Completely confused with online submission for nomination

[alwaysgoing]

It's my first time doing this and it just got more convoluted. My senator requires me to submit an application for nomination online but how do I:

1. upload a digital copy of my high school transcript
2. upload digital copies of my letters of rec (pictures? Obviously not a document like word cuz then it could easily get edited (i would never but still), a pdf??)
3. ACT scores
also, his portal hasn't opened up for new registration but his website is clearly updated for this year's applicants (it says 2017-2018).

Has anybody done an online application for a nomination?? Have you experienced any of these problems before?
Also my senator is Senator Jeff Merkeley (OR).

Thank you.

 

[Capt MJ]

Genius Scan app. Scan items with phone, send to yourself as email using iPhone Mail app. Save attachment to desired location. There are good tutorials and videos in Settings Help. Takes about 5 minutes to get the hang of it. Use Batch mode to scan multiple pages into one file.

Use all-in-one printer/copier/scanner, save direct to computer or flash drive or email to self. Libraries may have one.

I am sure others will have dealt with the same things over the years and will have useful suggestions.

 

[GoArmy22]

Ask your high school counselor to send you a PDF of the transcript and letters of rec BUT if the directions say you have to send the recommenders an email request, do that (Some MOC's don't want you dealing with the letters directly for honesty reasons). If you've taken your ACT, you should be able to right click on your score report, click "Save As", and be able to save it as a PDF I believe. Make sure to read the directions carefully though if provided; some MOC's don't accept score reports and instead only accept scores if they're directly sent from College Board or ACT. Then, just find the file and upload it to the online app. If you have any more questions I can PM you, as I'm not exactly sure what your situation looks like online.

 

[alwaysgoing]

Ask your high school counselor to send you a PDF of the transcript and letters of rec BUT if the directions say you have to send the recommenders an email request, do that (Some MOC's don't want you dealing with the letters directly for honesty reasons). If you've taken your ACT, you should be able to right click on your score report, click "Save As", and be able to save it as a PDF I believe. Make sure to read the directions carefully though if provided; some MOC's don't accept score reports and instead only accept scores if they're directly sent from College Board or ACT. Then, just find the file and upload it to the online app. If you have any more questions I can PM you, as I'm not exactly sure what your situation looks like online.

this is really helpful. I'll do that. any ideas on what I should do about the unopened portal? email the senator? That seems kind of...

 

[GoArmy22]

Mine have assistants who are JUST in charge of replying to applicants with questions regarding noms so they could get back to you in 1-2 business days. Yours might have one as well; typically they'll provide the email address on the bottom of the directions. I'm not sure what you mean by unopened portal..

 

[Navy911]

Most MOC's have codes to submit ACT and SAT scores directly from the test sight. Just like you do when sending scores to colleges.

 

[Capt MJ]

It's my first time doing this and it just got more convoluted. My senator requires me to submit an application for nomination online but how do I:

1. upload a digital copy of my high school transcript
2. upload digital copies of my letters of rec (pictures? Obviously not a document like word cuz then it could easily get edited (i would never but still), a pdf??)
3. ACT scores
also, his portal hasn't opened up for new registration but his website is clearly updated for this year's applicants (it says 2017-2018).

Has anybody done an online application for a nomination?? Have you experienced any of these problems before?
Also my senator is Senator Jeff Merkeley (OR).

Thank you.

Found this article on the first Google pass. It's from 2016, but it has a phone number.
wwwdotmerkleydotsenatedotgovforwardslashnewsforwardslashpress-releasesforwardslashsenator-jeff-merkley-announces-start-of-service-academy-nomination-process
(Could not post link!?, so edited)

Organize your questions, ensure you have exhausted every possibility of getting the answer, and use 19th C technology to call the number in your best young professional mode. If it's a general number, introduce yourself as a Service Academy applicant for Class of 2022, and ask for the staff person who handles Service Academy nominations work.

Start keeping a record of when you submitted things, who you have talked to, and their contact info, as part of a thorough approach. This is a long and multi-tiered process, and being organized from the get-go is a foundation layer for professional military officers. The process is designed to challenge your initiative, your ability to research primary sources on your own, your organization skills, your attention to detail. These are all desirable traits in an officer.

Thank everyone! Impressions are formed of you from every interaction.

And, my standard advice, if you have not read every page, dropdown and link on your desired SA websites, and taken notes on key steps and the timeline, I recommend doing so now. Most questions are answered there. Read the Nominations forum here on SAF, and the Stickies at the top. Read the Acronyms thread under Community Information.