Weird Nomination Question

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Packerfan12

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Oct 18, 2018
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This is one of things that just bugs a guy. My DS applied to USNA last year and was given a 1st alternate nomination from his MOC. He ranks his nominations. He got a phone call from both the Academy coordinator and directly from the MOC telling him about his status and "congratulating" him for being #2. Sadly for my DS, the #1 guy received and accepted his Appointment so my DS was out.

He focused on getting better for this year. Retook his ACT and improved in all areas, took 3 additional AP classes in high school and earn AP Scholar recognition, graduated with Honors and a 4.3239 GPA, and enrolled in NROTC at his college. He has been killing it in college...both in grades and with NROTC.

So he is applying again to USNA for Class of 2023. He had his MOC interview and it went very well. Actually better than last year because of what he has done and learned since last year. Here is what is bugging me... He got an email this morning from his MOC coordinator asking his permission to give his contact information to one of their current Mids so he could contact my DS and give him "more insight into life in Annapolis and at the Academy." He obliged and she replied that the Mid would likely be in touch with him soon. AND the decision letters went out today and he should call he if he has any questions after he gets it.

Normally I would think...from last year's experience, this forum, and others we have talked to...that no phone call is bad news. If you just get a letter and no phone call that usually means that you aren't being offered a nomination. BUT why would she want to connect him with a current Mid to talk about life at USNA? They didn't do that last year and he was 1st alternate. If he isn't offered nomination you would think that it would be A. a waste of time for the Mid and, B. kind of a way to twist the blade in my DS' stomach.

Does this make sense to anyone? Does anybody else think this is strange?
 
Sounds like your DS is getting the #1 rank for Nomination IMO. MOC wants your DS to speak with a current Mid to fully understand and get excited.
 
Yes it sounds like he is getting the nom and the Mid would be to guide him
 
Sounds positive to me. My DS is reapplying but I'm assuming he won't hear anything until after the semester ends.
 
Never heard of anything like that , but all MOC are different. Sounds positive but be patient, and wait for the notification instead of trying to speculate what it could mean.
 
TX2023 said:
Sounds like your DS is getting the #1 rank for Nomination IMO. MOC wants your DS to speak with a current Mid to fully understand and get excited.
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Yes, it turns out that is exactly the situation. His letter came the other day. He got the principal nom and the Mid will act as his mentor and resource as he completes the process up to, and including, when he arrives at USNA. We're very proud. And now I'm calmed down. :)
 
Quite an achievement, but remember that every year there are about 3,000 tripled-qualified applicants with nominations in hand, who are still competing for only (approx.) 1,150 spots in the new class.

Cautious optimism is called for, here. Keep him working on that Plan B and Plan C.
Nothing but waiting from here on out. Good luck! The waiting is hard.
 
THParent said:
Quite an achievement, but remember that every year there are about 3,000 tripled-qualified applicants with nominations in hand, who are still competing for only (approx.) 1,150 spots in the new class.

Cautious optimism is called for, here. Keep him working on that Plan B and Plan C.
Nothing but waiting from here on out. Good luck! The waiting is hard.
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Yes, but the way it was explained to him is that our Congressman has only one opening at USNA and uses the "principal method"...meaning that he submits a primary nominee and then ranks his alternates. Last year DS was 1st alternate and the primary was 3Q'd and accepted his appointment. My DS was the backup plan in case the primary didn't make it for whatever reason. This year my DS is the primary and, assuming he is 3Q'd, he will get the appointment.

So, after not getting an appointment this year he retook his ACT and improved in all areas (he's not the best at standardized tests...his success comes from hard work and great study habits), he took 3 additional AP classes, is an AP Scholar, graduated with honors, enrolled at UWM and NROTC, he getting straight-A's in all of his classes including Naval Science. In terms of PT, he is leading his NROTC unit in PT...including the upperclassmen.

You are correct. No celebration until he gets his BFE and accepts his appointment. But, this is a huge step and he knows he can't take his foot off the gas just yet.

My DS was also helped by his former Scoutmaster (who is a USAFA '84 graduate) who gave him a fantastic reference along with his teachers. They really do call references, BTW. Also, when asked about the scenario "If you find out your roommate is cheating...what would you do...?" he recited both the Boy Scout Law and Midshipman's Honor Code and how he lives his life by those principles (he really does). They were impressed by that apparently. The other area that our Congressman said impressed the committee is when they asked about other SA's. "Why are you only applying for USNA? Why not the other SA's?" His response was very simple. He said something to the affect of "I am committed to being a military officer in the US Navy. I'm not doing this for the free education. I was offered the principal nom for USMMA and offered an Army ROTC scholarship. I declined both. USNA has always been the place I want to be and the place where, I feel, would best prepare me for my career and life goals." According to what the Congressman said they were very impressed by that answer.

I'll say this...whatever happens we are extremely proud of him. He's a good boy and will be a great leader as a naval officer, however he gets there.
 
Congrats to you as well...for raising a great person. I remember this time of year very well. Its exhilarating and exciting.
 
justdoit19 said:
Congrats to you as well...for raising a great person. I remember this time of year very well. Its exhilarating and exciting.
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Thanks. My DS is no different than most of the other kids represented on this forum. When people tell you how impressed they are with your DS or DD...how polite they are, how mature they are, how respectful they are, how great of a student they are...etc. As parents we go "wait, who are you talking about? certainly not my kid." But the reality is that we all raise our kids to be great adults and great leaders. It may not always seem like it when they are asking us for money, asking us to do their laundry, complaining about having to get up early on Sunday to go to Church, etc. But they are all great kids.

Given the tone of society these days all of that says a lot.
 
Oh I get it. Not trying to throw water on the fire. The odds are certainly good. :)
 
THParent said:
Oh I get it. Not trying to throw water on the fire. The odds are certainly good. :)
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Plan B is to continue his NROTC pursuit, which isn't bad because he is totally tuned in to the unit and the school. In fact, as we discussed this weekend, that will be the hardest thing for him to give up. He has built up some fantastic relationships with everyone involved. He is truly torn at this point.
 
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