How to present packet

jrwork

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Oct 8, 2018
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DS will be sending his completed nomination packets to our MOCs this weekend. What is the best way to present the document? Binder, presentation folder, pile of papers clipped together and wrapped in gold ribbon ;)
 
I would provide whatever the MOC asks for on their website. I have no idea what 'pile of papers clipped together' means and you should only provide the information they requested in the application.
 
One of our senators has a 100% online portal, which is awesome. The other senator and our representative both have a list of documents that they want postmarked by X date "in one complete packet". Things like their own application form, copies of test scores, copy of transcript, essay, letters of recommendations. One even wants a current photo. These are actually hard copies they need so I was just wondering the best way to actually present the papers, whether it is best to somehow compile them into a book or put in a folder or justhave the papers clipped together.
 
Our two senators both specifically asked that the documents be presented not stapled and that everything be submitted together at one time. They specifically asked that nothing be submitted under separate cover, including ACT/SAT scores - applicant must submit copies of the testing reports. The reason is clear - they have to make many copies of the package for interview committees. I suspect that any "packaging" would never be seen by the interview committee members. So, DS made his submittal as easy as possible for them to run through a copier. He added a very short cover letter respectfully asking for their nomination. DS received emails and calls from both offices confirming their receipt on the day they were received.

In our state, the senators' committees review every nomination applicant so they have a monumental amount of paperwork to deal with. We figured to try and make their lives as easy as possible and included nothing beyond what they specifically asked for.

Both Senators and Congressman require a recent 5 x 7 photo.
 
@jrwork

My DS put together a package of all the requested documents provided by the MoC. Also, he prepared a cover letter listing what he is sending (see below a sample cover letter). Then he placed this cover letter on the top of all the documents, placed in an envelope and FedEx.

Hope it helps....

Date:

The Honorable Senator XYZ
Attn: ABC
Address
Address

Dear Senator XYZ:

I am interested in an appointment to a military academy. I already have completed my application for the US Air Force Academy, US Naval Academy and US Military Academy at West Point.

Service has always had a special meaning in my family with my grandpa being an Air Force Officer and my father attended NCC (National Cadet Corp – similar to ROTC). Thank you for providing me this opportunity to continue with my family legacy of service. As a first-generation American, there is no greater honor than becoming a career military officer and serving my country and its citizens.

Enclosed please find the following required information:

1. Completed application form.
2. Completed page of extracurricular activities along with my resume.
3. One page essay stating reasons for seeking this nomination.
4. A sealed envelope from my counselor, Mr. xxx. For any question, he can be reached at: 123-456-7891 or xxx@x12.com. This envelope contains:

A. Official copy of high school transcript including courses currently in progress
B. School Profile with my class rank information.
5. A sealed envelope provided by my school counselor Mr. xxx. It contains a letter of recommendation in the provided format.
6. A sealed envelope provided by my Athletic Director and literature teacher, Mr. nice12. It contains a letter of recommendation in the provided format.
7. A copy of my official SAT report. Also, I have requested College Board to send report directly to your office code 0123.
8. A self-addressed stamped post card to notify the receipt of my application package.

I am looking forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions you can email me at me@lucky.com or call me at 666-111-3345.

Thank you very much.

Respectfully yours,
 
compile them into a book or put in a folder or justhave the papers clipped together.

I heard that since most of the time there is a selection panel that reviews the file. That's why I don't think it will be good idea to make a book or staple them together. Best is to clip all the related documents (or if there is a document with more than 1 page). That way, Senator's office can make additional copies to distribute to the panel without much work.

Cheers ....
 
Thanks!! I was thinking clipping the packet together would be best as well.
 
@jrwork Our congressman and one senator specifically requested no staples, binders, plastic covers, or sheet protectors. We assumed it was for the ease of making duplicates. My son used a binder clip to keep each packet together.
 
Clipping or binding would make it difficult for the committee that I serve on. When we are interviewing a candidate, we start by reviewing the documentation and in order to do this quickly, we split up the documents that then trade them back and forth as we review them. Binding it would make that harder.
 
Do people leave the letters of recommendations in sealed envelopes or open them? One of the three DS has is in a signed, sealed envelope but the others are just sheets of paper.
 
DS provided LoR unsealed to each MOC. None of the MOCs asked for sealed envelopes. It wasn't an issue. Two of the three letters were color copies addressed "To Whom it May Concern" and the third was an original (because the letter writer was personally acquainted with each of the MOCs and personalized his letters). The only thing he sent sealed was his HS transcript.
 
Ours went out with the printed list from the website of items - checked off neatly - on the left side of the folder. Documents in the order on the listing in the right pocket tabbed out with those little sticky tabs. The transcript was in a sealed envelope but tabbed as well. The front of the folder has a plain white sheet with his name and address in large bold print. I'm of the "make it easy to say yes" mentality.
 
@jrwork I would have your son carefully check the instructions for each MOC. Two of our three MOCs required letters of recommendations in signed and sealed envelopes.
 
@jrwork I would have your son carefully check the instructions for each MOC. Two of our three MOCs required letters of recommendations in signed and sealed envelopes.

Yes he’s checked and double checked. I’ve checked also. None of them mention how anything needs to be delivered besides our congressman saying he wants everything sent in one packet.
 
When we mention “bubble wrap” on this forum, that’s for after the candidate receives offer of appointment. Meanwhile, KISS: Keep it Simple, Sir (or Ma’am).
 
Our Senator MOC packets were all online. However, my DS hand delivered his MOC packet directly to his Congressman’s SA rep. This must have made a big impression as he let my DS know that this rarely happened and he had passed this info directly to the MOC and they took note.
 
^^ That has been discussed in the past. IF you live near where they accept the MOC application AND allow for hand delivery, there is certainly nothing wrong with doing that. However, I would not suggest someone drives hundreds of miles to deliver in person just because they think it will benefit their application.
 
^^ That has been discussed in the past. IF you live near where they accept the MOC application AND allow for hand delivery, there is certainly nothing wrong with doing that. However, I would not suggest someone drives hundreds of miles to deliver in person just because they think it will benefit their application.

Well, he will be hand delivering to the congressman's office because it is due on Thursday and he finally just got his last required LOR today. The senator's packet will be sent via overnight UPS or FedEx to DC because it is also due Thursday.
 
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