Got a LOA. Should I reprioritize Service Academies in nom Application?

[dreamwiz]

I was so humbled to receive an LOA.
I am wondering if I need to re-prioritize my SA ranking before I go to my MOC nomination interview.

The following is the reason for this question:
I received an LOA from a SA that I ranked as 2nd in my MOC nom application. Yes, my MOC requires the candidates to rank SAs in the applications and they respect this ranking.

Historically, my MOC used to give only one nom to each "highly" competitive candidate. (Sometimes, 2 noms but this is rare).

I was extremely happy when I received an LOA but I am now in a dilemma. Every SA is phenomenal and will give me an opportunity to serve this great country, but I still have a passion for my first choice. I am somewhat scared to think of the situation that I receive 1 (one) nom for my 1st choice but no appointment from that SA "AND" I can't receive a nom for my 2nd choice even with an LOA. This must be a perfect storm.

I think that I really need to take action before an interview.

Any advice would be highly appreciated.

 

[justdoit19]

It happens every year! Your exact scenario. For sure you will want to bring it to their attention. Whether through calling the staffer before the interview, emailing, bringing it to the attention of your interviewer, all of the above is up to you.

My advice, when discussing would be to make the point that you ranked as requested, but only because you had to...that you are equally interested and excited about xxx academies. Be prepared to discuss why you did rank as you did. There has to be some reason. Good luck and let us know how this turns out for you! And congrats!!

 

[HCopter]

Congratulations! A great problem to have!

Here are some thoughts:
How strong is #1 over #2? Is #2 truly acceptable?
What indications from #1 have they given - LOE, special program invite, admissions officer/admissions rep (FFR, BGO, ALO, etc)
Do you think an LOA is possible at #1? Do you have any insight if your application has been reviewed?
Do you have any insight into other candidates in your congressional district for #1?
Worst case is no appointments...what would you do? Reapply? ROTC?

 

[dreamwiz]

It happens every year! Your exact scenario. For sure you will want to bring it to their attention. Whether through calling the staffer before the interview, emailing, bringing it to the attention of your interviewer, all of the above is up to you.

My advice, when discussing would be to make the point that you ranked as requested, but only because you had to...that you are equally interested and excited about xxx academies. Be prepared to discuss why you did rank as you did. There has to be some reason. Good luck and let us know how this turns out for you! And congrats!!

Thank you very much for your quick answers with "great advice." I realized that many candidates had the same dilemma every year. Yes, you are right. The bottom line is "serving my country no matter what." I hope that the committee members understand this from my heart. It is truly invaluable advice.

 

[dreamwiz]

Congratulations! A great problem to have!

Here are some thoughts:
How strong is #1 over #2? Is #2 truly acceptable?
What indications from #1 have they given - LOE, special program invite, admissions officer/admissions rep (FFR, BGO, ALO, etc)
Do you think an LOA is possible at #1? Do you have any insight if your application has been reviewed?
Do you have any insight into other candidates in your congressional district for #1?
Worst case is no appointments...what would you do? Reapply? ROTC?

Thank you for your thoughts reminding of my priorities.
The #2 is truly acceptable but my passion still goes to #1 as like other candidates since it's been planned and geared to that branch for many years.
I had an overnight visit to #1. I have very few resources associated with academy applications and nominations. The only resource (but greatest!) is this forum. I also applied to ROTC and am in the process to schedule an interview soon.
During the application process without any help, I have learned a lot about the real world such as federal regulations, policies, administrations, etc. constituting each academy. Although I am the one making the final decision on my future, it is still very tough because it would affect my future career path for the rest of my life!
I will think of your questions so that I can make the best decision I won't regret. Thank you!

 

[CrewDad]

@dreamwiz. Congrats with the LOA.

I don’t think you have to change anything now or reprioritize before the interview. You can do that on the day of interview with the Nom Committee and still enough time to state your choice on the day of the interview.

MOC committee will ask you given the LOA. If your first choice is still the other Academy then that’s where you most likely get your Nom to. Then you are taking a gamble. Unless you are so certain all SAs want you. You can check in with your RCs and some will tell you how competitive you are NOW and if you have very strong chance for an Appointment with a Nom. If they don’t want to share this with you then it could mean that you are not yet in the top running. It’s an easy email away to check in with your RC.

If you really want to serve and that’s your top priority then my choice is not to game this. But if you think you will regret not betting on your first choice and not get the Appointment later then go with the first choice and live with the possibility of not getting an Appointment this year.

Since you maybe coming from a competitive district, things don’t change much for you next year. It actually may be harder as a college reapplicant unless you have an additional Nom source from your ROTC CDR. But ROTC Noms have limited ticket to SAs. I believe 100 each year per SAs. If you end up getting an Appointment to your LOA choice and not to others then you can always go to your first choice SA as a visiting Cadet/MIDN for a semester and experience what you could have. And if your desire goes beyond the Academy and want to serve in a difference service then you can request to cross commission at graduation. Very few do this each year but it can be done.

You’ll be surprised how trivial this may seem after you report to an SA you thought second choice is actually the right choice for you after all. Good luck with the admissions process to all your SAs and colleges. I hope you will find the right fit and serve with pride and honor!

 

[kinnem]

I'd stick with number 1 and still ask for an additional nom to number 2. At worst they say no, but they could do it because of the LOA.

Also, I disagree that the bottom line is 'serving my country no matter what. If you're miserable doing your job you are not doing yourself or your country any good.

 

[dreamwiz]

@dreamwiz. Congrats with the LOA.

I don’t think you have to change anything now or reprioritize before the interview. You can do that on the day of interview with the Nom Committee and still enough time to state your choice on the day of the interview.

MOC committee will ask you given the LOA. If your first choice is still the other Academy then that’s where you most likely get your Nom to. Then you are taking a gamble. Unless you are so certain all SAs want you. You can check in with your RCs and some will tell you how competitive you are NOW and if you have very strong chance for an Appointment with a Nom. If they don’t want to share this with you then it could mean that you are not yet in the top running. It’s an easy email away to check in with your RC.

If you really want to serve and that’s your top priority then my choice is not to game this. But if you think you will regret not betting on your first choice and not get the Appointment later then go with the first choice and live with the possibility of not getting an Appointment this year.

Since you maybe coming from a competitive district, things don’t change much for you next year. It actually may be harder as a college reapplicant unless you have an additional Nom source from your ROTC CDR. But ROTC Noms have limited ticket to SAs. I believe 100 each year per SAs. If you end up getting an Appointment to your LOA choice and not to others then you can always go to your first choice SA as a visiting Cadet/MIDN for a semester and experience what you could have. And if your desire goes beyond the Academy and want to serve in a difference service then you can request to cross commission at graduation. Very few do this each year but it can be done.

You’ll be surprised how trivial this may seem after you report to an SA you thought second choice is actually the right choice for you after all. Good luck with the admissions process to all your SAs and colleges. I hope you will find the right fit and serve with pride and honor!

Thank you for your adivce. I appreciate your deep insights and great info for all possible options.

 

[dreamwiz]

I'd stick with number 1 and still ask for an additional nom to number 2. At worst they say no, but they could do it because of the LOA.

Also, I disagree that the bottom line is 'serving my country no matter what. If you're miserable doing your job you are not doing yourself or your country any good.

Thank you for your reply and advice.
I understand why you disagree with my comment on “serving my country no matter what.”
It is based on very strong confidence and belief that, eventually, I will be thriving at any branch and circumstance due to my strong desire to serve the country. I know that no one is going to hand me success in my service, so I must go out and get it myself. This is what I am confident, no matter what.