usna1985
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Below are answers to many Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) re the nomination process. Thanks to USNABGO08 for assistance. As always, we've made every effort to be accurate but the below has not been reviewed or approved by any SA or MOC contact.
NOTE: Nominations are a fairly complex subject. This FAQ is intended to provide a basic explanation of the process and answer some common questions. However, there are intricacies in the process that go beyond the scope of this FAQ.
What is a nomination and why is it important?
Nominations are important for USNA, USAFA, USMA, and USMMA. USCGA does not use a nomination process. USMMA’s process is slightly different from the other services as will be discussed below. Thus, when the term SA (Service Academy) is used in this sticky, it refers to all SAs other than USCGA, unless otherwise indicated.
In order to secure an appointment, a candidate must be triple qualified (scholastically, medically, physically) AND obtain a nomination. Thus, if you don’t have a nomination, you have zero chance of receiving an appointment.
What governs nominations?
Law, established by Congress and NOT the SAs. This means SAs and candidates must follow the process outlined in the law even if it’s confusing, doesn’t seem to make sense, etc.
What are the sources of nominations?
There are many sources of nominations; some are available to everyone and some only to certain candidates. The following sources are available to all candidates: Vice President, 2 Senators, US Representative. NOTE: You can only apply to the Senators and Representative where you are domiciled (i.e. one cannot choose which Senator or Representative to whom to apply for a nomination). Other sources of nominations include the President and ROTC/JROTC. Those living in the District of Columbia or in U.S. territories or possessions (e.g., Puerto Rico, Guam) apply to various officials in those areas. Contact your SA nominations person if you have questions.
There are a few additional sources that apply to very few individuals, such as for children of Medal of Honor recipients, POWs, or deceased/disabled veterans. Also, there is a process for active duty enlisted applying to SAs. There are also noms available to ROTC participants. Because these groups are small and specialized, this FAQ will not cover these topics. If you believe you are eligible for one of these nominations, visit the SA admissions website or contact them directly.
Tell me more about Member of Congress (MOC) nominations
The discussion below relates only to USNA, USMA and USAFA. USMMA will be covered later. As discussed above, everyone is eligible to apply for a MOC nomination from each of his/her MOCs, which for most includes their two US senators and their US representative. Each MOC can have up to five midshipmen/cadets at each SA at one time. These five can be spread out among the four classes as the MOC sees fit. Generally, each MOC has one mid/cadet for three class years “slotted” (or “charged”) to that MOC and two mids/cadets in one class year. When one of those mids/cadets graduates or otherwise leaves the SA, a spot opens up for the next year.
For obvious reasons, MOCs try to ensure that they have at least one slot open each year – if they didn’t, they wouldn’t be able to nominate anyone to that SA which would leave constituents very unhappy. This “management” process is beyond the scope of this FAQ but suffice it to say that the MOCs and SAs work closely to ensure that there is at least one slot for each SA for each MOC each year. Every so often, the MOC will have 2 slots in a year for a SA. And, unfortunately, some MOCs “mismanage” their slots leaving no noms for a particular year.
Each MOC can nominate up to 10 candidates for each available slot that year. So, if the MOC has one opening, he/she can nominate 10 people; if this is a year with two openings, the MOC can nominate a total of 20 people – 10 for each of the two slots.
For USMMA: MOCs can have an unlimited number of mids at the SA; they are not subject to the limit of 5.
How does the MOC nomination process work?
Each MOC decides how to run his/her nomination process. What is described below is how MOST do it. However, this is by no means universal and you may find that one or more of your MOCs does things differently.
MOCs posts nomination application instructions online. Most request items similar to what you provide to the SA – grades, test scores, activities, etc. Many also want you to complete one or more essays. MOCs set their own application deadlines and some can be VERY EARLY (i.e., Sept. 30). There is generally no advantage to turning in your application early (other than it's done). However, do NOT be late as that is the easiest way for the MOC to reject your application.
Most MOCs use “nominating committees” made up of general citizens, active or retired military personnel, and government leaders from the MOC’s state or district. These individuals are volunteers and generally have some tie to one of the SAs but may not be grads. Less populous states/districts may have a single committee handling all SA noms; other states/districts have separate committees for each SA. It’s up to the MOC.
The committee reviews the application packages. Some MOCs make their decision entirely based “on the paper,” meaning they do not conduct interviews with candidates. However, many MOCs conduct interviews; the interviews are almost always with the committee personnel. Based on the information from the package and the interview (as applicable), the committee recommends a “slate” of nominees to the MOC, who makes the final decision.
What are “principal” noms?
MOCs can submit their slate in one of three ways. It is ENTIRELY up to them; they can do it differently for different SAs and they can change their approach every year. Some may tell candidates how they do it but they aren’t required to.
The first way is “Principal Nominee with Competitive Alternates.” Here, the MOC makes one candidate his/her “principal nominee.” That means that, if that candidate is fully qualified, the SA MUST offer him/her an appointment. [Several years ago, a very small number of 3Qed candidates with principal noms to USNA did NOT receive appointments -- the law describing USNA admissions is worded slightly differently than for USAF and USMA. Thus, for USNA only, 3A+ a principal nom is almost a guarantee but not 100%]. Competitive alternates means that, if the principal nominee is not fully qualified, the SA has discretion in choosing the remaining 9 (or fewer if there were fewer than 10 nominees) if they are otherwise qualified.
The second way is “Principal Nominee with Ranked Alternates.” This differs from the above in that the MOC ranks all 10 of his/her nominees. The SA must go down the list. So, if the principal nominee isn’t qualified, the SA must offer the nomination to the next highest ranked, fully qualified candidate on the list and so on.
The third way is a competitive slate. Here, the MOC gives a list (or “slate”) of 10 (or fewer) candidates to the SA and lets the SA decide which one they think best for the offer of appointment. This is the MOST common method among MOCs.
Will I know if I’m the principal nominee?
Most MOCs who give principal noms tell the nominee of his/her status. But it’s up to the MOC to do so, although your RD also has that information.
Do I have to know my MOC to get a nom?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Your parents don’t have to belong to the same political party as the MOC; they don’t need to be huge donors, etc. The reason MOCs use committees to make the decision is to de-politicize the process.
The above said, no one is naïve enough to believe that, if your MOC is your next door neighbor and has known you since you were 2 years old, that this wouldn’t help your cause. However, almost everyone who has gone through the process considers it “fair” in terms of not needing to know the MOC and virtually everyone who receives a nom gets it on merit without any connection whatsoever to the MOC.
Does the MOC have to nominate 10 people for each slot?
No. He/she can nominate up to 10. In some areas of the country, there may not be 10 applicants, let alone qualified applicants, for each slot. If there are no applicants from the MOC’s state or district to a particular SA in a given year, the MOC would not be able to nominate anyone.
--- FAQs continued below ----
NOTE: Nominations are a fairly complex subject. This FAQ is intended to provide a basic explanation of the process and answer some common questions. However, there are intricacies in the process that go beyond the scope of this FAQ.
What is a nomination and why is it important?
Nominations are important for USNA, USAFA, USMA, and USMMA. USCGA does not use a nomination process. USMMA’s process is slightly different from the other services as will be discussed below. Thus, when the term SA (Service Academy) is used in this sticky, it refers to all SAs other than USCGA, unless otherwise indicated.
In order to secure an appointment, a candidate must be triple qualified (scholastically, medically, physically) AND obtain a nomination. Thus, if you don’t have a nomination, you have zero chance of receiving an appointment.
What governs nominations?
Law, established by Congress and NOT the SAs. This means SAs and candidates must follow the process outlined in the law even if it’s confusing, doesn’t seem to make sense, etc.
What are the sources of nominations?
There are many sources of nominations; some are available to everyone and some only to certain candidates. The following sources are available to all candidates: Vice President, 2 Senators, US Representative. NOTE: You can only apply to the Senators and Representative where you are domiciled (i.e. one cannot choose which Senator or Representative to whom to apply for a nomination). Other sources of nominations include the President and ROTC/JROTC. Those living in the District of Columbia or in U.S. territories or possessions (e.g., Puerto Rico, Guam) apply to various officials in those areas. Contact your SA nominations person if you have questions.
There are a few additional sources that apply to very few individuals, such as for children of Medal of Honor recipients, POWs, or deceased/disabled veterans. Also, there is a process for active duty enlisted applying to SAs. There are also noms available to ROTC participants. Because these groups are small and specialized, this FAQ will not cover these topics. If you believe you are eligible for one of these nominations, visit the SA admissions website or contact them directly.
Tell me more about Member of Congress (MOC) nominations
The discussion below relates only to USNA, USMA and USAFA. USMMA will be covered later. As discussed above, everyone is eligible to apply for a MOC nomination from each of his/her MOCs, which for most includes their two US senators and their US representative. Each MOC can have up to five midshipmen/cadets at each SA at one time. These five can be spread out among the four classes as the MOC sees fit. Generally, each MOC has one mid/cadet for three class years “slotted” (or “charged”) to that MOC and two mids/cadets in one class year. When one of those mids/cadets graduates or otherwise leaves the SA, a spot opens up for the next year.
For obvious reasons, MOCs try to ensure that they have at least one slot open each year – if they didn’t, they wouldn’t be able to nominate anyone to that SA which would leave constituents very unhappy. This “management” process is beyond the scope of this FAQ but suffice it to say that the MOCs and SAs work closely to ensure that there is at least one slot for each SA for each MOC each year. Every so often, the MOC will have 2 slots in a year for a SA. And, unfortunately, some MOCs “mismanage” their slots leaving no noms for a particular year.
Each MOC can nominate up to 10 candidates for each available slot that year. So, if the MOC has one opening, he/she can nominate 10 people; if this is a year with two openings, the MOC can nominate a total of 20 people – 10 for each of the two slots.
For USMMA: MOCs can have an unlimited number of mids at the SA; they are not subject to the limit of 5.
How does the MOC nomination process work?
Each MOC decides how to run his/her nomination process. What is described below is how MOST do it. However, this is by no means universal and you may find that one or more of your MOCs does things differently.
MOCs posts nomination application instructions online. Most request items similar to what you provide to the SA – grades, test scores, activities, etc. Many also want you to complete one or more essays. MOCs set their own application deadlines and some can be VERY EARLY (i.e., Sept. 30). There is generally no advantage to turning in your application early (other than it's done). However, do NOT be late as that is the easiest way for the MOC to reject your application.
Most MOCs use “nominating committees” made up of general citizens, active or retired military personnel, and government leaders from the MOC’s state or district. These individuals are volunteers and generally have some tie to one of the SAs but may not be grads. Less populous states/districts may have a single committee handling all SA noms; other states/districts have separate committees for each SA. It’s up to the MOC.
The committee reviews the application packages. Some MOCs make their decision entirely based “on the paper,” meaning they do not conduct interviews with candidates. However, many MOCs conduct interviews; the interviews are almost always with the committee personnel. Based on the information from the package and the interview (as applicable), the committee recommends a “slate” of nominees to the MOC, who makes the final decision.
What are “principal” noms?
MOCs can submit their slate in one of three ways. It is ENTIRELY up to them; they can do it differently for different SAs and they can change their approach every year. Some may tell candidates how they do it but they aren’t required to.
The first way is “Principal Nominee with Competitive Alternates.” Here, the MOC makes one candidate his/her “principal nominee.” That means that, if that candidate is fully qualified, the SA MUST offer him/her an appointment. [Several years ago, a very small number of 3Qed candidates with principal noms to USNA did NOT receive appointments -- the law describing USNA admissions is worded slightly differently than for USAF and USMA. Thus, for USNA only, 3A+ a principal nom is almost a guarantee but not 100%]. Competitive alternates means that, if the principal nominee is not fully qualified, the SA has discretion in choosing the remaining 9 (or fewer if there were fewer than 10 nominees) if they are otherwise qualified.
The second way is “Principal Nominee with Ranked Alternates.” This differs from the above in that the MOC ranks all 10 of his/her nominees. The SA must go down the list. So, if the principal nominee isn’t qualified, the SA must offer the nomination to the next highest ranked, fully qualified candidate on the list and so on.
The third way is a competitive slate. Here, the MOC gives a list (or “slate”) of 10 (or fewer) candidates to the SA and lets the SA decide which one they think best for the offer of appointment. This is the MOST common method among MOCs.
Will I know if I’m the principal nominee?
Most MOCs who give principal noms tell the nominee of his/her status. But it’s up to the MOC to do so, although your RD also has that information.
Do I have to know my MOC to get a nom?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Your parents don’t have to belong to the same political party as the MOC; they don’t need to be huge donors, etc. The reason MOCs use committees to make the decision is to de-politicize the process.
The above said, no one is naïve enough to believe that, if your MOC is your next door neighbor and has known you since you were 2 years old, that this wouldn’t help your cause. However, almost everyone who has gone through the process considers it “fair” in terms of not needing to know the MOC and virtually everyone who receives a nom gets it on merit without any connection whatsoever to the MOC.
Does the MOC have to nominate 10 people for each slot?
No. He/she can nominate up to 10. In some areas of the country, there may not be 10 applicants, let alone qualified applicants, for each slot. If there are no applicants from the MOC’s state or district to a particular SA in a given year, the MOC would not be able to nominate anyone.
--- FAQs continued below ----
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