Focus on Nominations

usna1985

usna1985

15-Year Member
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Jun 9, 2006
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Every year, there is much discussion on USNA application packages and BGO interviews. What appears to get less focus, but is equally if not more important, is the MOC nomination package / process.

Although it's possible to obtain an appointment without a nom, it's incredibly hard. The overwhelming majority (as in close to 100%) of those without noms end up with TWEs, no matter how impressive their USNA package.

Folks tend to focus on how competitive their state or district is. That's a waste of time and energy b/c it's something over which candidates have no control. Instead focus on what you can control, which is submitting your best package on time and preparing for your interview(s), if your MOCs do interviews.

There is a fair amount of info on noms in a sticky in the Nominations forum, so I won't repeat that here. What I will say is to put at least as much effort into your nom packages as you do your SA packages. Follow directions carefully! Spend time on the essays -- you want yours to stand out in a good way. If you have a choice re LORs, be thoughtful in whom you select.

Many (if not most) MOCs do interviews of at least the most competitive candidates. A good interview will not overcome a terrible package. However, I have personally seen candidates who are (slightly) inferior on paper secure a nom b/c they knocked it out of the park in their interview. Conversely, I've seen those who are terrific on paper stumble and bumble their way out of a nomination.

There is no way you can possible guess all of the questions you might be asked. But there are some obvious ones that you can prepare for. And you can practice handling a question you didn't expect. Strongly consider practicing with adult family friends, neighbors, etc. Have them ask you some "off the wall" questions (e.g., "If you could meet someone from history, who would it be and why?", "What three adjectives best describe you?"). It's not the answer that's important but rather how you deal with a "deer in the headlights" question.

The bottom line is that noms are (a pain but also) a critical part of the application process. MOC committees take their responsibilities very seriously. Don't assume that your great resume will be enough. Spend the time and effort so, when the nom list comes out, you will rest easy knowing you did your very best to be on that list!
 
Stellar advice above^^!!!

DS was asked what the last non-school book he had read was. He had to pause and take a moment to recall. Definitely a 'how do you handle a question you weren't expecting' scenario.
 
usna1985 said:
Every year, there is much discussion on USNA application packages and BGO interviews. What appears to get less focus, but is equally if not more important, is the MOC nomination package / process.

Although it's possible to obtain an appointment without a nom, it's incredibly hard. The overwhelming majority (as in close to 100%) of those without noms end up with TWEs, no matter how impressive their USNA package.

Folks tend to focus on how competitive their state or district is. That's a waste of time and energy b/c it's something over which candidates have no control. Instead focus on what you can control, which is submitting your best package on time and preparing for your interview(s), if your MOCs do interviews.

There is a fair amount of info on noms in a sticky in the Nominations forum, so I won't repeat that here. What I will say is to put at least as much effort into your nom packages as you do your SA packages. Follow directions carefully! Spend time on the essays -- you want yours to stand out in a good way. If you have a choice re LORs, be thoughtful in whom you select.

Many (if not most) MOCs do interviews of at least the most competitive candidates. A good interview will not overcome a terrible package. However, I have personally seen candidates who are (slightly) inferior on paper secure a nom b/c they knocked it out of the park in their interview. Conversely, I've seen those who are terrific on paper stumble and bumble their way out of a nomination.

There is no way you can possible guess all of the questions you might be asked. But there are some obvious ones that you can prepare for. And you can practice handling a question you didn't expect. Strongly consider practicing with adult family friends, neighbors, etc. Have them ask you some "off the wall" questions (e.g., "If you could meet someone from history, who would it be and why?", "What three adjectives best describe you?"). It's not the answer that's important but rather how you deal with a "deer in the headlights" question.

The bottom line is that noms are (a pain but also) a critical part of the application process. MOC committees take their responsibilities very seriously. Don't assume that your great resume will be enough. Spend the time and effort so, when the nom list comes out, you will rest easy knowing you did your very best to be on that list!
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Great points. Also, pay attention their outreach! Many hold Service Academy Open Houses. Often during the summer months. These are terrific ways to gather info, ask questions, and sometimes even speak with MOCS/staffers (where you can make a first impression!). You will most likely be able to visit with reps from every SA. And you can attend these events early (think summer after freshman/soph yrs even) to help familiarize yourself with their process.

Keep in mind that staffers are equally as important as the actual Senator/Congressperson.
 
Just checked our US Senators (they work jointly on SA nominations) site and application deadline is a hard date of Sept 16, 2022! Little more than three weeks away. Our US Rep is deadline is Oct 3, 2022.

Pay attention to dates. My DS in 2020 almost missed a few. Make a spreadsheet with deadlines and post it in a place you have to look at everyday. Cross off when you complete the work. Also lay in your Plan B and Plan C. DS did miss deadlines on his Plan B and C which meant he was not able to compete for scholarships. Luckily it did not matter as Plan A came into reality.
 
DS had a five-foot whiteboard in his room. He had all target dates on it and the deliverables required. I don't think he would have been able to keep track of it all without it.
 
Keep in mind that staffers are equally as important as the actual Senator/Congressperson.
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I wouldn't go that far. :) However, I definitely agree to treat the liaison staff member with respect and courtesy at all times. They don't make the decisions but they can pass along positive or negative impressions to those who do. Be sure that the candidate not the parent does all of the interaction with the staffer. Whether accurate or not, when parents do the talking, calling, emailing, etc., it conveys that the parent, not the candidate, is driving the process.

The advice re deadlines is spot on (and repeated in the sticky). It is an easy way for MOCs who have far too many applications to eliminate some -- those that are late -- and I suspect some have early deadlines in part for this reason. On the flip side, in states / districts that have fewer applicants than nomination spots, MOCs may be more forgiving with deadlines, though I wouldn't count on it.
 
My son got his VP nomination in...so at least one...actually the hardest part so far has been getting Letters of Recommendation...
 
do you have any advice on the "Is there anything else that you would like to share about yourself?" question? That seems to be where I'm confused.
 
do you have any advice on the "Is there anything else that you would like to share about yourself?" question? That seems to be where I'm confused.
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Below is my view -- am sure others will weight in.

This is an opportunity to explain any issues (good or bad) in your record. Lots of the questions that are asked on this forum -- i.e., where / how do I explain this? How do I get this topic in front of them? Hopefully, you've already been able to work it into your interview but, if not, this is the time.

For example, "I realize that I don't have as many ECAs as my peers. My [father / mother] is a single working parent and I'm responsible for my siblings after school. I pick them up at the bus, fix them dinner and help with their homework. It's not how I'd expected to spend my after-school hours, but it's been so rewarding to see them excel as a result of my efforts."

If there is nothing, then use it as a final opportunity to make your case. Something along the lines of: "I just wanted to say once again that USNA is my first choice; I've prepared to the best of my ability to be successful there and, if I'm appointed, I will definitely accept."

Keep it short! This isn't the time to start a 5-minute speech. But, whatever you do, don't say, "Uh, no." IMO, it makes a candidate sound weak and disinterested. You might also thank them for their time / the opportunity to meet with them.
 
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