Nomination Applications

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Superninja1

New Member
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Jun 26, 2019
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Hello,

I am applying for a nomination to USNA and USAFA. I have chosen to apply to both my senators and congressman. I have chosen to apply for two nomination sources for USNA and one for USAFA. My application for USAFA has been open since April. My application has continuously been reviewed as Non-Competitive even though I have sent in all the things I can to make my application competitive. Should I apply to all three for USNA or just two? Anything is appreciated. Thank you for your feedback.

P.S. - I have also applied for a Vice-Presidential nomination through/for USNA.
 
The standard, textbook answer is that you should apply to all Nomination sources you are eligible for. The more nominations you receive, the more "pools" you get to compete in for Admission.

However, keep in mind, many MOC's like to share the love and will only nominate you a single academy so they can give as many nominations as possible. (I get it, it looks great to list alot of names in the newspaper). If that is the case, it is important to make your preference clear, and you may have to make decisions about which academy to focus upon.
 
In my opinion you should request the school/service you most want to be involved with. If the MOC allows you to list a preference then list them in the actual order you prefer them. There are people here who "game" the system each year and spread their choices like you are suggested. SOme end up attending their second or even third choice academy as a result. Just one man's 2 cents.
 
Suggest applying for ROTC scholarships in addition to your SA choices. These scholarships offer an ideal back-up strategy in case you are not selected for an appointment this year and must re-apply to your SAs next year.
 
I would like to apply for ROTC but unfortunately, I do not meet AFROTC or NROTC minimum SAT/ACT scores.
 
Superninja1 said:
Hello,

I am applying for a nomination to USNA and USAFA. I have chosen to apply to both my senators and congressman. I have chosen to apply for two nomination sources for USNA and one for USAFA. My application for USAFA has been open since April. My application has continuously been reviewed as Non-Competitive even though I have sent in all the things I can to make my application competitive. Should I apply to all three for USNA or just two? Anything is appreciated. Thank you for your feedback.

P.S. - I have also applied for a Vice-Presidential nomination through/for USNA.
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Perhaps it’s continually being reviewed as non-competitive due to not meeting the minimum SAT/ACT scores, as you said was your situation with ROTC scholarships.
 
Since USAFA has deemed your application non-competitive, why would you seek a nomination for them? Gaining a nomination, which would seem a tall order, isn't going to make your application competitive, even if you were named the principal nominee.
 
sarcasticbelugas said:
Out of curiosity, how did you know USAFA deemed your application as non-competitive?
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I believe USAFA has a Pre-Candidate application that is used to fill in the Basics. Board scores should be one of the inputs. If you pass this pre-candidate step, then you would move onto a Candidate status.
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If you are deemed non-competitive by USAFA, your record will likely be viewed similarly by USNA. While USNA doesn't use this terminology or provide similar notification to candidates, they won't make someone an "official candidate" with candidate number if the record is deemed non-competitive. Even an "official candidate" may be on the VERY weak end of the spectrum.

You may want to chat with your ALO and/or BLO to determine your strengths and weaknesses of your record and what you might do in the coming year -- and even next year -- to make yourself a stronger candidate.
 
Korab said:
Since USAFA has deemed your application non-competitive, why would you seek a nomination for them? Gaining a nomination, which would seem a tall order, isn't going to make your application competitive, even if you were named the principal nominee.
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Keep in mind, a "non-competitive" candidate , or someone who isn't an "official candidate" in USNA parlance, may only be a good SAT/ACT away from being in the game. No one knows exactly what the line for an "official" candidate is (and I suspect it is a little bit variable). The Nomination and USNA Admissions applications should be two parallel paths, although the candidate should recognize that Admission is an uphill battle if you aren't competitive, or an Official Candidate.
 
Old Navy BGO said:
Keep in mind, a "non-competitive" candidate , or someone who isn't an "official candidate" in USNA parlance, may only be a good SAT/ACT away from being in the game. No one knows exactly what the line for an "official" candidate is (and I suspect it is a little bit variable). The Nomination and USNA Admissions applications should be two parallel paths, although the candidate should recognize that Admission is an uphill battle if you aren't competitive, or an Official Candidate.
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Of course you are correct, but the OP stated

Superninja1 said:
My application has continuously been reviewed as Non-Competitive even though I have sent in all the things I can to make my application competitive.
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It was with his or her own admission that he or she had sent in all the things they could to make the application competitive that I replied as I did. The analysis would change if there was some new item that made the application more compelling.
 
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Korab said:
It was with his or her own admission that he or she had sent in all the things they could to make the application competitive that I replied as I did. The analysis would change if there was some new item that made the application more compelling.
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Or, at least theoretically, the compelling thing might already be present but weakness elsewhere makes it non-competitive. Fix the weakness and you're in the game.
 
For the OP, you need to understand why your record is not considered competitive. Is it "just" board scores? Or is it a combination of one or more of the following: scores, grades, class rank, sports, leadership, etc.? Until you understand what your weakness is (or they are), you can't address them. This is why I suggest you discuss your situation with your ALO (for USAFA), since he/she is much more knowledgeable about what USAFA is looking for and what the standards are.
 
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