What are my chances of being accepted?

Kevster, I'm not gonna lie to you, your chances are not great right now. You're from Maryland- right north of DC, so you'll have competitors applying to Annapolis with USAFA and West Point as their back ups. These guys are going to have GPAs and SAT scores way higher than you. Don't worry though, when I first took my SATs they were just like yours. The third time I took them I did so much better and I took them in November, so you'll have plenty of time to study for them. I suggest you do.

How have you played varsity sports all four years if you're a junior? make sure you don't get injured to make that happen.

Strive for a decent amount of leadership positions, but make sure you're well involved in all of them.

Stay in shape, bring those grades up, don't do anything stupid.
 
Now my problem is that I have a -3.75 in both eyes and have been told that it will be able to be corrected to 20/20. Being a pilot is something that I will work hard for.

My eyesight is currently -4.00 in both eyes. If I recall correctly, you can still be pilot qualified if your eyesight is under -8.00 diopters since they will pay for your PRK.
 
Sir that would be an honor, If I would be able to get that done. I thought I had bad eye sight but it still looks like PRK or LASIK will work out then, thanks and I will keep that in mind. Now I have to take the SAT and ACT which will be done next year. I know my congress man, and I am meeting with him soon. So I hope it all works out:D.
 
I'm sure that you've heard this before, but do NOT do ANYTHING to your eyes. Wait and let the Air Force do the PRK for you. They WILL dq you for pilot if you correct your vision on your own.
They even may dq you for a commission (but I'm not 100% sure).
 
Yes I am aware of that, I will only get PRK or LASIK in the Air Force, in the mean time I will have to wear those ugly glasses the military gives you.
 
Yes I am aware of that, I will only get PRK or LASIK in the Air Force, in the mean time I will have to wear those ugly glasses the military gives you.

I believe that you only have to wear those plastic glasses during Basic and then you can wear contacts or whatever during the regular school year.
 
Can someone tell me how many nominations could a congressman give to only on academy? Do they get more than one nomination?
 
Can someone tell me how many nominations could a congressman give to only on academy? Do they get more than one nomination?

Each MOC (Member of Congress) is allowed 5 cadets/mids at each SA at any given time. This typically translates to 1 a year, with an occasional 2 in a given year (for each SA). Sometimes a cadet/mid will leave a SA prior to graduation, which also can open up another slot. However, regardless of circumstance, the MOC cannot have more than 5 active cadets/mids at a time. The Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination.

For every opening the MOC can nominate up to 10 candidates on a slate. One of those 10 will be selected to be charged to the MOC as one of the allowed 5 (assuming there is a candidate on the slate that is QQQ). Theoretically, if the MOC has more than 1 spot available then the MOC could submit 2 slates (one for each opening). They may elect not to use both openings at this time (many reasons for this). If they choose to submit 2 slates, they may put up to 10 candidates on each slate - or they may put some (or all) on both slates, or they may choose to have a slate(s) with fewer than 10 candidates on it (again, many reasons for this). There are a lot of scenarios and each MOC office addresses these things according to their procedures.

It gets more complicated but I think that answers your specific question ...
 
It does and thank you, I am just wondering out of a population of 10,000 how many people would ask for nominations I am well qualified, also I am still a sophomore should I send in a paper requesting a meeting? it states that he is accepting applications from January 1 to September 1, I just want to be locked for a meeting. Nothing is wrong with being early. Just please tell me what to do. I want to go bad:(.
 
Nominations depend on locations. Obviously if you live near an Air Force base, there will be more applicants for a nomination. If you live on the coast, more people will apply for the USNA, and so on. Each Congressional district is supposed to have an equal number of people, but the last time the districts were drawn was in 2000, so that number is skewed. Like I said, it depends on demographics. Now, the Senator's will have EVERYONE from the state applying to them, so that is typically more fierce competition.

Hope that helps.
 
First you have no chance if you don't apply...end of subject, period, dot.

There is somebody on CC that everybody thought had no chance in Hades of being accepted, but he is now an appointee.

In our hometown, there were 7 applicants, DS was the only 1 that received not only one nom, but also all 3 MOC noms. 5 other applicants found their dream cut short there b/c they had no nom source. 1 other applicant had a Presidential, he is currently at the AFA.

DC/NoVa and MD are very competitive, but you just don't know until you try. If you are afraid of what the results might be, than honestly the AFA might not be a good fit. This is a place where everyday you will be pushed to an uncomfortable limit starting at BCT.
 
It does and thank you, I am just wondering out of a population of 10,000 how many people would ask for nominations I am well qualified, also I am still a sophomore should I send in a paper requesting a meeting? it states that he is accepting applications from January 1 to September 1, I just want to be locked for a meeting. Nothing is wrong with being early. Just please tell me what to do. I want to go bad:(.

Each MoC has a different procedure that they want to follow for a nomination. In all three of my MoC websites, they each had a page devoted to nominations, with a brief timeline, things they want done, and a phone number to call.
 
I don't know how many times it has been stressed, but I will add for good measure.
PARTICIPATE IN MANY ATHLETICS!!!!
I was told that basically the only thing that kept me from attending the AFA this year (going to NWPS on a falcon foundation scholarship) was my minimal athletics part. I am on physical training teams, but they didnt count that as a sport because we also did other types of military training (land navigation, one-rope bridge, litter-carry/run) as secondary actions.
I chose not to do sports, because I am in AJROTC, and we had a falling out (instructor did some bad things), so I deticated myself to structuring and rebuilding the group instead of doing track, even though the track coach was almost begging me to join for discus and other throwing.
Basically, my perception of importance created a losing portfolio for me, so make sure you are a part of many sports, and the sports you do are actually considered sports!

Good luck to you all.
 
Excellent advice xTxManX. It can definitely suck when what the applicant thinks is important or comparable, the academy doesn't always see it that way. And athletics is probably the #1 debated topic. I've been on different college/academy forums for about 5 years. CC and this one only for a couple. And athletics always gets brought up. I.e. Those who letter in band and believe that band/marching demonstrates just as much about team work, training, leadership, etc... as does a sport such as football or basketball. It very well might. But that isn't important. What's important is that the academies don't see it that way. And if you really do care about becoming a commissioned officer via the academy; and serving your country; then you have to learn and accept right now that the military is not a democracy, and many times, you opinion or point of view isn't important to the military.

That isn't to say the military only wants robots and people who can't think for themselves. On the contrary. Just that the military is an organization that has it's procedures for change. Which can be slow at times. But most importantly, you have to be INSIDE the system to make change. So accept the fact that there are certain rules and standards that the academy has, and you're not going to change that.

There's been people who have run marathons and such and it didn't count. You have to realize that the military revolves around physical fitness. Physical fitness is directly tied to mental and emotional fitness. As an applicant; the academy doesn't know you from adam or eve. As such, they have to develop certain standards to rate you on. VARSITY HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS is one of the big things. Don't rationalize band, being a YMCA swimming instructor, etc... as being equal or comparable. Varsity sports are one of the few verifiable physical fitness, team building, and leadership activities you have to show. Just about anything else; including that YOUR band was as physical as an athlete, can be totally made up and pure B.S. Not that it was, just that it's not verifiable.

There are some exceptions. We've had/have some currently at the academy who never played 1 minute of high school varsity sports. The exceptions are usually for:

1. Home schooled or school without sports. In this case, the applicant normally provides proof a ymca, city league, etc... TEAM sports such as soccer, baseball, etc.... Sometimes even providing proof of playing for a number of years along with a letter from the coach.
2. COMPETITIVE non high school sports such as a ranked Martial Artist, Private gymnast who is ranked or competitive. These are the type of athletics that meet the criteria of what the academy is looking for; but are usually on the level of working towards national level. I.e. qualifying for the olympics. (Not that you have to qualify, but that type/style of athletics as compared to high school)
3. The other "waiver" for lack of a better word; came from a couple of individuals who weren't into high school sports. Was able to prove city league participation; (Normally doesn't count unless high school isn't available); but ACED the rest of the entire application. And when I say aced; I mean about as high as you can get. Almost maxed everything on the CFA. 35-36 ACT; 2300+ SAT; 4.0 unweighted all IB/AP class rank #1; etc....

I know 3 individuals (2 currently at the academy) who fell into one of the 3 categories I just listed. That didn't play any high school athletics at all. But barring that possibility; head xTxManx's warning. Be involved in high school athletics. Achieve a varsity letter if at all possible. Work your way to being a captain of a team if possible. (If not, there are plenty of other leadership areas; e.g. Boy's state, class officer, etc...). But athletics is very important to the academies. Doesn't matter if you like that or agree with it. All that matters is that you know it. And if you want to be selected and given an appointment, you'll meet their standards. Now; once you're in the system; if you want to work on getting it changed for future applicants; have a nut. But until you're on the inside, it doesn't matter who agrees with it or not. later... mike....
 
Excellent advice xTxManX. It can definitely suck when what the applicant thinks is important or comparable, the academy doesn't always see it that way. And athletics is probably the #1 debated topic. I've been on different college/academy forums for about 5 years. CC and this one only for a couple. And athletics always gets brought up. I.e. Those who letter in band and believe that band/marching demonstrates just as much about team work, training, leadership, etc... as does a sport such as football or basketball. It very well might. But that isn't important. What's important is that the academies don't see it that way. And if you really do care about becoming a commissioned officer via the academy; and serving your country; then you have to learn and accept right now that the military is not a democracy, and many times, you opinion or point of view isn't important to the military.

That isn't to say the military only wants robots and people who can't think for themselves. On the contrary. Just that the military is an organization that has it's procedures for change. Which can be slow at times. But most importantly, you have to be INSIDE the system to make change. So accept the fact that there are certain rules and standards that the academy has, and you're not going to change that.

There's been people who have run marathons and such and it didn't count. You have to realize that the military revolves around physical fitness. Physical fitness is directly tied to mental and emotional fitness. As an applicant; the academy doesn't know you from adam or eve. As such, they have to develop certain standards to rate you on. VARSITY HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS is one of the big things. Don't rationalize band, being a YMCA swimming instructor, etc... as being equal or comparable. Varsity sports are one of the few verifiable physical fitness, team building, and leadership activities you have to show. Just about anything else; including that YOUR band was as physical as an athlete, can be totally made up and pure B.S. Not that it was, just that it's not verifiable.

There are some exceptions. We've had/have some currently at the academy who never played 1 minute of high school varsity sports. The exceptions are usually for:

1. Home schooled or school without sports. In this case, the applicant normally provides proof a ymca, city league, etc... TEAM sports such as soccer, baseball, etc.... Sometimes even providing proof of playing for a number of years along with a letter from the coach.
2. COMPETITIVE non high school sports such as a ranked Martial Artist, Private gymnast who is ranked or competitive. These are the type of athletics that meet the criteria of what the academy is looking for; but are usually on the level of working towards national level. I.e. qualifying for the olympics. (Not that you have to qualify, but that type/style of athletics as compared to high school)
3. The other "waiver" for lack of a better word; came from a couple of individuals who weren't into high school sports. Was able to prove city league participation; (Normally doesn't count unless high school isn't available); but ACED the rest of the entire application. And when I say aced; I mean about as high as you can get. Almost maxed everything on the CFA. 35-36 ACT; 2300+ SAT; 4.0 unweighted all IB/AP class rank #1; etc....

I know 3 individuals (2 currently at the academy) who fell into one of the 3 categories I just listed. That didn't play any high school athletics at all. But barring that possibility; head xTxManx's warning. Be involved in high school athletics. Achieve a varsity letter if at all possible. Work your way to being a captain of a team if possible. (If not, there are plenty of other leadership areas; e.g. Boy's state, class officer, etc...). But athletics is very important to the academies. Doesn't matter if you like that or agree with it. All that matters is that you know it. And if you want to be selected and given an appointment, you'll meet their standards. Now; once you're in the system; if you want to work on getting it changed for future applicants; have a nut. But until you're on the inside, it doesn't matter who agrees with it or not. later... mike....

I have qualified for and will be competing in the junior Olympics for martial arts. Does this fit into category 2 of what you just mentioned, mike?
 
It has in the past. Realize however that there isn't some sort of "Yes/No" document. The academies rank you on the "Whole Person" concept. That includes you gpa, class ranking, volunteer time, extra curriculum, leadership, teamwork, varsity athletic capabilities, standardized tests (SAT/ACT), writing essay samples, teacher's recommendations, ALO recommendations/interview, nominations, and probably something else I missed.

If you are "Walking on Water" in all areas accept for say not playing varsity athletics, then they may consider your national competition in martial arts are sufficient. But that's not to say that it's an automatic. If you're just average in the other areas, then they might not consider non-varsity sports as relevant. Don't look for a "Yes/No" list. It doesn't exist. Lettering in Varsity sports is the only guaranteed form of athletic team participation. Anything else will be judged individually. Maybe it's enough to push you over the edge and get the appointment. Maybe it isn't. No one can tell you definitely one way or another.

So, my suggestion to anyone who cares, is if you aren't involved in high school varsity sports, then get involved. That is of course if attending the academy is uber important to you. Even if you are competing in the Junior Olympics for martial arts. Junior Olympics implies much younger; (Not sure your age or grade); but unless you wind up Nationally Ranked in your junior/senior year, and are one of the best of the best in the country; I wouldn't count on it to be a substitute for high school sports. Best of luck. Mike......
 
I'm seventeen, and it's the junior Olympics, because I m under 18. Everything is divided by weight and age class, due to the majority of the competition being fighting based. Anyway, I do understand the importance of high school sports. I do plan on running track next year (didn't do it before because of the time martial arts took training and working towards my black belt), but because I am already a junior I am just wondering if my martial arts will help back up why I will only have 1 year of high school sports.
 
Talk to your ALO. Have her/him include such activities in your application. Definitely make it known. But I can't give you a definitive yes/no answer. No one can. A lot will depend on the rest of your application. Best of luck. Mike.....
 
Both Hornetguy and my Daughter Potterfan are blackbelts that competed Nationally. I think both of them will tell you it didn't hurt, but wasn't as helpfull as Varsity sports. In Hornets case he has previously said it may have been responsible for the late appointment. In potters case she recieved her appointment about a month after letting admissions know she lettered in Cross Country her senior year. So in short they'll look at it, but everything else better be great.
 
Sports are looked at by the academies not only for their physical fitness attributes.

  • Teamwork
  • small-unit cohesion
  • response to adversity/failure/setbacks
  • competition experience
  • dedication and commitment to a common cause
  • leadership demonstrations
These are some of the "other" reasons that participation in sports is seen as a valuable addition to a military academy candidate's application.

:cool:
 
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