Nomination Contact
- Thread starter sharmarz
- Start date
I would recommend that you comb over your rep/senators websites and look for their nomination page. It is usually under Services or something like that. Print out all the documentation on their deadlines so you are prepared.
Then look up each rep/senator on whatever social media platform they have and follow them. NOT because you are trying to gain anything, as that is not going to happen, but because you are looking for their announcement of an "Academy Day" or something of the sort. My DS went to every academy day that was available and that is how he made his contacts. This is the best way to get connected.....at least that we found. Good luck.
Then look up each rep/senator on whatever social media platform they have and follow them. NOT because you are trying to gain anything, as that is not going to happen, but because you are looking for their announcement of an "Academy Day" or something of the sort. My DS went to every academy day that was available and that is how he made his contacts. This is the best way to get connected.....at least that we found. Good luck.
Got it. Thank you
KPilot
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I mean, you probably could, but I’ve gotten 4/4 nominations (USMMA and USNA) I applied for so far and never ‘got in contact’ with anyone except emailing to ask questions. Trying to ‘make contacts’ or some such sounds like a waste of time. When the time comes, if nomination is competitive, you will be judged and interviewed by an entire panel and decisions will be made solely on your profile and interview.
Since each MOC has a different process even within the same state, requirements and deadlines will likely be different, even if similar. Familiarizing yourself with what the deadlines and requirements are for your MOC is helpful so that you're prepared when applying. Be prepared, however, for the process to not be ready for you until late august or September. In my son's case (Massachusetts), one Senator didn't open her nomination application until mid-September. Also, the contact person for nominations for our Rep ended up changing from when he initially looked at it over the summer to the fall when they were planning academy day, etc. But at least the contact person on the website may be able to answer any questions you may have, but prepare for them to not necessarily be "ready" for you until late summer, if not early fall (and hopefully other states are better than Massachusetts... hold off on the jokes, please! 
). Also, depending on your state, the nomination process for the current pool of applicants may still be in full swing (my son just had his final senatorial interview and isn't expected to hear about nominations until late January.)
Best of luck to you!
). Also, depending on your state, the nomination process for the current pool of applicants may still be in full swing (my son just had his final senatorial interview and isn't expected to hear about nominations until late January.) Best of luck to you!
This was my son's experience, too (aside from hearing back about noms...) He only ever heard back from our rep's contact person from the various emails he sent, and it wasn't anything beyond a process clarification, he did attend our rep's academy day, and generally got the sense that it wasn't super key in the process here in Massachusetts. I think it helps to know that for all the effort to be pro-active and make contacts, it may not be necessary for you.
Some good advice here.
I will still encourage you to go to any Academy day you can. My DS had a very different experience at his Academy Days. He heard good information about the nomination process, met MOC staff and was encouraged to stick around and ask questions, was able to interact with current FFR's and BGO's and prior armed forces memebers of all branches, and following his Nomination interviews, one of his panel interviewers recognized him from the Academy days. He went both his junior and senior years but stuck around afterwards and spent the time they gave him to visit with folks. They also had a sign up sheet.
As stated above accurately, work on your best application, turn it in on time and hope for an interview so you can showcase. But by all means....if you want to attend an Academy and someone offers you an opportunity to learn about the Academy's, the Nomination process and ask questions, take advantage. You may walk away with nothing gained, but you may also walk away with two or three tidbits of information that will make an impact on you or your application.
I will still encourage you to go to any Academy day you can. My DS had a very different experience at his Academy Days. He heard good information about the nomination process, met MOC staff and was encouraged to stick around and ask questions, was able to interact with current FFR's and BGO's and prior armed forces memebers of all branches, and following his Nomination interviews, one of his panel interviewers recognized him from the Academy days. He went both his junior and senior years but stuck around afterwards and spent the time they gave him to visit with folks. They also had a sign up sheet.
As stated above accurately, work on your best application, turn it in on time and hope for an interview so you can showcase. But by all means....if you want to attend an Academy and someone offers you an opportunity to learn about the Academy's, the Nomination process and ask questions, take advantage. You may walk away with nothing gained, but you may also walk away with two or three tidbits of information that will make an impact on you or your application.
By all means, yes.
Also, hoping you and your family are safe during these horrific fires.
WT Door
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I like the early initiative you’re taking. Nice pieces of advice from other posters. I’ll add some thoughts off the top of my head. If you haven’t already, go to https://www.usna.edu/homepage.php. Use it as primary source to supplement your planning and to answer any cursory questions. It’s all there. I’d also recommend looking at early test dates for the SAT/ACT (Feb-May timeframe). You’ll get test condition practice and see where you stand. If you want to retest, you can do it soon thereafter. USNA will take your best scores. Also take a look at the CFA requirements at https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Candidate-Fitness-Assessment.php. Give it an early try and work on any weaknesses that you may have. This is where time is now on your side. So, train. The entire application process requires meticulous attention to detail and the will to see things through to completion. Submit an application worthy of you. As they say in Naval Aviation: Plan the flight, Fly the Plan. Good Luck!
GO NAVY 2029
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+1 for taking the SAT early
I took it in the summer after my sophomore year, studied all summer did really well and didn’t worry about the SAT ever again.
It’s very nice to get that out of the way early, and if you don’t do so well you have a long time to retake it.
I took it in the summer after my sophomore year, studied all summer did really well and didn’t worry about the SAT ever again.
It’s very nice to get that out of the way early, and if you don’t do so well you have a long time to retake it.
I'm already done with ACT's (33) and SAT's (1470). I'm going to start training for the CFA pretty soon to get it out of the way right when the application opens. Thank you for the advice.
Thank you very much. My dad is actually fighting the fires right now so I appreciate the comment.
Out of curiosity, what did your application look like?
Not sure which SoCal district you're in, but mine and one right next to me would hold Service Academy Information Nights, either at one of the public high schools or on Zoom. I started attending them whenever I could, and by the time I got to my application I had already met my BGO, ALO, and a bunch of other people involved in the process that were able to give me great advice and help me out along the way. Maybe try checking your MOC website/social media. Those are going to be the most valuable ways to make contacts, rather than "political" contacts or anything like that.
Hope he is safe and thank him for his service.
KPilot
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Messaged you in more detail