Do connections determine acceptance?

C

Candidate39

USMA ‘27
Joined
Jan 20, 2022
Messages
35
I have heard that connections are not necessary but are important in order to be appointed to USMA. Is this true? If so, who is it important to be connected to?

Thank you for your time.
 
HighSchoolJunior said:
I have heard that connections are not necessary but are important in order to be appointed to USMA. Is this true? If so, who is it important to be connected to?

Thank you for your time.
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I've heard that the children of graduates seem to always find a way into the academy... Just kidding haha.

To be honest, the only connections I leveraged were those between my Field Force Rep and the admissions officers that I met at local events. You do not need to "know people" to get into the academy. Work hard and earn your appointment on your own merit :)
 
Your connections would have to be vast: from nominating sources, to their panels of civilian/military, to members of admissions.

GUARANTEE that a vast majority of those appointed, like my boys (usna) have not a single ounce of ‘connection’. Perhaps it happens, occasionally. But not routinely. And CERTAINLY not necessary. If even possible.
 
No--not at all. However, network with your Field Force Rep and when possible your Regional Commander. They are the ones who will vouch for you in the end and it is much easier to do so when they have a face and story to the name.
 
I echo the responses above. Our family is the opposite political party of our Senators and MOC and I worried about the effect on getting a nom. DS received a nom from a Senator and was appointed to WP so I really believe the process is apolitical and based on merit. Most of the Senators and MOC have committees do the work of selecting nominees. I also spoke to a friend who is a former member of Congress and he said he never knew the political registration of the applicants. His position was if there was a person in his district who wanted to serve our country he wanted to support that person. Good luck to you.
 
Please, allow me to dismiss the myth that the children of graduates find their way into USMA. They do not. Lots of angry parents, even kids with 2 USMA Old Grads as parents do not get accepted.
If it seems like the kids who go to USMA have Old Grad parents it may be that the life style and parenting style choice, awareness and know-how of having been a cadet and Army officer are more likely to generate a child with the propensity to serve and has the academic, sports and leadership achievements to successfully apply.
Trust me, there are a lot of angry Old Grads who kids do not get in each year.
 
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