Should he apply to more than one SA?

There are five service academies, four of which require Congressional nominations.

I think it's rich a MOC wants to harp on "service above how they serve."

I forget that MMA requires a nomination. LITS sorry I left off CGA.
 
Go for it. Much of the application will transfer to another academy. Some new essays maybe, but letters of recommendation might be reused too. They're all great, and don't rule out USMMA unless your son wouldn't like to make 100K at 22 yrs old.

I am a huge USMMA promoter, as a business person I looked over the Courses and was very impressed, if you look at the salary's out 10-15 years, yeha!
 
Good thoughts on congressional nominations.

His ultimate goal is a law degree. Of course, he wouldn't turn down an opportunity to become a fly-boy, but that's not his final goal. On the largest scale, one day he hopes to enter national politics. Having the education and military background would go a long way to achieving his goals.
 
Also, he didn't really consider a SA until a few weeks ago. Sadly, by the time this occurred to him, it was too late to apply for Summer Seminar. Boo hiss. Oh well, 'tis life! He will be attending Boys State this year, so that will be good.

He is a natural leader: student body president as a Junior, extracurricular symphony, extra math and science classes, team captain for Cross Country and Speech/Debate. He's Mr. All-American. Ranked #2 in his class- 4.0 since the beginning of time. Just need to help him figure out the game of standardized testing- major test anxiety, not a super fast reader.
 
His ultimate goal is a law degree. Of course, he wouldn't turn down an opportunity to become a fly-boy, but that's not his final goal. On the largest scale, one day he hopes to enter national politics. Having the education and military background would go a long way to achieving his goals.

@peppypea...
If he is PRIMARILY seeking a law career, there are numerous threads on the forum about this topic. Your DS needs to decide if he wants to be a lawyer first or a Army/Navy/Marine/Air Force Officer first.
Upon graduation of an SA or XROTC, an educational delay for law school is possible but usually very difficult to earn. Some candidates graduate law school on their own dime, then attend OCS to become a JAG.

Here is one thread about Educational Delays.
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/law-school-ed-delay.52819/

Here is a link about OCS and JAG's.
http://www.goarmy.com/jag.html
 
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Good thoughts on congressional nominations.

His ultimate goal is a law degree. Of course, he wouldn't turn down an opportunity to become a fly-boy, but that's not his final goal. On the largest scale, one day he hopes to enter national politics. Having the education and military background would go a long way to achieving his goals.

@peppypea The best thing you need to take away from here is that graduates from our service academy go on to lead soldiers in four short years with very few exceptions. The three services have slightly different missions and their junior officers have slightly different career paths but the common denominator is fighting and winning our nation's wars. The opportunity to be a "fly-boy" is not easy and I would say that 80% of academy graduates, if you consider all 5, do not get the opportunity to be a an aviator. Army officers lead soldiers in close contact with the enemy, Air Force officers fly planes or lead soldiers who support those individuals flying while Navy and Coast Guard officers lead soldiers and support our fleets at sea. Forgive me that I do not know 100% the mission of the Merchant Marine Academy but it has to be similar to the Navy and Coast guard in becoming a professional mariner. There are always exceptions to these items at the academies, but most graduates follow a career path that has been established for many years.

If your DS cannot see himself in a foxhole in the mountains of Afghanistan, living at sea in very close quarters for six to nine months, or in a Air Force FOB in some other far off land, then he should re-evaluate what he wants to do with his life. Applying to the academy to "check the box" for future goals will usually not end up well for your DS.
 
Good thoughts on congressional nominations.

His ultimate goal is a law degree. Of course, he wouldn't turn down an opportunity to become a fly-boy, but that's not his final goal. On the largest scale, one day he hopes to enter national politics. Having the education and military background would go a long way to achieving his goals.

If your DS is interested in a Navy JAG career, to the best of my knowledge, USNA grads do not have the option to go direct to law school. Down the road a few years, after they have earned their warfare pin and when they meet the eligibility requirements, they can apply for the small number of law education program transfers available. Officers from all commissioning sources may apply for this program.


The majority of Navy JAGs attend civilian college, civilian law school, then obtain a direct commission.

See:

http://www.jag.navy.mil/careers_/careers/opportunities_sp.html

http://www.jag.navy.mil/careers_/careers/opportunities_lep.html

Many who pursue a career in govt or politics serve as a Reserve Officer from Day One - this applies to various officer and enlisted specialties. This allows them to move forward with civilian degrees and career, while still serving in uniform in the Armed Services during required AD periods. Reserve and Guard officers, since 9/11, have deployed and served with AD counterparts in great numbers.
 
It depends on your state/nomination sources/congressional district. Our son learned the hard way. He had applied to USAFA and USNA. Had both applications complete before November 1.

Our district will only give one nomination to one academy. Our district communicates with senators and if you have a senate nomination you are not even interviewed /considered. Son didn't discover this until his congressional interview when he only interviewed with the USAFA panel (1st choice). He was never even considered for a Nomination to USNA. :( There was a lot of time put into the USNA application, essays, BGO Interview, submitting all the test scores/transcripts for him to not even have a chance. Lesson learned. He has a nomination to USAFA but would have liked to have been considered or allowed to try for a nomination to USNA.

It's a hard to read on these forums about many kids having multiple nominations to all the academies when your kid was only eligible for 1.[/
 
It depends on your state/nomination sources/congressional district. Our son learned the hard way. He had applied to USAFA and USNA. Had both applications complete before November 1.

Our district will only give one nomination to one academy. Our district communicates with senators and if you have a senate nomination you are not even interviewed /considered. Son didn't discover this until his congressional interview when he only interviewed with the USAFA panel (1st choice). He was never even considered for a Nomination to USNA. :( There was a lot of time put into the USNA application, essays, BGO Interview, submitting all the test scores/transcripts for him to not even have a chance. Lesson learned. He has a nomination to USAFA but would have liked to have been considered or allowed to try for a nomination to USNA.

It's a hard to read on these forums about many kids having multiple nominations to all the academies when your kid was only eligible for 1.

@ Texassoccermom... I found your comment very enlightening. How did you learn this? My DS applied to USMA & USNA but only received nominations to USMA, none from USNA. That kind of surprised me because he, too, spent a lot of time and energy on his USNA application. I just figured he got passed over by USNA, which was a little disappointing at the time. But he has a friend that lives in our district who got nominations to 2 SAs, but maybe that's because he is a recruited athlete? So I am not sure if the single SA Per MOC is true or not?
I think you are in Texas? Us too...
Not sure what the take-away is on our experiences, but if you live in Texas, it's probably worth calling your MOC's offices to clarify if they will nominate a candidate to more than one SA or not before you spend the time and energy filling out multiple applications.
But then again, when he filled the applications out last August, he truly was interested in both Academies, and if you don't apply, then you can't get admitted! Still, it would have been nice to know that the MOCs will only nominate you to one Academy early in the process. Can anyone in Texas verify this information?
 
@ Texassoccermom... I found your comment very enlightening. How did you learn this? My DS applied to USMA & USNA but only received nominations to USMA, none from USNA. That kind of surprised me because he, too, spent a lot of time and energy on his USNA application. I just figured he got passed over by USNA, which was a little disappointing at the time. But he has a friend that lives in our district who got nominations to 2 SAs, but maybe that's because he is a recruited athlete? So I am not sure if the single SA Per MOC is true or not?
I think you are in Texas? Us too...
Not sure what the take-away is on our experiences, but if you live in Texas, it's probably worth calling your MOC's offices to clarify if they will nominate a candidate to more than one SA or not before you spend the time and energy filling out multiple applications.
But then again, when he filled the applications out last August, he truly was interested in both Academies, and if you don't apply, then you can't get admitted! Still, it would have been nice to know that the MOCs will only nominate you to one Academy early in the process. Can anyone in Texas verify this information?
See my above response to @TexasSoccerMom below link.
https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/should-he-apply-to-more-than-one-sa.53944/
 
One of the MOCs in our state wants to see applications to all 3 Academies because they believe that the candidate must place service above how they serve, so it is important to attend your state's Academy Day if they have one and get he real skinny.
Wow! A MOC who actually wants to help young people with this process! Down here in FL, candidates are forced to pick one and only one SA when they apply for a nomination. As a result a lot of great kids get turned away.
 
Also, he didn't really consider a SA until a few weeks ago. Sadly, by the time this occurred to him, it was too late to apply for Summer Seminar. Boo hiss. Oh well, 'tis life! He will be attending Boys State this year, so that will be good.

He is a natural leader: student body president as a Junior, extracurricular symphony, extra math and science classes, team captain for Cross Country and Speech/Debate. He's Mr. All-American. Ranked #2 in his class- 4.0 since the beginning of time. Just need to help him figure out the game of standardized testing- major test anxiety, not a super fast reader.

@ peppypea...
Wow! While he might be late to apply for the summer programs, he appears to be a terrific service academy candidate from the activities/resume you posted. I don't post very much but your post resonated with me because the ACT/SAT were my son's nemesis. He started test prep spring of his junior year, just as his older brother had done, so I thought he would be in good shape to get a great ACT score just like his older brother did! I was wrong. He studied so hard, took so many practice tests, private tutors, on-line tutoring, books, etc. This kid spent HOURS preparing for the tests and never complained. Unfortunately, his hard work never paid off with a nice 30+composite score. Luckily for him, West Point superscores and after taking the ACT 5 times, his superscores were mostly pretty good (except science! it never moved and it was low!). I know there is a difference between having a book in front of you and actually studying, and believe me, he studied! I was so worried that his mediocre test score would be what kept him out of West Point, but I knew he was a very strong leader and a very hard worker. I knew he would be successful in a pressure cooker environment if only they would look past his test scores. I am happy to say that he received his appointment to West Point in the first wave of admissions and we were in awe and shock! I tell you this to encourage you and your son to do everything you can to get the best test score possible. Do not be cheap on this effort, spend the money and invest the time! My son's score went up 5 points, which only brought him to the average West Point ACT score, but without the hard work, I don't think he would have received his offer. In spite of the fact that he has been class president since freshman year, student body president, football captain, track captain, NHS, 98% gpa at a college prep school, etc, etc... It's all about that test score! But, the good news, it is like push-ups or pull ups, you will see improvement with daily assignments and weekly tests, but you have to do the work to see the results. And, even though he never got a composite score of 30 or better, he did score in the 30s on the different subjects, and he received his appointment, something that never would have happened if he did not work so hard on improving his test score. (By the way, we focused on ACT only because the SAT was new last year and it took forever to receive your results. He did take the SAT, but scored just about the same as he had scored on his ACT).

So, good luck to you as you enter ACT/SAT test prep! We used C2 at first, then as he got very busy with classes, student council and track, so he tried an online test prep called Prep Scholar which was very convenient for a busy student. He also used a private tutor that came highly recommended. I am so happy to have that behind me now! Our family motto is "no regrets" and if your son works hard on improving his score, and knows he gave it everything he has, then no matter what happens with his admission into a service academy, he will know he gave it everything he had and have no regrets. Good luck, he looks like a great kid!
 
If your DS is interested in a Navy JAG career, to the best of my knowledge, USNA grads do not have the option to go direct to law school. Down the road a few years, after they have earned their warfare pin and when they meet the eligibility requirements, they can apply for the small number of law education program transfers available. Officers from all commissioning sources may apply for this program.


The majority of Navy JAGs attend civilian college, civilian law school, then obtain a direct commission.

See:

http://www.jag.navy.mil/careers_/careers/opportunities_sp.html

http://www.jag.navy.mil/careers_/careers/opportunities_lep.html

Many who pursue a career in govt or politics serve as a Reserve Officer from Day One - this applies to various officer and enlisted specialties. This allows them to move forward with civilian degrees and career, while still serving in uniform in the Armed Services during required AD periods. Reserve and Guard officers, since 9/11, have deployed and served with AD counterparts in great numbers.

There is also the option of serving long enough on active duty to earn GI Bill full benefit, separating, then going to law school using that, any state VA agency benefits and taking advantage of Yellow Ribbon post-grad school programs. I have several Navy colleagues who have gone that route, including one who served 30 years, retired from AD, went to Georgetown Law, and is working for a non-profit aiding vets with legal needs.
 
@ Texassoccermom... I found your comment very enlightening. How did you learn this? My DS applied to USMA & USNA but only received nominations to USMA, none from USNA. That kind of surprised me because he, too, spent a lot of time and energy on his USNA application. I just figured he got passed over by USNA, which was a little disappointing at the time. But he has a friend that lives in our district who got nominations to 2 SAs, but maybe that's because he is a recruited athlete? So I am not sure if the single SA Per MOC is true or not?
I think you are in Texas? Us too...
Not sure what the take-away is on our experiences, but if you live in Texas, it's probably worth calling your MOC's offices to clarify if they will nominate a candidate to more than one SA or not before you spend the time and energy filling out multiple applications.
But then again, when he filled the applications out last August, he truly was interested in both Academies, and if you don't apply, then you can't get admitted! Still, it would have been nice to know that the MOCs will only nominate you to one Academy early in the process. Can anyone in Texas verify this information?

I think it is depending upon each individual member of congress. Their office, their rules and their choice to decide how to award their nominations. There are others in Texas who did get nominations to multiple academies so it is not an all-Texas policy. Our son found out at his interview when everyone was assigned to different panels. He didn't realize you only got to interview with your first choice. He did receive one nomination to USAFA. But considering some folks have 3 nominations and he only has 1 he knows that he is most likely getting a TWE and will be going with Plan B at Texas A&M and reapplying next year.
 
I sent you a PM but also feel that the MOCs are trying to nominate as many students as possible. They are not really playing favorites but in the bigger cities they have more applicants than they have nominations and need to make some sort of distinction between the candidates. The Senators in Texas receive between 750-1000 applications each year. I actually had an MOC's office change the original list at the Air Force Academy once we found out that someone had already accepted and didn't need the nomination. They are trying to nominate as many deserving candidates as possible. I felt the same frustration as I hear candidates that have nominations from both senators and their congressman but something tells me that the state has far fewer applicants than we have in Texas and there is not much we can do about it. We have to follow the guidelines that we have and let things work out for the best.
 
Wow! A MOC who actually wants to help young people with this process! Down here in FL, candidates are forced to pick one and only one SA when they apply for a nomination. As a result a lot of great kids get turned away.
I believe appointments to USNA offered to candidates from Florida are in the top 5 of all states. I remember DD joked about "half her company is from Florida"! Many get picked out of the NWL. I have no doubt more are interested and qualified, but there is just not enough slots in each class.
 
There is also the option of serving long enough on active duty to earn GI Bill full benefit, separating, then going to law school using that, any state VA agency benefits and taking advantage of Yellow Ribbon post-grad school programs. I have several Navy colleagues who have gone that route, including one who served 30 years, retired from AD, went to Georgetown Law, and is working for a non-profit aiding vets with legal needs.

I remember when Post 9/11 GI Bill was new and we were checking out the benefits online. Harvard Law School was offering 10 seats for yellow ribbon program. They pay $41K and VA match that with $41K. We were not sure if it was a publicity stunt, but 10 students would get that education practically for free, and that's awesome.

Current info is at this link:

http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/yellow_ribbon.asp
 
My DS just got appointed yesterday to USMA with one MOC [HoR] nomination and is waiting to hear from USAFA where he has two noms; one HoR and one USS. Funny thing is his Rep. had 2 seats for USNA [20 noms] and only 17 applicants; DS would have been guaranteed a Navy nom also [trifecta!] if he wanted it.

In his case he was all about West Point until he learned more on AF from his ALO interview; since then [and after his HoR nom interview !!] he is leaning AF and hoping for an appointment. So - in hindsight even after he received his 2 HoR noms he realizes how important having the 2nd USAFA nom is now given his hopes.

After this grueling process I can say without hesitation to apply for EVERY available nomination. His Congressman gave him USMA and USAFA; one USS gave him USAFA and the other did not nominate for USMA. [He had to specify one preferred academy for the Senators.]

You will learn that it is a numbers game and nominations / slates are precious; do not pass up any opportunity to apply for nominations. Send SAT/ACT scores to MOC offices ahead of time; many of the needed letters of recommendation etc can be used for more than one nomination packet.

Bottom line = no appointment without a nom but with a nom Academies can find a way to get you in if they want to.
 
Apply to more than one! If he gets nominated to more than one, and he already has one SA app complete, another SA app will not be hard to finish. Majority of one SA app can be used for another.
 
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