, 26 English, 25 Math and a 10/12 on the writing. I have also taken the SAT twice, scoring a 610 Math and a 590 EBRW. I intend to take the ACT again later this month, however if I do not increase any of those scores. Should being academically qualified be a concern?

Thanks for your time.
 
Hi-
You are right that if you receive a principle nomination from a congressman, you will be appointed if found qualified. Your GPA will not be a problem, but it does seem your test scores are below the averages. If I were you, I would consider taking the ACT and/or SAT again between now and the end of applications because any improvement can only help. Even if you leave you test scores the way they are now, i do not think they would immediately disqualify you. You should also remember that WP looks at class rank heavily too and they look at your school's class profile to see know more about your academic background.

You already have a principle nomination which is pretty much a guarantee to get in. Just keep working to keep last few semesters' grades up and maybe try to improve those test scores too!
 
DS had received a P-Nom two years ago. A Principal Nom means if you meet or exceed the minimum qualifications you will receive an appointment. His scores were well above average, but we never felt “solid” until the appointment came, Or until R Day, or until after Beast....cue the roller coaster!
Doubtful anyone here knows the minimums, but if you look at class profile, read others posts about what they had for qualifications that led to an appointment, you’ll have a good idea. Practice and retake the ACT and do well, that will help. You must maintain those academic qualifications including being physically fit ( continue training to try to max CFA), remain healthy (no injuries), and stay out of trouble! All of this until R Day.
We really didn’t get to hyped or tell anyone outside of family that DS was “going to be attending West Point “ until after he officially received his appointment.
Congratulations! It’s great that you have a Principal Nomination, it’s a golden ticket. Now keep focused on those things and getting to the finish line!
 
Does an MOC have the discretion to give a Principal Nomination to any candidate or do they give it to the candidate with the highest ranking of their applicants? I am confused about this because I was told by RC that I am currently top ranked candidate in congressional district and should get Principal Nom but I also heard the MOC can give the Principal to any candidate despite how the candidates rank. Any insight?
 
hopeful2023 said:
Does an MOC have the discretion to give a Principal Nomination to any candidate or do they give it to the candidate with the highest ranking of their applicants? I am confused about this because I was told by RC that I am currently top ranked candidate in congressional district and should get Principal Nom but I also heard the MOC can give the Principal to any candidate despite how the candidates rank. Any insight?
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The MOC has complete control over the nomination process and may evaluate candidates in any manner they wish, irrespective of how the service academy evaluates candidates. However, most try to evaluate in a manner consistent with SA standards.

The MOC may submit nominations in one of three methods:
  1. Competitive Nomination (used by most MOC's) - Unranked slate. SA then ranks in order of merit.
  2. Principal Nomination with Competing Alternates - Principal with the remainder unranked by MOC. SA ranks remainder in order of merit.
  3. Principal with Numbered Alternates - Principal with the remainder ranked by the MOC.
 
hopeful2023 said:
Does an MOC have the discretion to give a Principal Nomination to any candidate or do they give it to the candidate with the highest ranking of their applicants? I am confused about this because I was told by RC that I am currently top ranked candidate in congressional district and should get Principal Nom but I also heard the MOC can give the Principal to any candidate despite how the candidates rank. Any insight?
Click to expand...

Not all MOCs use the Principal ranking. If yours does, and you have the highest ranking WCS on the MOC slate, then you have a very good chance of getting it.
But there is also a reason that they do interviews. The interview is another thing the candidates need to win, and having practice getting comfortable doing that type of an interview is important. It’s not something that can be taken lightly. confidence and poise are some things that come with that experience. The interview committee knows what they want to see and hear from the candidates as well as a a genuine and sincere delivery.
 
Candidate had Senator and Congressman interview recently and found out the Congressman will NOT do a Principal Nomination and will do a Competitive Nomination. Candidate was #1 on the slate before the interviews according to Admissions based on WCS score (although they didn't actually share the score). However, the Senator and Congressman will coordinate nominations so a candidate can not receive more than one nomination.
 
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