Time to choose Academy now?

AVT

USAFA 2015
10-Year Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2009
Messages
372
Well, I just started the application process for my two senators.
Each of them asks for the preferred academy, but will I have time to change my decision once I attend the Summer Programs?

I am undecided between USMA and USAFA.
 
Just wait to hand them in. While handing them in now may seem good, many things change in your application. You will have your 6th semester transcripts and any new activities or awards come june. And then your SS's will help determine your preference. Personally, I faxed mine to the senator's address a week before they were due. Handing them in early will not get you bonus points. Also, I was split between USNA and USMA so I did one senator for USNA and the other USMA.

Edit: Deadlines for PA Senators were the first week of October for me so you have plenty of time!!!
 
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Thank you, I did not realize you can not update your application.
 
I disagree that you can't update your application with your MOCs. I believe the general advice is to get your information in early and my son completed and mailed all of his paperwork by the end of July. He continued to update them as he got new ACT scores, updated transcripts, extra activities, etc. He had a specific contact person with each MOC and addressed it to their attention. Just attach a cover letter telling them what you are sending. I think it shows them that your desire to attend a service academy is always at the front of your mind.
 
We were told to send everything together and updates could be brought to the interview.
 
Attend the summer seminars and then decide. You have plenty of time,
There is no need to send in a MOC application early. Send them in a week or two before the deadline - fully complete. You don't get bonus points for sending it in March vs Sept.
Most rising seniors are quite busy between now and the fall of their senior year - they will be in summer activities, playing on sports teams, elected to leadership positions. You want all of that noted on the application.
At the very least you should wait until your 6th semester transcripts are ready and send them along - all in the same package.
 
One of my nominating sources (can't remember which one) requires that you send in your final junior year grades with your packet, so there really isn't an option to send it in early for me. Just pay close attention to the instructions.
 
The advice to send in as complete a packet as possible a week or two before the due date is the best bet. If you spoonfeed updates there's a chance they'll get misplaced. Something else you can do is introduce yourself to your MOC's staffperson who handles the nomination process. My son did this it really helped his confidence when he checked in for his interviews and was greeted by name vs. being just another candidate. If you can devleop a good working relationship with your MOC rep. they will be more likely to help you and ensure your file is complete and up to date. Good luck!
 
Wait. I went to USAFA SS and NASS, skipped over SLS due to school schedule. Between that time I started my in=depth research about all the military branches, and signed up for an army sports camp to see USMA. I talked to cadets all 3 academies I visited about the focus of their academies' educations and what they knew about their military branch in general. In August, my first choice became USMA. Don't make your choice now. Explore your options, and then send it in. There's no advantage to sending the form in in April compared to July.
 
Wait. I went to USAFA SS and NASS, skipped over SLS due to school schedule. Between that time I started my in=depth research about all the military branches, and signed up for an army sports camp to see USMA. I talked to cadets all 3 academies I visited about the focus of their academies' educations and what they knew about their military branch in general. In August, my first choice became USMA. Don't make your choice now. Explore your options, and then send it in. There's no advantage to sending the form in in April compared to July.

I agree with this 100% percent. I attended USAFA SS, and ended up realizing that USAFA wasn't the right branch for me. That left me with USNA and USMA, and I thought that I wanted USNA as my #1 choice. I visited USMA October 5th and loved it! (even though I didn't visit USNA.....). I quickly switched USMA to my #1 choice for my congressman application and faxed my whole application over.

When it came time to my interviews with my congressman, they said they interviewed a total of 48 kids for all the academies that required interviews, and from who I saw there, it seemed more than half were aiming for USNA. Had I not switched my choice, I feel as if I would have a) not haven gotten a nomination or b) be ranked lower on a slate (I got principal nom for USMA). Now I will be part of USMA class of 2014!

Anyway that was my long drawn out story, but it shows that waiting to hand in your application is ok because a lot of things can change from now until October. Someone above said you can continue to update your application to your congressman, which is true, but it is also true that handing in your application early does not give you an advantage over waiting. Also, check with your congressman because many times they accept applications via fax which gives you more time for updates in your application and making final academy choice decisions. As long as your application is in before the deadline, your fine. Best of Luck!!!
 
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