Nomination Application Free Tips

foxtail1027

USAFA '25
Joined
Dec 26, 2020
Messages
160
I know you are all overwhelmed by the number of applications you have to complete; SAs, Noms, ROTC...

As a nominee to 3 different service academies (USMA, USAFA, USMMA) from 2 different nomination sources from last year, I would like to give you guys some tips.

1. Please Start Early

Unlike ROTC applications, Nomination applications don't have multiple boards.

They will review all the application files at once post deadline; therefore no point of waiting until the last minute.

If you have a standardized test score that you are expecting to come out, most nominating sources will accept your scores separately so that you don't need to wait until everything is ready to go.

GPA wise, there is absolutely nothing to worry about since the nomination deadlines will be long before 1st semester senior year ends.


2. Make sure your essays answer the prompt and stand out!

This is crucial; based on my personal experience, the interviewers make interview questions based on your essay.

Make sure you are writing about yourself not something else.

For example, some applicants go off topic, vaguely answer the prompt, forget to answer some of the questions, or write about something that isn't based on them.

You want to avoid those mistakes because not only will it make you look less committed and willing, it will also makes you look unprofessional; without mentioning the fact that the interview questions will be harder to answer since you wrote about something that isn't you.

For the standing out part, come up with reasons or examples that shows or proves that you will be a better candidate for the Academies over others; for me, living in a foreign country for a long time and keeping the patriotism and eagerness to serve my country made me stand out.


3. Please apply to every nomination you qualify for.

I see and hear about so many applicants only applying to one or two sources.

Unless you have no representation (and I don't think anyone would lack that), you will be eligible to be nominated by both your senators and your representative; plus a VP. (For USMMA, you can be nominated by any representative of your state)

That already is 4 different sources and applications and if you're involved in JROTC or ROTC, you can qualify for the nominations that they give out and if one of your parents has served in the military for more than a certain amount of years, you can also qualify for a service connected nom as well.


4. Be smart about your senior course loads

I understand your junior year has been rough and you want to solely focus on college applications since SA applications requires such a great effort and time.

However, the nominating sources will definitely ask you what classes you are taking your senior year.

For example, I had to fill out my senior year course load for two nomination applications and one of them actually brought up the fact and complimented that I am taking 4 AP classes my senior year.

You definitely want to look as if you will work hard until the end which is what the Academies value anyways.

But don't overload your schedule with too many AP courses or other challenging classes so that your senior year grades slide; it will look bad on your Academy application.


5. Address the interviewers as sir/ma'am and look serious

This may be really obvious but it's important.

Many interviewers were either former military officers or school teachers that volunteer.

Some of them are academy grads themselves so it will be smart to address them accordingly.

Plus, do not favor certain branch too much over the other; it might bring up doubts that you may not want to serve in certain branches and only want to serve in the branch of your choice.

But don't worry too much about the branch as it is extremely hard to get nominated to multiple academies by a single source if you live in a competitive district.

Plus leave an impression that you are willing to serve more than 5 years in the military.

Even though you are not planning on doing that, you never know the future and they would definitely favor applicants that are thinking making a career in the military over those who are planning on leaving after their commitment.

If you have any questions regarding SA Noms, please feel free to leave them down on the comments; I'll answer all of your questions in my capacity.
 
Would it be a bad idea or too cliche to employ a metaphor in the "Why you want to serve" essay?
I would say it really depends on what kind of metaphor you will be using. Bottom line, I would strongly suggest that you make your essay unique to you and you only. That way, I believe there is a better chance of standing out.
 
I would say it really depends on what kind of metaphor you will be using. Bottom line, I would strongly suggest that you make your essay unique to you and you only. That way, I believe there is a better chance of standing out.
A childhood fascination I had and I would relate it to West Point's overall mission

But I am hesitant since the essay gives us limited space to write the response.

But thank you for the help!
 
Thank you for the tips. My main concern is to ask many people to write recommendation letters, if I apply for two or three nomination sources. Do you ask for the same teachers for your multiple nominations?
 
Thank you for the tips. My main concern is to ask many people to write recommendation letters, if I apply for two or three nomination sources. Do you ask for the same teachers for your multiple nominations?
I did! And I'd assume most people do. Just send them the different addresses of the nominating offices and the deadlines, and those letters will get to where they need to be. That being said, don't be afraid to follow up and check with your teachers/whoever is writing the letters in a few times. :)
 
I did! And I'd assume most people do. Just send them the different addresses of the nominating offices and the deadlines, and those letters will get to where they need to be. That being said, don't be afraid to follow up and check with your teachers/whoever is writing the letters in a few times. :)
Thank you, will do.
 
Do nominations take superscores of SAT/ACT?
Each elected official has the flexibility to select the criteria and run their nom process any way they wish. That’s a question you can post to the staffers who oversee the nom cycle for the elected official.
 
I know you are all overwhelmed by the number of applications you have to complete; SAs, Noms, ROTC...

As a nominee to 3 different service academies (USMA, USAFA, USMMA) from 2 different nomination sources from last year, I would like to give you guys some tips.

1. Please Start Early

Unlike ROTC applications, Nomination applications don't have multiple boards.

They will review all the application files at once post deadline; therefore no point of waiting until the last minute.

If you have a standardized test score that you are expecting to come out, most nominating sources will accept your scores separately so that you don't need to wait until everything is ready to go.

GPA wise, there is absolutely nothing to worry about since the nomination deadlines will be long before 1st semester senior year ends.


2. Make sure your essays answer the prompt and stand out!

This is crucial; based on my personal experience, the interviewers make interview questions based on your essay.

Make sure you are writing about yourself not something else.

For example, some applicants go off topic, vaguely answer the prompt, forget to answer some of the questions, or write about something that isn't based on them.

You want to avoid those mistakes because not only will it make you look less committed and willing, it will also makes you look unprofessional; without mentioning the fact that the interview questions will be harder to answer since you wrote about something that isn't you.

For the standing out part, come up with reasons or examples that shows or proves that you will be a better candidate for the Academies over others; for me, living in a foreign country for a long time and keeping the patriotism and eagerness to serve my country made me stand out.


3. Please apply to every nomination you qualify for.

I see and hear about so many applicants only applying to one or two sources.

Unless you have no representation (and I don't think anyone would lack that), you will be eligible to be nominated by both your senators and your representative; plus a VP. (For USMMA, you can be nominated by any representative of your state)

That already is 4 different sources and applications and if you're involved in JROTC or ROTC, you can qualify for the nominations that they give out and if one of your parents has served in the military for more than a certain amount of years, you can also qualify for a service connected nom as well.


4. Be smart about your senior course loads

I understand your junior year has been rough and you want to solely focus on college applications since SA applications requires such a great effort and time.

However, the nominating sources will definitely ask you what classes you are taking your senior year.

For example, I had to fill out my senior year course load for two nomination applications and one of them actually brought up the fact and complimented that I am taking 4 AP classes my senior year.

You definitely want to look as if you will work hard until the end which is what the Academies value anyways.

But don't overload your schedule with too many AP courses or other challenging classes so that your senior year grades slide; it will look bad on your Academy application.


5. Address the interviewers as sir/ma'am and look serious

This may be really obvious but it's important.

Many interviewers were either former military officers or school teachers that volunteer.

Some of them are academy grads themselves so it will be smart to address them accordingly.

Plus, do not favor certain branch too much over the other; it might bring up doubts that you may not want to serve in certain branches and only want to serve in the branch of your choice.

But don't worry too much about the branch as it is extremely hard to get nominated to multiple academies by a single source if you live in a competitive district.

Plus leave an impression that you are willing to serve more than 5 years in the military.

Even though you are not planning on doing that, you never know the future and they would definitely favor applicants that are thinking making a career in the military over those who are planning on leaving after their commitment.

If you have any questions regarding SA Noms, please feel free to leave them down on the comments; I'll answer all of your questions in my capacity.
These are very good - thank you for taking the time to note these. How long were your interviews; 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.?
 
These are very good - thank you for taking the time to note these. How long were your interviews; 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.?
My interviews were around 25 to 30 minitues long. Personally, the interview was a lot of fun.
 
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