"Competitive alternate"

armydaughter

5-Year Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2012
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248
I know there are dozens of threads about the different nomination methods (and I have read lots of them) but I am still a little confused.

DS got a call from our Congressman's office two weeks ago and was simply told he was nominated. Today the official letter came. This is the wording:

"I have nominated you for appointment to the U.S. Military Academy as a competitive alternate. If you complete your entrance requirments and are judged suitable by the academy, you should receive an appointment."

This wording is a little different from what I have read on these forums before. I think this means that there was a principal nominee that was not my son. But does this mean that the other 9 are ranked or unranked?

DS already received a letter from USMA that he was qualified academically and physically. His medical status on his portal just changed to "Qualified" as well.
 
I think this means that there was a principal nominee that was not my son. But does this mean that the other 9 are ranked or unranked?

That would be correct. It sounds like you/your son's MOC used the principle nomination with unranked alternates method.

This means that he has the nomination he needs, and now you've joined the waiting game to see if he gets an appointment or not. :smile:
 
Armydaughter... DS got the same call and letter (but his nom is for USNA). I do know that when his friend from school got the call from Paul's office they told him he was the principal nominee for USMA. But I really still do not understand how it makes a difference if it's still the nomination they need? Maybe it is not for me to understand... :rolleyes:
 
Armydaughter... DS got the same call and letter (but his nom is for USNA). I do know that when his friend from school got the call from Paul's office they told him he was the principal nominee for USMA. But I really still do not understand how it makes a difference if it's still the nomination they need? Maybe it is not for me to understand... :rolleyes:

Getting a principal nomination requires that West Point or USNA give you an appointment if you are found fully qualified (academically, physically, medically). So getting a principal nomination definitely benefits a candidate.
 
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