What does a nomination mean?

[jackson_swain]

Hello,
I have received a nomination recently, but i was wondering what are my chances of getting into the Air Force Academy. I have a GPA of 3.89 (unweighted). I am in the top 16% of my class. My SAT scores are not very good, and I knew entering this, my chances of getting into the academy were slim, but I was surprised to receive a nomination. What do you think my chances of an appointment are? Also, when will I find out the decision. I have seen as early as late January, but as late as May? Thanks.

 

[roadtriptocollege2017]

Hey jackson, congrats on the nomination. Although the nomination, depending on type, does add influence on the admission board, but it can not turn around an entire application

 

[KTMDad]

Keep in mind that it is a step closer. A Nomination keeps open the potential for an Appointment. No one on this forum can gauge your chances. However, without a Nomination you wouldn't even have a chance. Work on backup plans and keep the faith........

 

[Stealth_81]

Hey jackson, congrats on the nomination. Although the nomination, depending on type, does add influence on the admission board, but it can not turn around an entire application

I am not really understanding what you are saying here. I understand how it works, but your phrasing could be very confusing to other candidates.

A nomination is a nomination, regardless of the source. You must have a nomination to get an appointment. The nomination doesn't "add influence" or "turn around" an application. The application is reviewed by the board and is either offered an appointment or not, once a nomination is received.

Stealth_81

 

[Emory4llstate]

I am not really understanding what you are saying here. I understand how it works, but your phrasing could be very confusing to other candidates.

A nomination is a nomination, regardless of the source. You must have a nomination to get an appointment. The nomination doesn't "add influence" or "turn around" an application. The application is reviewed by the board and is either offered an appointment or not, once a nomination is received.

Stealth_81

Is it not true that varying forms of nominations have more merit to them than others?

My younger brother has a JROTC nomination to USNA and USAFA, but isn't sure about congressionals yet. I was under the impression a JROTC nomination doesn't look quite as good to a board in comparison to a Congressman's. No evidence to back this up...I'm just a lowly AFROTC cadet and trying to help him in any way possible.

 

[Pima]

It is not true that one type carries more merit. The only thing that carries more merit is if the nomination is a principal. The only other thing is that a nomination from certain sources, such as Presidential are unlimited in the amount they can nominate, but will still only be able to appoint 100. In other words the Presidential slate could be 500+, thus statistically your odds are 1 in 5 for getting an appointment instead of the 1 in 10 that can be charged to an MoC.

 

[Daretodream]

I think the first thing I would do is work on my test scores. It seems from your post that it is the weakest area on your application. It is also one of the only areas where you still have time to improve.

Another thing to keep in mind is how the slate is presented from your MOC to the SA. If your MOC sends a list of 10 nominations to the SA and ask them to select the one or two with the best application then your entire resume may not stack up to the other nominees. Some MOC send a slate ranked on preference and it has more of an impact on the committee in my opinion.

The one thing you do know is that you jumped one huge hurdle to an appointment which is the nomination. If I were you and had a scholarship of about $500,000 staring me in the face and you want to serve in the military then I would do whatever it took to improve my test scores.

Best of luck.

 

[fencersmother]

Jackson, if you have used your name as your screen name, please change it at once. This is a public forum