Smith/Katri: Welcome. I note from katri's profile she too hopes to be a prospective member ofthe Class of 2018, as Smith indicates it's getting qute late for most nominating sources - though I can't really say what the schedules and typical way the MOC from South Carolina handle things.
I suggest though that both of you attempt to contact an admissions field representative in your area - their contact information can be found here:
http://www.usmma.edu/admissions/local-admissions-field-reps
These are volunteers, generally alumni, who live in your area and can usually tel you more about how things are handled by your local Members of Congress as far as nominations, etc. As smith indicates they each have their own specific process and deadlines but all are prretty much right upon us or past as they all have to have all their nominations in to the USMAA Admissions Office at the same time which I believe on or before Feb 2014 for the incoming class.
These folks, especially if they are recent alumni still satisfying their post graduation commitments, can give you lots of good information about the opportunities that recent graduates are finding and enjoying in both the Maritime Industry as well as on active duty. They can also tell you about what life is like in the Academy for current students today.
Older reps such as myself can usually tell you and help you with things you'd expect us to bring to the table - including often first hand exxperience as members of various MOC interview boards, etc - so tips on how to handle yourself there with regard to various particular issues, etc. Also longer term views of the opportunities and life after graduation, etc. as part of the post service academy in general and post USMMA alumni communities in particular.
Smith - what you've posted is impressiove so to some degree theres things you haven't said that may come into play including where you are from in the way of competition for a Nomination, etc. as well as your standardized test scores. Feel free to PM me if you'd like and I can tell you what I know that may or may not be applicable or of course also take a look at the recent class profile here:
http://www.usmma.edu/admissions/class-profile
to get a general idea of what each of the five most recent classes have "looked like" in composite (although you've probably already done that).
In the meantime - good luck to both of you in your quest.