In complete disbelief...

USMACadet982734

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Jan 18, 2018
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I'm a high school senior in California. I love America more than anything and nothing would make me happier than serving my country. Going to West Point has been my goal ever since I was a sophomore.

Today, my last nomination result came in, and I've been rejected. I applied to all 3 MOCs, and I got interviews with all 3 back in November, but none of them nominated me. I don't think I'll get the VP nomination, so it looks like I'm done. Unfortunately, I have no relatives in the military, so I can't get a presidential nomination.

I can't believe this. I know I'm a pretty competitive candidate. SAT 1580, ACT 35. Grades: Seriously bad freshman year with Bs and Cs, but a strong upward trend (As and Bs sophomore year, straight As junior and senior year). Co-founder of a club. Varsity letters for two sports. President's Volunteer award. Varsity debate team (parli). CFA: 17 pull-ups, 5:45 mile, 61 pushups, 85 sit-ups, 64 ft basketball throw, shuttle 9s.

Is there ANY way I could apply without a nomination? If current cadets at USMA dropped out, would that open up slots for more appointments/nominations? Is there a possibility that someone forfeits their nomination slot or is medically disqualified, such that I could be nominated? I don't know what to do, please give me something...
 
I'm a high school senior in California. I love America more than anything and nothing would make me happier than serving my country. Going to West Point has been my goal ever since I was a sophomore.

Today, my last nomination result came in, and I've been rejected. I applied to all 3 MOCs, and I got interviews with all 3 back in November, but none of them nominated me. I don't think I'll get the VP nomination, so it looks like I'm done. Unfortunately, I have no relatives in the military, so I can't get a presidential nomination.

I can't believe this. I know I'm a pretty competitive candidate. SAT 1580, ACT 35. Grades: Seriously bad freshman year with Bs and Cs, but a strong upward trend (As and Bs sophomore year, straight As junior and senior year). Co-founder of a club. Varsity letters for two sports. President's Volunteer award. Varsity debate team (parli). CFA: 17 pull-ups, 5:45 mile, 61 pushups, 85 sit-ups, 64 ft basketball throw, shuttle 9s.

Is there ANY way I could apply without a nomination? If current cadets at USMA dropped out, would that open up slots for more appointments/nominations? Is there a possibility that someone forfeits their nomination slot or is medically disqualified, such that I could be nominated? I don't know what to do, please give me something...
No you can not apply without a nomination. That said, you should not let this slow you down. You should keep working hard to prepare for next year's admission cycle, as you seem to be a very strong candidate.
 
I'm sorry to hear what happened. The situations you proposed are all what if's and even if possible, are all out of your control. If West Point is really what you want to do, focus on everything that IS under your control. Consider reapplying and create a plan as to what to do to put together a great file if you decide to reapply next year. Do not lose sight of your goals, many people on this forum did not get an appointment their first time through.
 
Is USMA your end goal, or is it serving as an Army officer??

If it is the latter, start focusing on Plans B, C, D etc.

AROTC results in the same gold bar! Plus you can possibly get a nom from AROTC if you reapply to USMA next cycle.
 
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Do not give up hope until you get a TWE. Last year a young man from DS school had noms to his first two choices USMA and USNA. He had also applied to USAFA. He did not get an appointment to USMA or USNA but USAFA wanted him and he got a VP nom or Sup nom. Uphill for sure. But, with your scores, keep the faith. Good advice on Plan B from AROTC-dad and reapply if you get the TWE. But it ain't over til the TWE.
 
Try USMMA. Congressmen generally have spots available. Since you applied for noms on time, they may cut you some slack.
It's a great school, and upon graduation you can commission army if you like.
Don't dilly dally though, this is a longshot. Perhaps not even do-able depending upon USMMA's application date.
 
Yah I echo what AROTC-dad said. And I would do exactly that. I hear your pain and even a hint of betrayal. You must feel like, after all I have been prepared for, why me why not me? As you and many on this forum are experiencing and have experienced, great academic stats and CFA will not get you in. You need everything lined up just right to get the Appointment to the SA of your choice. And a strong prayer with deep sigh of humility. We don't know your other achievements, nor can assume how you conducted your interviews, nor do we know the competitiveness of your district. But I can say this, if you want West Point even if it takes 1 or 2 additional years to do it, then do it! Otherwise, if your heart is to serve our country, then join the ROTC Program and apply for campus Scholarship, enroll, graduate and serve in one of the services. You should have plan B, C...and have applied to AROTC Scholarship. With your academic stats, most likely you would be well considered for any service ROTC.

My DS has similar academic stats and CFA slightly better than yours but you have a faster mile run. And his remaining package is quite extraordinary and has many unique qualities I have not seen in this forum nor from college confidential. I guess I am subjective because I am a parent and like talking about his accomplishments. But he does not like to talk about his accomplishments to others at all, especially in a public forum. He is very low key and super humble when it comes to his personal achievements. However, he only has 1 Nom because he lives in a highly competitive district like many on this forum. He applied to 4 SAs. He got into 2 SAs to the class of 2022, USNA and USCGA. But he was all Army throughout his youth and since 8 years old, he walked the path to West Point and only began interest in the Air Force last January when applying to Summer Seminar. But no Nom, no Appointment. So the wait continues for the possible VP Nom, but you know how difficult that is. My DS has plan B and C. And they are all good alternatives. He can take the ROTC and reapply if not accepted this year or commission through the AROTC. Or take the grateful offer from USNA or USCGA and commission in the Navy or the Coast Guard. All are excellent options. Just different missions.

Take a deep breath, be grateful for what you already have today, and learn humility. This has been a good experience in your personal growth. And it will pay dividend down the road. If you follow the college confidential forum, you will read many similar threads from kids who have 1600 SAT 35, 36 ACT 4.0 Unweighted GPAs, AP's out the door with parallel academic activities to back up their already over achieved academic prowess. But no admissions to Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford. Why? Where did they go wrong? It is time to reflect, take this failure or set back to pause and learn. You still have time, you still have a chance but if not now will you do it again? or find other option to commission. Or was this just an option, if it was then you can see why others got the nomination. If you really invested in getting into West Point, then your equity can only increase over time to get you better prepared and qualified. You don't have to be a national talent to get the Nom, just need to be the most competitive in your district. Otherwise, you need the service connected Nom from ROTC. Keep your head down for few days, but have a new spirit with a different attitude and strategy toward commissioning. Listen to few others on this thread, many have great advice. Good luck!
 
There is still a chance they will offer you a spot at their prep school- if so, TAKE IT! It's like a Golden Ticket for class of 2023.

I am sorry, kiddo: If I were closer I would give you a hug (in a totally non-creepy way!) and buy you any stupid floofy coffee drink you'd ever want...or ice cream.
 
California is so tough for nominations! I heard each senator received over 600 nominations to sort through.

If your desire is to serve, consider reapplying or ROTC as mentioned. My son was asked what would happen if he didn't get a nomination and he told the board they would see him every year until he turns 23. Don't give up on your dreams.

In the wise words of the Terminator: "Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."
 
Go AROTC, enlist, or go into reserves for this year and apply for service connected next year. USMA has an admissions rep that deals solely with military service members applying to the academy. Reach out to this person and let him/her guide you through the process.

To contradict the post above, you cannot get into USMAPS (prep school) with a nom. You cannot even apply directly to the prep school. You must apply to USMA and to be considered you need a nom. USMAPS is offered to those candidates that have applied to USMA and that have potential, but aren't quite there and need another year to develop. See below. I pulled these off of the SA forum. The numbers below may have changed because it was an older post.

How do I apply if I am an Active Duty Soldier?
The application steps are the same for Soldiers as they are for civilians who apply; however, Soldiers can obtain a nomination from their company commander and are automatically considered for the Preparatory School if not directly admitted to West Point.

20 may be appointed from ROTC, 85 may be appointed from the regular Army and 85 may be appointed from the reserve components of the Army (reserves and guard).

While you may get a ROTC nomination - only 20 appointments are available.
 
Read AROTC-dad’s post. He’s exactly right. My son is on an AROTC scholarship. high school senior year he did not get congressional nomination. This year he reapplied, and has not only ROTC Nomination but also a Congressional Nomination. If he gets appointed, great...if not, he will become an Army Officer through his ROTC scholarship. He’s made great friends in his Brigade this year. Already planning to live together in a house off campus next year if he doesn’t attend West Point next year.

There are many ways to the same end. And like I said to my son, never quit trying. He didn’t, and it paid off.
 
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It’s not over yet. Your name goes onto a National list and any unused nominations from other states can be awarded to you. Keep your fingers crossed! Also from my understanding you don’t need a nomination to be invited to attend the prep school. Best of luck!
 
I will add that DS’s USNA Summer Seminar Leader had done 2 years elsewhere (not sure where) before getting his appointment. So that means he applied THREE times!! DS really admires that specifically about him. He has a perspective to offer those he leads that other officers don’t. It was very inspiring to DS!!

Every single part of a persons journey adds to their character. And it’s not a failure, rather an opportunity to file something else in you file of ‘who you are’ and ‘what you have to offer’. Think about how many different things someone who has one or two years on a different path than direct appointment has to offer!!

While it is painful now, in 4,5 or 6 years (however you choose to peruse the journey), today won’t matter. It will be but a blip on you radar of life. I hope you can embrace the learning and opportunities ahead and count this as a change of course....not the end of the journey!! Hang in there!!
 
I will also add that the noms from our congressman were about HALF non-direct. One being from a community college (first I had seen that). You will need to refocus and reevaluate what your ultimate goal is, and go for it! Best wishes!!
 
There is still a chance they will offer you a spot at their prep school- if so, TAKE IT! It's like a Golden Ticket for class of 2023.

I am sorry, kiddo: If I were closer I would give you a hug (in a totally non-creepy way!) and buy you any stupid floofy coffee drink you'd ever want...or ice cream.
Not much of a chance of that. In general, prep school slots are reserved for those who are not academically qualified. The OP appears to be so qualified. Just don't want to raise false hopes.
 
I'm a high school senior in California. I love America more than anything and nothing would make me happier than serving my country. Going to West Point has been my goal ever since I was a sophomore.

Today, my last nomination result came in, and I've been rejected. I applied to all 3 MOCs, and I got interviews with all 3 back in November, but none of them nominated me. I don't think I'll get the VP nomination, so it looks like I'm done. Unfortunately, I have no relatives in the military, so I can't get a presidential nomination.

I can't believe this. I know I'm a pretty competitive candidate. SAT 1580, ACT 35. Grades: Seriously bad freshman year with Bs and Cs, but a strong upward trend (As and Bs sophomore year, straight As junior and senior year). Co-founder of a club. Varsity letters for two sports. President's Volunteer award. Varsity debate team (parli). CFA: 17 pull-ups, 5:45 mile, 61 pushups, 85 sit-ups, 64 ft basketball throw, shuttle 9s.

Is there ANY way I could apply without a nomination? If current cadets at USMA dropped out, would that open up slots for more appointments/nominations? Is there a possibility that someone forfeits their nomination slot or is medically disqualified, such that I could be nominated? I don't know what to do, please give me something...
You CAN apply without a nomination, but you can not be appointed without one. Complete the application process - it is not over until you get a TWE. But, more importantly, completing the application process this year will make it easier when you reapply next year.

There is one thing you can do - TALK TO YOUR RC! The RC can give you feedback on your chances and offer advice on how to improve your chances next year. If you end up boarding at a college in California, use that residence to apply for a nomination if that district is less competitive than your home district.
 
There is still a chance they will offer you a spot at their prep school- if so, TAKE IT! It's like a Golden Ticket for class of 2023.

I am sorry, kiddo: If I were closer I would give you a hug (in a totally non-creepy way!) and buy you any stupid floofy coffee drink you'd ever want...or ice cream.
While the prep school is not an option if academically qualified, getting an AOG civil prep spot may be an option. DD is an AOG and was very qualified with a LOE last year. Our understanding was you needed a nomination to get a sponsored spot at civil prep, but DD says there are cadets with her that did not have a nomination from VERY competitive districts. OP should research this option and let RC know that he would be interested if offered (if that is the case). This is also a GOLDEN TICKET as long as you perform well at prep school. Additionally, you will qualify for ROTC nomination as well as a Secretary of the Army nomination going this route, but most MOC offices look favorably on giving nomination to a sponsored civil prep candidate who does well.
 
I'm a high school senior in California. I love America more than anything and nothing would make me happier than serving my country. Going to West Point has been my goal ever since I was a sophomore.

Today, my last nomination result came in, and I've been rejected. I applied to all 3 MOCs, and I got interviews with all 3 back in November, but none of them nominated me. I don't think I'll get the VP nomination, so it looks like I'm done. Unfortunately, I have no relatives in the military, so I can't get a presidential nomination.

I can't believe this. I know I'm a pretty competitive candidate. SAT 1580, ACT 35. Grades: Seriously bad freshman year with Bs and Cs, but a strong upward trend (As and Bs sophomore year, straight As junior and senior year). Co-founder of a club. Varsity letters for two sports. President's Volunteer award. Varsity debate team (parli). CFA: 17 pull-ups, 5:45 mile, 61 pushups, 85 sit-ups, 64 ft basketball throw, shuttle 9s.

Is there ANY way I could apply without a nomination? If current cadets at USMA dropped out, would that open up slots for more appointments/nominations? Is there a possibility that someone forfeits their nomination slot or is medically disqualified, such that I could be nominated? I don't know what to do, please give me something...

You sound like a perfect candidate to be an AOG scholar. In fact candidates like you are the reason for that program. Complete your application and keep your fingers crossed. All is not lost and West Point may still be in your future. Good Luck.
 
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