Congressional Nomination question

[perestroika]

When applying to schools that don't specify on if you need a nomination but just says, "Letters of Recommendation", would it be a wise choice to still get one?

As you know from my other post the other day, I'm looking at Military Colleges and a few I've looked at don't say I need one when applying, but I have the feeling that they'd like to see one anyway. Am I wrong in this thought or do they just not have it listed as its not a requirement for applying to said school?

Also, I've read that when trying to get the packet to file for a nomination, you should wait til end of your junior year. Would it be "bad form" to ask for it a few months before your junior year ends?

Edit: As far as when it says, "Letters of Recommendation", it lists people like: "Teachers, religious leaders, youth group leaders, etc..". Just wanted to include this incase it helps.

 

[USMA 1994]

There is no system for a MOC to provide a nomination to a Military College and is also not a requirement to get one. I would not recommend contacting a MOC's office to inquire about it. If you are applying to the service academy, thier website would simply describe the process.

If you have some unique relationship with your MOC that would allow him to write a Letter of Recommendation then you should ask but 99.9% of high school students would not have a relationship where a MOC knows a candidate enough to write a letter that would be relevant. The better choice for recommendations are the people that know you best, teachers, coaches, religious leaders, etc. They will have relevant things to say about your work ethic, integrity, intelligence, leadership ability, scholastic achievement.

 

[Lawman32RPD]

There is no system for a MOC to provide a nomination to a Military College and is also not a requirement to get one. I would not recommend contacting a MOC's office to inquire about it. If you are applying to the service academy, thier website would simply describe the process.

If you have some unique relationship with your MOC that would allow him to write a Letter of Recommendation then you should ask but 99.9% of high school students would not have a relationship where a MOC knows a candidate enough to write a letter that would be relevant. The better choice for recommendations are the people that know you best, teachers, coaches, religious leaders, etc. They will have relevant things to say about your work ethic, integrity, intelligence, leadership ability, scholastic achievement.

> What he said.

 

[DrMom]

You seem a bit new to this. The federal service academies: US Military Academy, US Naval Academy, US Air Force Academy and US Merchant Marine Academy are the only institutions that require a nomination (Presidential, Vice Presidential, Senators, Congressman...etc.) The schools and programs discussed in this section of the forum are Senior Military Colleges--or other military schools-- like the Citadel, Norwich, VMI (you can look for a full list on Wikipedia). Most of the colleges to which you apply will ask for a Letter of Recommendation but typically they want it from your teachers, coaches, religious leaders...people who know you well as opposed to famous people/connected people like your congressman...unless your congressman is your neighbor or maybe you babysit for his kids or his is your Scout Master or something like that.

If you are applying to a federal service academy, in the Spring of your Junior Year or the summer before your senior year, you will want to visit the webpages of your senators and congressman and download the application instructions for a nomination to the service academies. Some of the required materials may be online and others will have to be worked on and mailed in like SAT scores, letters of recommendation, and essays...maybe a photo. Just follow the instructions.

It is good to think about who will be your referees for your college applications while a junior. You might consult with the teachers in which you are doing the best--but also your English and Math teachers, too. If you are applying to a federal service academy the instructions in the application will tell you which teachers to ask. Some teachers will not write you recommendations until the fall of your senior year.

Perestroika, it seems like you are just getting started on your college/military journey. You might wish to spend a little time reading through the different threads in Service Academy Forums to get better acquainted with the variety of different programs and pathways. Good luck to you.