The Next Step

HunterElite

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Sep 1, 2016
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I am a highschool junior and have been accepted into NASS session 3 in June and I am also attending CVW from next Thursday to next Saturday (April 20-22) I received an invite from an email. What would be my next step in the admissions process? Should I begin to contact my BGO and my senators?
 
If you feel your application is up to par, Complete it ASAP!! I was NASS session 1 last year and they handed out an LOA to a kid because he had completed his ENTIRE application before NASS....I wasn't even out of school yet! They will tell you at NASS do not spend too much time crafting the "perfect application" and that you can always update SAT scores/grades but the earlier you get it in the more times it is reviewed. However, do not rush and write sloppy essays... Regardless nomination applications typically are not open yet but it is always good to establish a line of communication. At NASS they will walk you through the entire process multiple times and what you should be doing well...no reason to stress or rush, you will be given a lot of information at NASS (do not fall asleep at the seminars, there are a lot, make some friends who will nudge you when you nod off...i got many nudges at my session lol) Otherwise have fun, make some friends, and do not get in trouble... it is an awesome program!
 
Well a few things... Have you mapped out the timeline of all items you need to do with their due dates? The steps for admission on the USNA Admissions website maps out everything you need to do. Are you getting in shape for your CFA?

Have you reviewing your MOCs websites to see due dates for your application for a Nom?

Your BGO will see you in their system. You can always reach out to them. Don't be alarmed if they don't immediately respond as they are wrapping up this year's applicants and might take a little breather.

Not trying to be the mean person here, but initiative is one of the strongest qualities of a Midshipmen and an officer. You are going to have to have tons of it to navigate this process to even complete an application. You need to find out all the key components for your Nom and application and make a timeline. This is also on top of your other applications. Map this out and have a plan.
 
Well a few things... Have you mapped out the timeline of all items you need to do with their due dates? The steps for admission on the USNA Admissions website maps out everything you need to do. Are you getting in shape for your CFA?

Have you reviewing your MOCs websites to see due dates for your application for a Nom?

Your BGO will see you in their system. You can always reach out to them. Don't be alarmed if they don't immediately respond as they are wrapping up this year's applicants and might take a little breather.

Not trying to be the mean person here, but initiative is one of the strongest qualities of a Midshipmen and an officer. You are going to have to have tons of it to navigate this process to even complete an application. You need to find out all the key components for your Nom and application and make a timeline. This is also on top of your other applications. Map this out and have a plan.

This, about 1000 times, this. Map it out a plan, then execute the plan ... flawlessly.

Best of luck.
 
@HunterElite if you haven't read every page, drop down and link on USNA.edu, do that. Take notes, build timeline or a spreadsheet, however you like to organize info.

Ditto your nomination plan. Read all MOC website info and info on all noms for which eligible.

The ACT of applying for nominations, gathering and submitting required info in the requested format and by a deadline, completing the application, preparing for interviews and keeping track of it all, doing the research at primary sources, completing medical requirements, is a TEST of your initiative, ability to prepare and execute an action plan and pay attention to detail. The process itself is a marathon, not a sprint. Being able to juggle competing priorities of your HS year and the challenge of completing a SA application shows Admissions you can deal with that.

Many apply to all 5 SAs AND one or more ROTC programs AND regular colleges, all the while doing all the academic, athletic, leadership, community service and organization activities that will show they are well-rounded. That's your competition.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." Lao Tzu
 
My personal view is that handing out LOAs at NASS is a mistake. First, it unnecessarily and needlessly freaks out those who haven't completed their applications. Second, some have very little hope of getting it done by NASS. For example, in our area, kids are still in school until the 3rd session of NASS. IMHO, it's MUCH more important for juniors to focus on their final exams than to complete an application that isn't due until Jan. 31 of 2018 (though, of course, it's best to submit it earlier than that).

Your best bet now is to get in decent shape so you can max your CFA at NASS and also keep up during mock Sea Trials, etc. Then focus on having a good time at NASS, learning about USNA, asking questions, etc. If you're lucky enough to finish your junior year in May, there's certainly no harm in starting your application -- but work on making it good, not just getting it done. You don't get an LOA or an appointment simply b/c you turned it in early.

Each MOC has his/her own timetable. Information on SA nominations, including deadlines, is typically posted on their website.

Your BGO won't have your information in his/her system until around May 1. As Hoops noted, some BGOs may not want to start interviewing until a bit later in the summer.
 
My DD only applied to USNA... in hindsight I believe she wishes she had applied to them all... and if you are a water baby at least Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.
 
My DD only applied to USNA... in hindsight I believe she wishes she had applied to them all... and if you are a water baby at least Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.

Slightly different slant: My DS applied only to USNA and never even considered NROTC. It was USNA or a traditional college. Just goes to show that there is no "one size fits all" and everyone has their own path!
 
You should only apply to SAs that you want to attend. You don't get "bonus points" for applying to multiple SAs. The other SAs don't care. MOC committees may ask but provided you can explain the rationale for your decision/approach, that's all that should matter.

Moreover, in many (competitive) states/districts, the MOCs will "force" you to choose by giving each candidate only one nom period. If you say you don't care which SA it is, you'll get the SA no one else in that region wanted. If you do care, then apply only to those SAs that you want. If you're in a less-competitive district/state, you can apply to all but again, eventually, you have to decide. Of course, USCGA requires no noms, so somewhat of a different issue there.
 
My DD only applied to USNA... in hindsight I believe she wishes she had applied to them all... and if you are a water baby at least Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.

Slightly different slant: My DS applied only to USNA and never even considered NROTC. It was USNA or a traditional college. Just goes to show that there is no "one size fits all" and everyone has their own path!

Same here. DD only applied to USNA. Was the only SA she could realistically see herself at. For what it's worth, a close friend who graduated USNA around '98 said he did the same and chose to go USNA. Only apply to SA if you really want to be there.

As to the OP, DD did NOT get into NASS which she thought was a signal that she was not a competitive applicant but apparently not the case. She got her LOA back in Nov. So for those aspiring Mids out there, don't give up hope if you don't get a spot at NASS.
 
As to the OP, DD did NOT get into NASS which she thought was a signal that she was not a competitive applicant but apparently not the case.

Same!

DS didn't get his "fully qualified" LOA until May 1. Like I said, one size does not fit all!
 
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