Can I receive a Congressional Nomination to another academy if I verbally commit for athletics to another one?

[salmonfisher]

Hi, I'm hoping someone could help me with this. I'm looking at the 3 main service academies, USAFA, USMA, and USNA. My top choices are USAFA and USNA as I hope to be a pilot someday. However, I have an offer to USMA for my sport which would ensure I get a Congressional Nomination and am appointed to the academy (assuming I pass all my medical and physical tests). I would love to go to USMA if USAFA or USNA fell through but I'm hesitant to verbally commit to USMA as I fear it may prevent me from receiving Congressional Nominations to USAFA or USNA. I'm receiving lots of pressure around me to verbally commit to USMA as it is non-binding and I can break it later down the road if necessary. However, my biggest question is if I verbally commit to USMA, am I still able to receive a Congressional Nomination to USAFA or USNA? I feel confident in my ability to receive appointments to USNA or USAFA as I scored 34 on my ACT and have a 4.26 GPA. However, I know it is not guaranteed at all, which is why it would be nice to have a lock on at least one academy (USMA). Hoping someone could help with this. Thank you

 

[Academician]

First, welcome to the Forum. Second, 'yes' can and should apply for nominations to all of the SAs of your interest. You may receive nominations to other SAs even if you "commit" to a particular one. Also, you can't assume that you will be 'given' a Congressional nomination because you are a recruited athlete. You must compete for nominations like any other candidate. If you search the Forum, you can find out more details. A number of 'blue chip' recruits (and I have worked with a few) will receive a Letter of Assurances (LOA), but it will clearly state that you must earn a nomination, plus pass the medical and the CFA. There are deeper details, but I will stop and let others add their $0.02 worth. Best of luck!