I received a principal nom from MOC in mid-November, although never received an LOA. Was wondering if principal candidates were reviewed and contacted by the academy with their admission status earlier in the process, just after the LOA candidate appointments were given out.
Principal Nominations Receive Appointments Earlier In Process?
- Thread starter Woop199
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No, it doesn’t work like that. An LOA means an appointment is forthcoming when all criteria in the LOA have been met. In some cases, they are never all met and an appointment isn’t offered.
In order to receive an appointment, one has to be qualified, or “3q”. So a principal nominee may also not be offered an appointment. For example? If they are not medically qualified (one of the the 3q’s).
So while a principal nom is good, it doesn't necessarily mean a shoe-in for an appointment. An appointment offer can happen any time between now and May (for the most part), although USNA attempts to have all notified by April 15th.
As a holder of a principal nom, you may hear soon, or it may be a while. You can check out the tabbed sticky threads at the top of the Nomination forums for more discussion.
Congrats!
In order to receive an appointment, one has to be qualified, or “3q”. So a principal nominee may also not be offered an appointment. For example? If they are not medically qualified (one of the the 3q’s).
So while a principal nom is good, it doesn't necessarily mean a shoe-in for an appointment. An appointment offer can happen any time between now and May (for the most part), although USNA attempts to have all notified by April 15th.
As a holder of a principal nom, you may hear soon, or it may be a while. You can check out the tabbed sticky threads at the top of the Nomination forums for more discussion.
Congrats!
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They have to deem you fully qualified and admissible. You won’t be told if you are.
You are in a good position with a principal nom. Tend your alternate plans and hope for a portal update or a call from the MOC. Answer your phone, set up a professional vmail greeting, check the vmail! No way of telling when.
Meanwhile, work your alternate plans until you no longer need to. Enjoy the holidays with family and friends.
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that's the plan, after swim season ends that is
shock-n-awe
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DS had a PNOM for USMA in November and received his appointment first week of March if I recall.
The wait is real, make sure everything is completed on your application and hope you are 3Q.
Also continue your preparations for plan B, do PT and have a strong finish this school year.
Any idea as to what time he had his application complete pending review? Definitely ensuring preparations are in place in all events, I appreciate the advice.
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shock-n-awe
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Pretty sure DS had all of his SA apps completed by mid October. I really wouldn’t get too hung up on comparing timelines, because it’s futile.
There never seems to be a rhyme or reason why or when Candidates receive anything during the application process. It may be fun to run different scenarios for your situation and compare to others while you wait for news, but the wait will be what it will be.
You are in a great place if you’re 3Q with a Principal NOM!
Old Navy BGO
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I agree with Shock and Awe (did I really say that about a Woop ?), trying to guess timing is a Fools Game, particularly this year. Think mid April, and if an appointment comes earlier, its a pleasant surprise.
That said, theoretically a Principal Nom could get an earlier decision. The principal nom is almost like an LOA from the MOC , ie.. if you are qualfied for Admissions (ie. 3Q, Admissions Board, CFA and Medical), the Service Academy has to give you the appointment. (Actually, I don't think is a mandatory "shall" or "must", but a practical matter, it would be a rare situation where a Service Academy thumbs its nose at a Congressman and ignores their "principal" choice). What that means is that the Service Academy doesn't have to wait for every other person on the MOC slate to complete their application... Noms and Appointments could issue the Offer to Appointment as soon as the Principal Nom is 3Q.
Thank you, the theoretical scenario you created more than answers my question. Given that there is no definitive reason as to why certain candidates receive responses at various times, it’s still nice to be hopeful throughout the process. I’m enjoying the waiting game, especially if it means eventually receiving a call that will completely alter the course of my future.