How common is it to get accepted into all 3; USMA, USNA & USAFA....I mean if you get into one doesn’t it make sense you’d get into all 3?
That's a good question. DS applied to USNA and USAFA, received a nomination to both, but was appointed to the 1st and received a polite denial from the 2nd.How common is it to get accepted into all 3; USMA, USNA & USAFA....I mean if you get into one doesn’t it make sense you’d get into all 3?
...especially when you have to take into consideration that an appointment takes into account your competition. Maybe someone would receive 2 appointments one year that wouldn’t receive any in a different year. That part isn’t up to the individual. It out if their hands.
Too many moving pieces to even guess.
I would submit that it is also rare because the applicant to all 5 academies is likely doing it for reasons of ego, and to be be able to say he did, while most applicants are a little more humble than that.It could be relatively easy or could be impossible. If you are a totally outstanding candidate from an under-represented area (think North Dakota or Wyoming or parts of certain states) and apply to all 5 SAs, it's certainly possible. The reason is there aren't a lot of truly outstanding candidates in those areas, so you're likely to get noms to all SAs to which you apply. If you're truly outstanding, you'll win your slates and be appointed. USCGA obviously seeks outstanding candidates and also wants geographic diversity.
In many areas, MOCs may limit candidates to one nom from one SA. Sometimes, they coordinate so that no candidate gets more than one nom to any SA. Thus, you could be the second coming of Chester Nimitz or Dwight Eisenhower . . . and you'll still only get one nom to one SA. Thus, the max SAs you could be appointed to would be 2 (USCGA being the second).
Finally, most candidates don't apply to all 5. Most have some thought of what they want to do (or don't want to do) post graduation and, usually, that eliminates one or more of the SAs from consideration. The "I'm happy to serve anywhere" is fine, but it's the rare person who would be equally happy being an infantry officer, a submariner or a helo pilot.
The fact a candidate is accepted to all 5 SAs, while an achievement, doesn't necessarily make that candidate more outstanding than someone who is admitted to only one.
It is rare, but I know an applicant who applied to USAFA, USCGA, USMA, and USNA, received double nominations to each of the 3, and received appointment offers to all 4. The candidate did not apply to USMMA due to the limited majors offered there, so is unclear whether a nomination/appointment would have been received.
From the puzzle piece anology, it would seem that candidates that are pursued by all of the SAs represent corner or side pieces, which are less common than middle pieces. Not more valuable, since every piece is required to complete the puzzle, but simply less common.
Also, one has to be very lucky to have all of the factors align to allow the scenario to occur.
(Kind of a cross post with Capt. MJ)
BINGO! (or SHACK! for any attack pilots in the group)My personal view -- and it's only that -- is that someone applying to all 5 SAs hasn't given much thought to the process and/or is looking for a "free" education.
Oh, but there are exceptions...DS#2 always dreamed of USMA (DS#1 attended) since he first stepped foot on post. I served in the USAF and come from a big-time Navy family. Thus, DS#2 has grown up hearing about and seeing the up-side and missions of the Army, Navy and AF. Fast forward to this past summer. DS#2 got accepted to USAFSS and AIM (USCGA Summer Program) to "test the waters" at a branch he know nothing about. Loved USCGA! Came back from AIM saying USCGA was now tied with USMA (understands they have completely different missions, but thinks what they do is also pretty cool). So, while he didn't apply to all 5 - no interest at all in USMMA, he has applied to 4/5 (admitted to USCGA) and will happily accept an appointment to serve in any of the branches of each academy he has applied to.It's hard to imagine a lot of people who would be equally happy at USMA and USCGA -- entirely different schools and services.
I would submit that it is also rare because the applicant to all 5 academies is likely doing it for reasons of ego, and to be be able to say he did, while most applicants are a little more humble than that.
NO ONE cares how many appointments you had. Certainly no one at the SA you attend.