Nominations for "non-residents"

[Hammy]

Perhaps this is not the right description, but here is what happened with our MOC's nominations.

My DS is applying for the second time and he got a nomination from our MOC. We read the press release about the nominations and noticed that over half of the nominations for the Naval Academy, with two of those going to students attending public schools out of state. I am wondering if it is possible with split families that they may apply in a less competitive district where one parent lives, knowing that if they apply say - in Virginia or Texas - they might not get the nom. Does this happen very often?

 

[usna1985]

You're likely right that this represents a candidate who has parents with different states/districts of legal residence. This can happen with divorced parents or simply parents (often active duty military) who for various reasons claim different states as their legal residence.

An experienced BGO (or equivalent for other SAs) will suggest to a candidate with this situation that it is wise to apply for a nom from the "less competitive" state or district. Please note, the candidate must choose and must be consistent in his/her choice. IOW, the candidate can't apply to the states/districts of both parents, nor can the candidate "split" the choice -- apply to the Rep from one state and the Senators from a different state.

For those who thinks it gives some candidates an "advantage" -- could be, but not necessarily. I live in one of the most competitive districts/states in the country. A few years ago, a candidate applied for noms to a "less competitive" state and district. Got two noms. Was stilll turned down by USNA -- two years in a row. So, being able to obtain noms in theory "more easily" does not always translate into an appointment. And it doesn't mean that people in "less competitive" districts are less competitive candidates.