Nominations

[Rolling_Thunder]

I am currently a candidate for USAFA and I have completed an application and was accepted into NASS so my Pre-App is done for USNA. Right now I am on the nominations steps however due to new responsibilities I now have in my unit(JROTC) and trying to maintain my grades(HS and dual enrollment) I have not really gotten to applying for nominations. I have applied for one so far which is my local representative. What should I be doing and how can I increase my chances of getting a nomination?

 

[Academician]

Your nominations will be due in the fall. Check with each MoC's website to find requirements and due dates. Some may not have updated their requirements for 2023 yet. Almost all require LORs, so I have my students approach their junior teachers now to prepare the letters and potentially line-up the direct recommendations for both AFA and USNA.

For nominations, just as with the appointments, you should follow the same goals: be a scholar, be an athlete and be a leader. Ask yourself (as I tell my students), how can you expand your résumé? The summer is an ideal time to accomplish some of these aspirations. Prepare for the CFA, prepare for the SAT/ACT (and take them 'early and often'), and look for opportunities to lead. By the way, form a Plan B by applying to ROTC scholarships and a Plan C by applying to the universities that host ROTC units that you might join as a college freshman. NROTC is now open, so you can get started immediately. Best of luck!

 

[justdoit19]

Apply for as many nominations as you qualify for. At the least, that would be 2 senators and your representative as well as vice president. Don’t overlook the importance of this! In fact, at this stage, imo it’s more important than the SA application.

Check each nom source website for their due dates. Some are as early as August. It can sneek up on you.

It’s very early for your SA applications. Don’t rush this. An early completion doesn’t equate to an early appointment. IOW, turn in your absolute BEAST application once it’s completed. Imo, waiting until your first month or so of your senior year for potential additions to your resume is a good way to go. Shooting for September/October is still early.

But don’t fail to tend to your nom sources. I have had candidates I’ve interviewed, who only applied to one source, bc they only need one. While that’s true, you may not obtain a nom from that one source. And if you do, you may not win that slate. Apply to any and all you qualify for (JROTC??), to have a best chance at obtaining a required non (or 3).

 

[usna1985]

For noms, check now on the deadlines. Some are very early and missing the deadline is the quickest, easiest way NOT to get a nom.

Many MOCs interview all or at least the most qualified candidates and these interviews are important. If you're not comfortable in an interview setting, now is a good time to practice. No one can simulate all of the questions you might be asked, but they can ask some of the "basic" ones, such as "Why do you want to attend a SA?," "Why should we select you (vs. other candidates)," etc. You can use your parents' friends or other adults who are willing to help as the interviewers. If you chose not to do "mock" interviews, at least think through (don't memorize!) your answers to some of these questions.

You can also ask people to give you mock off-the-wall questions. For example, "What is the last book you read for pleasure and why did you chose it?," "If you could meet one person from history, who would it be and why?." "What 3 adjectives best describe you?" It's not that you're likely to get these questions, but you'll get practice in thinking on your feet.

 

[IronmanDaremo]

My son got the book one in one of his panels. Threw him off a little.

 

[usna1985]

My son got the book one in one of his panels. Threw him off a little

Purpose of the question is to see if someone reads outside of school assignments. The title and reason are not particularly important.

 

[ButterflyWaffles]

Things that I think increased my chances of getting a nom :
- printing out resumes ( if the interview is in person)
- ask if you can have notes (sometimes they'll let you)
- Thank you cards ( they enjoyed these)
- if your senators/rep has a nomination seminar/zoom call, go to it
- research the slight differences in the SAs' sayings ( USNA honor concept vs honor code for the others)
- if you are doing interviews virtually, make sure you have the best lighting possible ( sit in front of a window if you can, somewhere where a door closes)
- business casual/business attire, neat hair, etc. (I wore a dress that reached my knees, light makeup, and heels)
- don't be too stiff, crack your knuckles or tap your foot.