Can you get into the Naval Academy without an official nomination? It just doesn't seem like there are enough congressmen to go around... I am applying to USNA in two years, and this seems to be the most daunting task because it is the most 'out of my control'. If they dont pick me, they just dont pick me...
No Official Nomination?
- Thread starter DrePel
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You should have a minimum of three noms available to chase: VP, MOC, Senator. There are others you may meet the criteria for. Read the Nominations sticky here on SAF and USNA Admissions.
It is a competitive process. More people compete for noms than will get one. More people with noms will compete for appointments than will get one. Also guaranteed: if you don't apply for a nom, you won't get one, ditto applying.
If this is what you want, and then a minimum of 5 years serving afterwards, then you put in the work to get the nom(s) and get through the application process. Surviving the process, meeting all the deadlines, checking all the blocks - are part of the competition.
Browse, browse, browse here. Go to MOC Service Academy info nights and read their website nom info.
It can be done, but there is no easy way.
Edit: If "they don't pick me" is what happens, that's when your Plan B and even Plan C come into play. If you are driving toward serving as an officer, you will also be developing your alternate approaches. As has been said elsewhere here, "eat the elephant one bite at a time." Many times in life you will be faced with what seem like impossible tasks. You learn to break them down into manageable chunks and just get started.
It is a competitive process. More people compete for noms than will get one. More people with noms will compete for appointments than will get one. Also guaranteed: if you don't apply for a nom, you won't get one, ditto applying.
If this is what you want, and then a minimum of 5 years serving afterwards, then you put in the work to get the nom(s) and get through the application process. Surviving the process, meeting all the deadlines, checking all the blocks - are part of the competition.
Browse, browse, browse here. Go to MOC Service Academy info nights and read their website nom info.
It can be done, but there is no easy way.
Edit: If "they don't pick me" is what happens, that's when your Plan B and even Plan C come into play. If you are driving toward serving as an officer, you will also be developing your alternate approaches. As has been said elsewhere here, "eat the elephant one bite at a time." Many times in life you will be faced with what seem like impossible tasks. You learn to break them down into manageable chunks and just get started.
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No (a nomination is required by law). However, the Naval Academy Prep School (see USNA's Admissions website) does not require a nomination, which is another reason to continue a USNA application.
Agree with Capt MJ. Also, note that your 2 Senators makes a minimum of 4 nominations available. Apply to ALL (emphasis added) nominating sources that you are eligible for (again, see USNA's Admissions website for a full list).
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Thanks for clarifying 2 Sen. I conflated sources and actual while typing on the fly.
You need to be 3Q and have a NOM to be in the RUNNING for an appointment. A MOC can submit 10 NOM's for each opening they have at an SA. Make sure to read the info mentioned above so you understand how the process works. All aspects of getting an appointment are a competition with those who are applying. More NOM's are given out than appointments, so I wouldn't overly focus on just that aspect of the process.
5Day
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It depends on what you define as "official". All appointments have a nomination. If you do not get one of your 3 MOC nominations and you are not eligible for a Presidential or JROTC, your chances become slim but... There is still a VP nom and a superintendent's nomination. Not the best odds of getting one of those, but if USNA Really Really wants you they can find a nomination.
There are more nominations available than appointments. Nominations are another hurdle. The height of that hurdle varies depending on the competitiveness of you congressional district.
It is a lot of work to get an appointment to USNA. But, it is all in your control. Be the best candidate possible. Get great grades, ace your SAT/ACT, show leadership through sports, be active in your community, etc. These are all things you control. Be the best, be so good that your nomination sources and USNA have no choice but to pick you.