This is where I take issue with USNA69 - (watch for fireworks!)
For USMA and LOA's ONLY---
If you have an LOA - seek a nomination from all sources - but you only need to get "a nomination". You don't have to be the top candidate on the slate or get more than one nomination.
If you are not the top candidate the appointment that goes to the top candidate will be charged to that MOC - you will still get an appointment and they will probably take it from the national pool. This scenario will not delay your appointment. Even if your nomination ends up coming from the national pool - they work that out later in the process.
Most congressmen will not rank - they prefer to allow the academy to make the selection - the academy prefers this and really this is the way for them to get the best incoming class.
If the congressman doesn't rank and submits 10 names - those with LOA's will often rank highest in total points but not always. The academy makes the offer to the candidate who is triple qualified with the most total number of points. If the candidate with the LOA is not highest ranking they still get their appointment.
A candidate with an LOA could have an appointment that is charged to the MOC - esp in a weaker district where all candidates are not 3 q'd or where some choose other schools.
Remember - not every candidate with a nom will choose the academy, some will not be medically qualified or there may be other problems hindering an appointment. So it is common to see some attrition in that list of 10 names.
IF the MOC ranks his candidates - they will either rank them 1-10 or names the primary and makes the rest "alternates".
Most saavy MOC's who have a candidate with an LOA will actually rank or name a primary. This ensures that he will have another candidate from his district get an appointment. Remember with an LOA you only need to be on the slate you do not need to be the primary. If the MOC names another candidate as the primary then he is getting two for the price of one -so to speak. In other words he doesn't want the academy to name his LOA as primary - since the LOA winner is an academy pick already - and he will name another candidate.
This is called playing the game.......
Is everyone sufficiently confused? I hope so!
![Wink :wink: :wink:](/styles/default/xenforo/smilies2/wink.gif)