Is it better to wait for test scores before requesting nominations?

[FlyingWings]

Is it better to send out letters requesting nominations as quickly as possible? Or is it better to wait for my latest test scores? All answers are appreciated.

 

[kinnem]

Each MOC has their own application process that you can generally access via their web site. It's best to follow the instructions there. Their deadlines are much earlier than the academy deadlines, as you might guess. Assuming you are a junior I would begin taking the SAT/ACT this spring and then youo'll have at least one score to send. If you take it again before their deadline and perform better you can update your scores with the MOC.

 

[Pima]

+1 Kinnem.

If you are a jr., take every SAT/ACT you can afford. It is not just about USAFA too. USAFA will superscore.

MoCs do not do what people would call rolling when it comes to nominations. IOWS, they hold off until their drop dead date. For example, if the date is 9/30 and you submit 7/21, you will not hear any earlier than the candidate that has their paperwork received on the drop dead date of 9/30.

JMPO, sending it in piece meal can hurt. IE, the date is 10/15. You submit in Aug., take another SAT and the scores are higher, now you have to send in the new scores to replace your May/June scores.

Off topic, but on topic.
1. Create a folder/file with a copy of everything.
~ Including dates, time and the person you corresponded with (SA, MOC, ROTC, DoDMERB, etc)
2. Do not assume anything when it comes to the mail system
~ Send it signature required where you can make sure it was delivered, and have proof that someone in the MoCs office signed off
3. Do not wait until the last minute.
~ If it is due 9/30 send it 9/15 (see #2)
4. Call the staff 1-2 weeks out and verify they received your paperwork, and it is complete. IOWS, they have the newest SAT/ACT, the essays, the recs, etc.
~ See above #3. By calling 1-2 weeks out, and if the staff says something IS missing you can get it there before the date, and nor will you have to pay the cost of overnight delivery bc you waited until 3 days before the date.
~~ Trust me every yr there is a poster that says OMG my paperwork for the nom is due tomorrow and I called today, they said, I am missing....

Now, here is some more things that you need to think about if you are applying to an SA. An SA may be plan A, but you need plan B (ROTC) too.
ROTC scholarship boards do not talk to the SA. IOWS, AFROTC would have no clue if you got a principal and are 3 Q for USAFA. USAFA would have no clue if AFROTC gave you a type 1,2 or 7 scholarship. USAFA requires a CFA, AFROTC requires a PFA. They are not interchangeable. USAFA super scores, AFROTC does not. USAFA looks at your sr yr in hs. AFROTC does not. USAFA does not care if you go STEM aka Tech, AFROTC does.
Point being is during the summer you will need to be juggling a lot.
~ Essays for USAFA, MoCs, essays for colleges. Transcripts. Teacher recs. Training for both the CFA and PFA.. Getting your medical records in order for DoDMERB.

I am not trying to scare you. I am trying to enlighten you what next yr may entail.

 

[parent]

+1 Kinnem.

If you are a jr., take every SAT/ACT you can afford. It is not just about USAFA too. USAFA will superscore.

MoCs do not do what people would call rolling when it comes to nominations. IOWS, they hold off until their drop dead date. For example, if the date is 9/30 and you submit 7/21, you will not hear any earlier than the candidate that has their paperwork received on the drop dead date of 9/30.

JMPO, sending it in piece meal can hurt. IE, the date is 10/15. You submit in Aug., take another SAT and the scores are higher, now you have to send in the new scores to replace your May/June scores.

Off topic, but on topic.
1. Create a folder/file with a copy of everything.
~ Including dates, time and the person you corresponded with (SA, MOC, ROTC, DoDMERB, etc)
2. Do not assume anything when it comes to the mail system
~ Send it signature required where you can make sure it was delivered, and have proof that someone in the MoCs office signed off
3. Do not wait until the last minute.
~ If it is due 9/30 send it 9/15 (see #2)
4. Call the staff 1-2 weeks out and verify they received your paperwork, and it is complete. IOWS, they have the newest SAT/ACT, the essays, the recs, etc.
~ See above #3. By calling 1-2 weeks out, and if the staff says something IS missing you can get it there before the date, and nor will you have to pay the cost of overnight delivery bc you waited until 3 days before the date.
~~ Trust me every yr there is a poster that says OMG my paperwork for the nom is due tomorrow and I called today, they said, I am missing....

Now, here is some more things that you need to think about if you are applying to an SA. An SA may be plan A, but you need plan B (ROTC) too.
ROTC scholarship boards do not talk to the SA. IOWS, AFROTC would have no clue if you got a principal and are 3 Q for USAFA. USAFA would have no clue if AFROTC gave you a type 1,2 or 7 scholarship. USAFA requires a CFA, AFROTC requires a PFA. They are not interchangeable. USAFA super scores, AFROTC does not. USAFA looks at your sr yr in hs. AFROTC does not. USAFA does not care if you go STEM aka Tech, AFROTC does.
Point being is during the summer you will need to be juggling a lot.
~ Essays for USAFA, MoCs, essays for colleges. Transcripts. Teacher recs. Training for both the CFA and PFA.. Getting your medical records in order for DoDMERB.

I am not trying to scare you. I am trying to enlighten you what next yr may entail.

@Pima GREAT ADVICE SHOULD BE A STICKY!