DS bummed with MOC nomination/interview

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greenarcher9

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Jan 23, 2016
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DS just had his MOC interview but saw a HS classmate who is a recruited athlete that wants to go to same academy being interviewed as well. He obviously feels that the slot will probably go to recruited athlete. Any thoughts?
 
greenarcher9 said:
DS just had his MOC interview but saw a HS classmate who is a recruited athlete that wants to go to same academy being interviewed as well. He obviously feels that the slot will probably go to recruited athlete. Any thoughts?
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What are you gonna do.. your DS tried his best. No point in getting caught up about what other people are doing, though I understand it may be hard not to.
 
There are plenty of appointees who come from the same high school. Competitive districts it’s not uncommon to see 5+ appointees receive the BFE. It’s a long road, control what he can and put together the best package he can.
 
Recruited athletes can also get nominations from other sources, so tell your DS to keep his chin up and be proud he has done so well thus far!
 
Actually my daughter was a recruited athlete with an LOA and did NOT get the nomination from her representative. They felt it was unfair for her to receive it since they believed the Academy would find her a nomination and it put other candidates at a disadvantage. Luckily she later received one from a senator. She was very frustrated because the Representative said that she scored near the top or at the top for every area but they wanted to spread out the opportunity. The few recruited athletes that I know in our competitive district have ACT scores between 33-35 taking difficult classes at competitive schools. I wouldn't worry about what you cannot control. Just try to control what you can and don't worry about everything else or it will make you crazy. My daughter was very worried when she didn't receive the Representative's nomination but it worked out in the end. At her school there are 5 applying and it wouldn't surprise me if 3 were appointed.
 
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I've seen no evidence that being or not being a recruited athlete makes much difference with MOC nominating committees. To the extent they care, it may help in some cases and hurt in others (see above post). Where it may make a real difference is in terms of whether you are appointed.
 
greenarcher9 said:
DS just had his MOC interview but saw a HS classmate who is a recruited athlete that wants to go to same academy being interviewed as well. He obviously feels that the slot will probably go to recruited athlete. Any thoughts?
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You don't mention which SA. For USMA, and likely for other SA's, a candidate's status as a recruited athlete will not hurt the candidacy of other applicants (at least until they get to Additional Appointees, which need not be based on order of merit).

When USMA ranks a slate, it is done in order of merit by WCS points. When a MOC ranks a slate or chooses a Principal Nominee they normally put recruited athletes at the bottom since that increases the chances of multiple appointees from the district.

Politicians and SA's want to avoid a perception of an unfair process for a publicly funded institution.
 
Don’t sweat it. He has done all that he can do. DS#2 received appointments to 2 academies along with 2 recruited athletes from our district... he should keep his head high!
 
DS has put his best foot forward and as you all said, that’s all he can do. He is now working on all other college applications. Thanks!
 
My son was at his congressional interviews last year. A recruited athlete from his high school with similar grades than him was there. Son got a nomination and this other guy did not. Just do your best, put your best foot forward and not worry about anyone else.
 
Two appointees from DS high school last year. Neither was a recruited athlete. Both in same Congressional district. Neither with Presidential, ROTC or other. Keep the faith.
 
There are TEN nominations that can be given for every available seat. If SA wants an athlete plus another nominee they can play the 'NWL' game to get them both in.

Don't lose sleep over this - even if MOC uses 'principal nominee' the others on the slate can still get in.
 
How do you know what the athlete's WCS is? If his grades are not up to snuff, he might get placed at Prep School!

Bottom line as others have said, focus on what your DS is ABLE to control and IGNORE what he cannot!
 
AROTC-dad said:
How do you know what the athlete's WCS is? If his grades are not up to snuff, he might get placed at Prep School!

Bottom line as others have said, focus on what your DS is ABLE to control and IGNORE what he cannot!
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What is the WCS?
 
Where a NOM gets issued may not be where the SA eventually charges it, so there isn't much value in trying to find out how many openings they have. Each MOC can nominate 10 individuals for each opening, so your competition isn't just one other person. Being recruited is also no guarantee of getting an appointment. Lots of older threads on those subjects.
 
greenarcher9 said:
Is there a resource/link to find out how many slots your MOC or Senators have open?
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Ask the MOC. I am assuming the MOC has no good reason to hide or lie about how many vacancies he or she will fill this year. Keep in mind how many a MOC wants to fill could be different from how candidates from his or her district gets in.
 
MemberLG said:
Ask the MOC. I am assuming the MOC has no good reason to hide or lie about how many vacancies he or she will fill this year. Keep in mind how many a MOC wants to fill could be different from how candidates from his or her district gets in.
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IMHO, don't worry about the number of slots that your MOC may have -- focus your time and energy into those things that you have control over (e.g., completing applications per established timelines, current classes, staying in shape, staying out of trouble, Plan B, Plan C)... You can drive yourself crazy if you dwell on what may being going on in various behind the scenes processes.
 
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