Confused about a few things

[FlyingWings]

Right now I’m borderline between submitting my application for the USMMA and I’m confused about a few things.

• I’m also applying to the USNA and USAFA. Does each individual application added reduce the chance of getting in?
• Are Senators / Congressman more likely to pass you over and nominate you for the USMMA because they have more slots?

Thanks.

 

[Heatherg21]

I wouldn't over think it. Our son is applying to USMMA, USNA, USAFA and USNA. He is working on submitting best app he can to all and is applying to all sources of nomination. Our MOC's ask you to rank your academy choices.
The rest is just stress and angst. It's hard not to overthink it all, I get that. I waiver from statistics to heck with it, just do your best and keep plugging along. It's hard as a parent observing the process. Stressing and worrying is like paying interest on money you haven't borrowed yet. Apply to the ones you think would be a good fit for you, and you for them. Look at the career options. Then go for it! Good luck in your journey.

 

[kpmom2013]

I agree with Heatherg21. Apply to as many or as few service academies as you sincerely could see yourself attending. Two of my kids applied to all five academies and one applied to four. I have never heard of multiple applications reducing your chances of an appointment. Just be ready to answer questions at interviews about why you have applied to more than one academy. Have you contacted the academy person at the office of your Representative and Senators? That person may be able to give you some more specific insight on your own Congressional District. Bottom line is that you cannot appreciate how complicated the application and nomination processes are until you have been through it. Most people who receive appointments cannot even be sure what nomination source their appointment was charged to, and even that can change as more candidates are admitted. Just do the highest quality job you can do on whatever application(s) you submit and the rest is really out of your hands.

 

[cmakin]

Apply away. I my day, I was more interested in the AFA than KP. Hell, I didn't even know KP existed when I started the process. It was my MOC that enlightened me, and I received nominations to all that I requested (ranked in order, of course). As I progressed in the process, KP started to look a lot better to me than the others, to be frank. Don't overthink things, good luck and keep your options open.

 

[Capt MJ]

Right now I’m borderline between submitting my application for the USMMA and I’m confused about a few things.

• I’m also applying to the USNA and USAFA. Does each individual application added reduce the chance of getting in?
• Are Senators / Congressman more likely to pass you over and nominate you for the USMMA because they have more slots?

Thanks.

If your goal is to serve as a military officer, you should also consider applying for ROTC scholarships for the service/services you are interested in after college and commissioning, and those colleges. If you do not succeed in obtaining a nomination and an appointment to an SA, you then have a plan in place that moves you toward your goal.


ROTC is another source of nomination, a great resource if you are in a state where the elected officials actively work together to not duplicate noms. There are many, many re-applicants at the SAs, who benefit from a college year away from home and the increased maturity. Persistence is a positive thing.

If you are thinking, “omg, it’s hard enough to apply to more than 1 SA, and now I’m supposed to apply to regular colleges and for ROTC scholarships from different services too?” It can be done, and will be done, by your competition. This long and complicated process, by design, tests your commitment, drive, executive planning skill, organization, attention to detail, ability to follow directions, timeliness, patience, focus and many other traits desired in a future junior officer.

 

[jl123]

Right now I’m borderline between submitting my application for the USMMA and I’m confused about a few things.

• I’m also applying to the USNA and USAFA. Does each individual application added reduce the chance of getting in?
• Are Senators / Congressman more likely to pass you over and nominate you for the USMMA because they have more slots?

Thanks.

If you are concerned about nominations, find out your MOCs policies. Some will restrict you to one choice, some will give multiple nominations. Often in districts with many applicants, they will ask for an order of preference and limit you based on the number of applicants for each SA.

The SA's evaluate applications independently of one another. But you must have a nomination. If you're MOC will only give a nomination to one SA, then your chances are eliminated from other SA's unless you have a nomination from another source.