What to improve on?

[J1317]

So I have always been confused when it comes to the presidential nomination. Anybody that is a military child can receive one, correct? If so, would not a congressional nomination be more desirable?

 

[Capt MJ]

So I have always been confused when it comes to the presidential nomination. Anybody that is a military child can receive one, correct? If so, would not a congressional nomination be more desirable?

The requirement is for a nom; one source is not more desirable than another. Once at the SA, no one cares.

The eligibility for a Presidential is described on SA Admissions sites. While it is a matter of meeting the criteria and not requiring interviews, only a certain number of appointments can be offered on the basis of that nom. USNA only offers appointments to 100 which are charged to Presidentials. So, those eligible for that nom essentially compete against all other applicants with that nom in the nation.

 

[ktnatalk]

those eligible for that nom essentially compete against all other applicants with that nom in the nation.

Not sure about the historical fact, but in recent years about 800 candidates eligible for the presidential nom applied to each USNA class. Since only 100 can be charged to this source, it is paramount to apply to MoC and other eligible sources as well.

would not a congressional nomination be more desirable

It is desirable if you can secure a congressional nom IN ADDITION TO having a presidential nom in the sense that you give admissions the flexibility to choose the source to charge to. Also, it will help if you ended up in the NWL to be chosen from.

 

[Go_Navy]

I agree with trying to get as many nominations as possible. Two of the mistakes that my son made as a senior were not applying for more than one nomination source (he only had a presidential nomination) and not applying to more than one service academy (only applied to USNA). Fortunate for him, he was accepted to USNA. Give yourself the best odds and seek as many options as possible. Also, I recommend that you approach your teachers early and often about letters of recommendation. What they write about you may make a difference. Good luck!