Should I seek a congressional nomination?

[usna1985]

A number of years ago, I had a top h.s. candidate with incredible credentials. She only applied for a Pres. When, during the BGO interview, I asked why she didn't apply for MOC noms, she essentially gave the same answer as the OP (i.e., I'm really well qualified and MOC noms take a lot of time). She didn't get into USNA. I was surprised so asked Admissions what the issue was. They said two things (one of which -- eye waiver -- is no longer relevant). The other was that she only had a Pres nom and hadn't applied for MOC noms. She was very sad -- ended up at USMA, was miserable . . . but that's another story.

Bottom line: A Pres nom MAY be all that you need; I wouldn't count on it.

Your MOC noms (if you're from VA) will be due early in the fall (check now for the deadlines -- most are Sep/early Oct). As noted above, your USNA packet need not be in until Jan. 31 and there's little benefit for college applicants to get it done much earlier b/c USNA wants to see first semester grades and, if possible, recs from college profs.

If, after turning in your MOC packets, you realize UVA is where you're meant to be, you can let the MOC offices know and do nothing on your USNA packet. Not turning in your MOC packets starts the fire on your bridge.

You may want to read the sticky above on "Reapplying." Some of it is not relevant as you are not actually reapplying, but there's some good general info that applies to all college students.

 

[usna1985]

There is no component to the WCS dealing with parents graduating from a service academy

I don't believe this is true for USNA. You get a small number of points for having a close family member in the military b/c USNA believes someone in this position may have a better idea of what military life is like and thus more likely to stay. However, it is NOT a huge bump -- you would get the same or more for being a team captain, Eagle Scout, doing well on the CFA, etc. And, of course, many successful USNA applicants have no ties whatsoever to the military.

 

[TechFlier7]

Have you been admitted yet or just in the process ?

Still in the process actually but about finished. All I have left are nominations and waiting. But I have asked lots of people lots of questions.

Congrats on getting the applications done early in the game but be prepared to wait a long while to hear back from the academies. My advice for you is to Enjoy your senior year and prepare for the CFA.

Thank you very much. I have already taken a CFA at NASS some time ago, but I'll be taking another one before the end of August. I will do my best to enjoy senior year though the wait I do know will be quite long

 

[USMA 1994]

There is no component to the WCS dealing with parents graduating from a service academy

I don't believe this is true for USNA. You get a small number of points for having a close family member in the military b/c USNA believes someone in this position may have a better idea of what military life is like and thus more likely to stay. However, it is NOT a huge bump -- you would get the same or more for being a team captain, Eagle Scout, doing well on the CFA, etc. And, of course, many successful USNA applicants have no ties whatsoever to the military.

I think we are on the same page. All academies ask about family service and treat it as a small component. Unless Navy is different from the other two, being a graduate or commissioning through ROTC are seen as the same. Being a graduate's child in of its self will not help.