How to get a nomination in FFX County

[gridironkid]

I am a community college student and come from the 11th District of VA (Fairfax County ) how high does my GPA need to be for a nomination taking into consideration the fact that I am no longer in high school? Having taken some serious college courses while being head of the Public Relations Committee of my school's SGA, I manage to have a 3.41 GPA while being in 2 distinct academic honor societies known amongst colleges nationwide (there is still more to my resume). I will be here for the fall semester to finish up the reminder of my courses, so there will be some time for my GPA to improve if I keep working at it. Also where does my SAT/ACT range need to be?--Math and Verbal?

ALSO, I am aware that there "could" be kids from local TJ HS that may or may not compete for USMA, but in the case a couple of students do where do I need to stand?--in fact those students are my biggest concern due to the fact that they tend to be the "natural" Gifted and Talented bunch whereas I, an average Joe Schmoe.

Thanks Guys!

 

[kinnem]

I am a community college student and come from the 11th District of VA (Fairfax County ) how high does my GPA need to be for a nomination taking into consideration the fact that I am no longer in high school? Having taken some serious college courses while being head of the Public Relations Committee of my school's SGA, I manage to have a 3.41 GPA while being in 2 distinct academic honor societies known amongst colleges nationwide (there is still more to my resume). I will be here for the fall semester to finish up the reminder of my courses, so there will be some time for my GPA to improve if I keep working at it. Also where does my SAT/ACT range need to be?--Math and Verbal?

ALSO, I am aware that there "could" be kids from local TJ HS that may or may not compete for USMA, but in the case a couple of students do where do I need to stand?--in fact those students are my biggest concern due to the fact that they tend to be the "natural" Gifted and Talented bunch whereas I, an average Joe Schmoe.

Thanks Guys!

You'll undoubtedly need to be as high as you possibly can be in everything. Being in the DC area with a large military presence, there will be plenty of sons and daughters of military personnel applying to the academies. The competition will undoubtedly be intense. Do not let this deter you. Just strive to do your best in all categories. It's all anyone can do. Good luck!

 

[gridironkid]

You'll undoubtedly need to be as high as you possibly can be in everything. Being in the DC area with a large military presence, there will be plenty of sons and daughters of military personnel applying to the academies. The competition will undoubtedly be intense. Do not let this deter you. Just strive to do your best in all categories. It's all anyone can do. Good luck!

Well I come from a family where neither parents served. This would also be my 2nd time going at it for USMA (what does this show and how would it affect me?)

 

[usna1985]

First, not all TJ students live in District 11. They also come from Districts 10 and 8. Second, no way is a MOC going to give all his spots to TJ students. More importantly, it's not something you can control. You can only control your achievements.

Not sure how the MOC from District 11 makes his choices. I'm sure it's not all GPA. He will likely look (as does USMA) at your classes, class rank, your leadership in h.s., what you're doing now outside of CC, your sports in h.s., etc. And his committee conducts interviews, so that's a great chance to impress.

Don't forget to apply to your senators as well. There's no downside other than your time.

 

[Pima]

usna is correct not all TJ students are just from Fairfax. I know several that are from PW.

I also agree that TJ students don't necessarily get an edge. It is called the WHOLE candidate for a reason. They don't just want the book smart kid that has a 4.0 and a 2400 SAT.

The thing with FX county is almost every HS in FX is nationally ranked. Academically it is a competitive region.

Additionally as kinnem stated, many kids are military dependents that have parent who work at the Pentagon, Ft. Meyers, Ft. Belvoir. Being a military dependent does not give an edge for the MOC nom., I only say this because many military dependents do apply for SAs. Congressional districts are the same size population wise, but certain districts can have many more applicants. NoVA (FX, PW and Stafford) traditionally has a much larger candidate pool than Fauqier, or Spotsylvania counties, and one reason is the amount of military members that reside in FX.

One thing I know is some MOCs will give an edge to the 2nd time applicants that got the TWE last yr. They see it as a commitment to the goal of attending an SA even if they didn't get an apptmt. last yr. I am not sure if Connolly follows this school of thought, if he does that might be your edge...did you get a nom last yr from Connolly?

 

[gridironkid]

usna is correct not all TJ students are just from Fairfax. I know several that are from PW.

I also agree that TJ students don't necessarily get an edge. It is called the WHOLE candidate for a reason. They don't just want the book smart kid that has a 4.0 and a 2400 SAT.

The thing with FX county is almost every HS in FX is nationally ranked. Academically it is a competitive region.

Additionally as kinnem stated, many kids are military dependents that have parent who work at the Pentagon, Ft. Meyers, Ft. Belvoir. Being a military dependent does not give an edge for the MOC nom., I only say this because many military dependents do apply for SAs. Congressional districts are the same size population wise, but certain districts can have many more applicants. NoVA (FX, PW and Stafford) traditionally has a much larger candidate pool than Fauqier, or Spotsylvania counties, and one reason is the amount of military members that reside in FX.

One thing I know is some MOCs will give an edge to the 2nd time applicants that got the TWE last yr. They see it as a commitment to the goal of attending an SA even if they didn't get an apptmt. last yr. I am not sure if Connolly follows this school of thought, if he does that might be your edge...did you get a nom last yr from Connolly?

I never received a nomination from any political source (I have the motivation to try again, who knows if anyone else here in FFX county does as well) also I showed a great sign of improvement from high school so this obviously means I didn't do so well while in high school. Will they look at my high school performance MORE than current?

Thanks

 

[Pima]

If they are following the rule of thumb for the SAs, what they are really looking for is academic progression and curriculum rigor. If your major is basket weaving, a 3.4 isn't great. If it is Chemistry and your classes are filled mostly with Math and Science, than a 3.41 is strong.

I am assuming you are NoVA Annandale, out of curiosity why didn't you do AROTC? I know UMDCP and GMU have AROTC (not sure if GMU is host, I know UMD is).

As anyone will tell you, always have plan B in place. NoVA has an automatic acceptance policy to state colleges after you get your AA degree as long as you have a 3.0(?) or better, which you do, thus what is your plan B? What college will you attend if you get the TWE from USMA? Have you talked to the dets at your plan B colleges? Or are you just going to try for OCS later on, and skip the ROTC route?

I would strongly suggest that you check into the AROTC program at GMU. I know several students at NoVA Manassas that are in ROTC too. This will allow them to commission via ROTC. If you wait to join until after you transfer, you may be looking at an uphill battle for commissioning this path. I.E. For AFROTC you must be a POC for at least 3 semesters. You must attend Summer Field Training to become a POC. Theoretically, you would have to delay graduation by at least 6 months because you delayed entering AFROTC until you were a jr.

It also wouldn't hurt your nom application to be a member of ROTC. Additionally ROTC cadets are eligible for a ROTC nom.

More noms, more slates you compete on prior to going to the national pool. In VA, I think I have read maybe 2 posters here over the course of 5 yrs., that got more than 1 nom. VA is that competitive that the MOCs talk and spread the wealth. IOTW, If Connolly gives a nom, Warner or Kaine may say you have one, and you can be amazing, the absolute number 1, but we each have 750 candidates and only 20 noms between the two of us, it would be unfair not to spread the wealth.

Having a ROTC nom is also extremely competitive, but if you got that nom., you would also compete on that slate, thus 2 slates, not one.

 

[gridironkid]

If they are following the rule of thumb for the SAs, what they are really looking for is academic progression and curriculum rigor. If your major is basket weaving, a 3.4 isn't great. If it is Chemistry and your classes are filled mostly with Math and Science, than a 3.41 is strong.

I am assuming you are NoVA Annandale, out of curiosity why didn't you do AROTC? I know UMDCP and GMU have AROTC (not sure if GMU is host, I know UMD is).

As anyone will tell you, always have plan B in place. NoVA has an automatic acceptance policy to state colleges after you get your AA degree as long as you have a 3.0(?) or better, which you do, thus what is your plan B? What college will you attend if you get the TWE from USMA? Have you talked to the dets at your plan B colleges? Or are you just going to try for OCS later on, and skip the ROTC route?

I would strongly suggest that you check into the AROTC program at GMU. I know several students at NoVA Manassas that are in ROTC too. This will allow them to commission via ROTC. If you wait to join until after you transfer, you may be looking at an uphill battle for commissioning this path. I.E. For AFROTC you must be a POC for at least 3 semesters. You must attend Summer Field Training to become a POC. Theoretically, you would have to delay graduation by at least 6 months because you delayed entering AFROTC until you were a jr.

It also wouldn't hurt your nom application to be a member of ROTC. Additionally ROTC cadets are eligible for a ROTC nom.

More noms, more slates you compete on prior to going to the national pool. In VA, I think I have read maybe 2 posters here over the course of 5 yrs., that got more than 1 nom. VA is that competitive that the MOCs talk and spread the wealth. IOTW, If Connolly gives a nom, Warner or Kaine may say you have one, and you can be amazing, the absolute number 1, but we each have 750 candidates and only 20 noms between the two of us, it would be unfair not to spread the wealth.

Having a ROTC nom is also extremely competitive, but if you got that nom., you would also compete on that slate, thus 2 slates, not one.

Yes I do attend NOVA, and my plan B is AROTC at Virginia Tech and already have enough information. I just wish to go for USMA again with hopes that I may be able to get a nomination (mind you its also the school I considered prior to VT back in high school) I will be getting the AS in Science and will be going for a Biology or Biochemistry degree at my transfer institution. I have also taken care of two levels of Military Science courses while at NOVA so I really won't be behind with ROTC.