Ranking academy preferences on nom app

[Lee2015]

Junior just starting the nomination process. . .

I was just wondering if there is some sort of method--suggested straegy--for ranking your academy preferences on the nomination application from all sources? Is there a way to rank in order to increase my chances of getting a nomination from 1 of the 4 possible avenues?

Thanks!

 

[Ken2012]

Does the application specify? I don't know what's on yours but my congressmen says to use a number ranking of 1 for most wanted and up to 4 for the least wanted but have interest and 0 for no interest.

Personal example:
USMA - 1
USAFA - 0
USNA - 0
USMMA - 0

So that's only for USMA.

Random example:
USMA - 3
USAFA - 1
USNA - 4
USMMA - 2

So that's USAFA most wanted and all the way to USNA for least interested in but still want to possibly go.

I'm not sure if yours is like this, but it seems all the representatives and senators use this system. At least all the ones I've looked at.

And it doesn't matter what you rank your choices; one certain way will not give you a nomination. You could be nominated to all 4.

 

[coffeecup3]

I know that my senators only let you choose one preference because of the amount of applicants. I was stuck between USMA and USNA, so I split them between senators; one and one.

Then my congressman allowed a rank of preferences. This is difficult! I originally had on my application (1) USNA, (2) USMA. Before I submitted it, I happened to visit USMA and loved it! Was it biased that I didn't visit USNA? I used white-out to switch my preferences, and I received a principal nomination to USMA. I also found out that my district was extremely competitive for Navy compared to Army, and I like to think I would not have received a nomination for USNA had I not switched. Something was in my favor that day .

Preferences: If you don't know which academy is your #1, this becomes the hard part. Try to visit the academies before hand or do summer seminars if possible. Read as much as possible about each (especially these forums ) Really, go with your heart (Sappy- I know but you really have to.) Thats what I did and I think I was lucky or something when I changed my MOC application preferences.

 

[vampsoul]

My senators only let me choose 1, and my Rep let me rank them. My rep ranking looked like this:

USMA: 1
USAFA: 2
USNA: 0
USMMA: 3

I come from a Navy dominated area, so since USNA would have been 3, it was worthless for me to put that down as 3, so I did USMMA to improve my chances of getting that nom if I didn't get the first 2. Luckily, it worked out in the best way for me, as I got my 1,2, and 3 from my rep. ks yourself these questions:

1) if I could automatically be admitted to any academy, which would I choose? What would be my second choice? ect.

2) In the area I live in, do I have a better chance of getting my number 2,3, or 4 if I move that choice above another (never above your number 1, though).

And remember, do NOT not rank your #1 choice as #1 because you think you may not get it. Go for what you want, and in the long run it will work out better for you. Remember, the board will often ask WHY you picked US___Academy over the others.

 

[2012Cadet]

Could one find out how many people are applying from their area to each specific service academy for during the year you apply for? How?

 

[vampsoul]

Could one find out how many people are applying from their area to each specific service academy for during the year you apply for? How?

Ask your MALO, ALO, BGO (depending on where you're applying) how competitive your area and state are.

 

[marciemi]

When we went to academy days when my son was a junior/senior, the staffers from the MOC's offices were able to tell us how many had applied (at the senator and rep level) the previous year. This year when he went for his interviews, the same staffers told him how many apps they'd had and how many interviews they were doing. I suppose if he wanted to know earlier he could have called them - didn't seem to be a closely-guarded secret. Your liaison officers should have a vague idea of how many people normally apply, and even how many apply from your district, but probably wouldn't have more than a general idea for the whole state.