VP Nomination Question

MomofFutureLeader

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DS has applied to USMA and is missing only ALO interview. Questions: He has applied for VP nomination...how does he know for sure that the USMA has been made award of his VP nomination request and does he need to obtain letters of recommendation for this, other than the three teacher evaluations? Does the USMA accept other recommendations beyond the three teacher evaluations???
 
DS has applied to USMA and is missing only ALO interview. Questions: He has applied for VP nomination...how does he know for sure that the USMA has been made award of his VP nomination request and does he need to obtain letters of recommendation for this, other than the three teacher evaluations? Does the USMA accept other recommendations beyond the three teacher evaluations???

Well, to be perfectly honest, the VP nom is kind of a shot-in-the-dark. It's only awarded if an outstanding candidate (who has applied for the VP nom; which is about everyone) can't find another nomination source, in which case that candidate would receive a VP nom and, subsequently, an appointment. It's very rare and not the kind of thing you should count on. Contact your RC about VP nom letters of rec but I'm pretty sure they just use your SOEs.

Put more energy into your congressman's nomination and, if you don't live in Califronia :shake:, into your senatorial nominations.

Best o' luck!
 
Yes, I realize that the odds are extremely slim for a VP nomination but just don't want to leave anything on the table. Cover all the bases, so to say.
 
Definitely a good idea. Also, you mentioned he hasn't done his FFR interview. Do that, like, now. LOAs will go out soon and, while they're not the end-all be-all of academy admissions, they provide quite a bit of solace. Your DS will not be able to receive an LOA unless he has that interview completed. Have him get a hold of his FFR ASAP and get that thing scheduled! (Academies like go-getters!) Hope things go well!
 
VP Nom

He has left a message with his field rep on Friday but not heard back yet. Hopefully that happens very soon.
 
Your DS will not be able to receive an LOA unless he has that interview completed.

While your advice about getting interviews completed is probably right, you might want to be cautious with absolute statements about the process... especially as a candidate. :wink:

Last year for sure some LOA's were sent without formal interviews by MALO or FFR.

Remember that there could be other ways to be interviewed besides a formal interview with a MALO or FFR. It could have been an SLS interview, RC or other admissions rep at an academy day, an informal interview by a grad, etc.
 
how does he know for sure that the USMA has been made award of his VP nomination request and does he need to obtain letters of recommendation for this

Last year USMA was fairly timely on showing nom's on the portal. So you'll know if a nom has been received. VP is likely different, which raises another question:

Has your applicant also applied at the other nom sources? If not he should start working on the app process now! (All three MOC sources)

Regarding extra recommendations, there are many good threads on the subject. general theme is: Unless it's from someone who knows your candidate very well, and can contribute additional insight, it's usually not a good idea. This is pretty consistent input across the academies, and the MOC's in our state pretty much say the same. In fact, some MOC reps have indicated it can work against a candidate if it's clearly a LOR with an important name, but no real connection or additional content to the applicant.
 
While your advice about getting interviews completed is probably right, you might want to be cautious with absolute statements about the process... especially as a candidate. :wink:

For more information on that topic check the recent thread "LOA Updates - Complete your files NOW"
 
For more information on that topic check the recent thread "LOA Updates - Complete your files NOW"

Requiring interviews for LOA consideration seems to be RC specific. Our RC does not require this.
WP would love to have every candidate interviewed but it is not possible. There are just not enough FFRs/MALOs to go around. Some states and districts can cover all their candidates. Some can't. Because of this, the interview is not part of the WCS.
Interviews are valuable though. They are the 'eyes' for WP.
A stellar candidate on paper may not be so stellar in person. That is one reason why we interview - to assess the candidate in person. The other is to give the candidate a chance to ask us questions about West Point or for us to tell them more about West Point. It is not just a great academic school. It is a military school with a military obligation after graduation. Not all candidates understand this.
The SLS interview can count as your interview. Our RC wants us to interview the competitive candidates even if they have had a SLS interview.
Why? WP knows that sometimes cadets are a little harsh on the SLS interviewees. :wink:
 
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