It's not who you know...it's can you follow directions. The nomination process/application is almost as detailed as applying to the academy. Start the process as soon as it's open (likely summer after your junior year). Don't put your energy into tracking down your MOC to meet them. However, if you go to an Academy Day, they are often there...along w/ their nomination coordinator, so you can meet, and it's not a contrived situation.
Best advice ever.
I recall when DS went through the process, 1 MOC made it clear when we say 250 words, we mean 250 words. The essay was placed through a word counter program, and at 250 it was marked, regardless if the candidate was mid sentence or not.
Their position was the committee had to read hundreds of essays to whittle down to the few that would be selected for an interview. They just didn't have the time, but more importantly part of the military is about following directions. Their direction was up to 250 words.
~ FYI, that was the 2nd time we heard that. Notre Dame at their invite recruitment told the audience the exact same thing.
I don't believe getting in contact as a sophomore will make or break anyone when it comes to a nomination, UNLESS you are contacting them to work in their office as an intern.
The system has been in place for eons. They know what the SAs are looking for...whole candidate package (WCS). Grades, SAT/ACT, sports, Ecs, leadership, etc will get you a nomination faster than contacting them, especially if they interview. MoCs do not interview, a committee does.
FWIW, California is considered a competitive state for nominations because the MOCs talk and spread the wealth. Senatoras mayhave 800 candidates for 10 nomination spots. Getting 1 nomination is something you hope for...2 well than you are special.
You are only a sophomore, I would spend more time worrying about your WCS than the nomination. Strong WCS will help you more than any introduction. I would also adhere to the golden rule here....plan B... ROTC scholarship. Come next year you might have to juggle sports (FB training in our state starts 2 weeks after the end of school), meet your FFR, applying for 3 nominations (writing essays), applying for AROTC scholarship, studying for the Sept SAT/ACT, training for the CFA and PFA, applying for colleges (more essays) AND Gforbid going through the remedial process with DoDMERB while also visiting colleges
~ AROTC requires an interview too before the package is submitted.
Just saying everything I listed is part of what your life may be next summer.
OBTW, just me, but I would study for the PSAT. As a junior it is your one shot to get an academic feather. Score high enough and you can be a National Merit Semi Finalist or Finalist. Colleges look at that. It goes under the award section.