Our family might have to move this summer. If I were to stay behind and finish my senior year in my current high school where could I apply for nominations? Can I apply in my current district? Or would it have to be where my parents are located?
Where to apply?
- Thread starter Hope2023
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You apply to your representative, not necessarily your parents'. I don't see why you couldn't apply from your current district.
Can you site your source for that specific criteria? What if the child was not claimed as a dependent by either of the parents, but lived 50/50 at each home, and the homes were in different congressional districts? Both his mom and I live very close to each other, but in different districts. He applied to his mom's district, got the USNA nomination recently, but did not get his second choice of the USAFA. I am wondering now if he should have applied to one district for the USNA and one for the USAFA. Both districts are extremely competitive, and it was made clear to all the candidates applying for the nominations that they would only get one nomination.
Pima
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Are you saying neither parent declared the child on a tax return? Is the HS they attend in your district or hers? If in the end he was on your wife's return than that is the MoC you go with. My SIL and BIL divorced, they had joint custody, but rotated yrly which one would claim the children on their return. Hence, if in 2017 she was declaring your child, than the child would be in her district.
~ That is just my guess.
As others have stated just because you do not move with the folks it does not equate into being a resident of that district/state. I know of kids that try to circumvent in state residency by getting an apt in that state, the thing is to be a resident it takes more than just living there if you are a dependent.
I will say that sometimes you can pick your residency. Bullet and my DS had that option. We were married, but Bullet was ADAF. His residency was AK, mine was NC. This occurred due to laws created for military members. Bullet in their eyes was forced to move to NC by the AF. I, on the other hand, could have stayed in AK, thus, when I moved to NC, I had to change my residency to NC within 6 months. There was no military spouse/dependent exception.
In the OPs case they are electing to stay back as a dependent. That guardian cannot and will not declare them by law as a dependent, which in turn means that they are not a resident of that state. I am betting if he declared himself emancipated than yes he can apply within that state, however, is that a fiscally sound decision for the what if nom?
~ Let's assume the OP can get 3 noms from that 1 state compared to only 1 at another, they still have to be number 1 on at least one of those slates before hitting the national pool.
I do understand wanting to finish out your senior yr., but the fact is I am not sure I would advise this at all. I say this for many reasons.
1. Family ties are deep, friendships in hs not so much.
~ Let's assume you stay behind, what about next yr when you are in college at or an SA. You are not going to go back to that state for Thanksgiving are you? No you will go back to where the folks currently reside. If you don't do your last yr there, then you will have no friends there.
~~ I get it, this is hard, and it sucks! My DD pleaded, begged, implored with us to let her live in NC for her last 2 yrs of HS. She was an AF brat, and had already moved 8 times. It was hard on us to see her cry and feel her anger, for months, but eventually she got over it! The friends that she had back at 16, and even 18 in HS are no longer her social group. Her circle are the ones that she matured with during college. Same is true for DS1 and DS2. HS friends are now acquaintances that they wish Happy Birthday on FB because FB reminded them it was their BDAY.
2. MoCs are not heartless
~ A lot has to do with how you appear on paper at first.
~~ MoCs typically require that your application is in their hands between 9/15 and 10/31.
~~~ If you are a strong candidate, than your SAT/ACT scores will be strong. Your ECs will be there on your record. They can see on the transcript that you moved July 22nd, and this is your 1st yr in this district/state. They can see that maybe you were on track to be the FB captain or the NHS President, but because the folks moved, you had to re-start. Something they understand with military brats. Something you can explain if the MoC does an interview.
3. Living with someone, even an aunt or uncle is not like living with the folks.
~ Trust me, my kids love their extended family, but OMG when they did an internship and had to live with them for 2-3 months, my phone was ringing off the wall from both sides. My kids were accustomed to our rules which were different than the rules they were now living with my extended family. It is never a win-win situation impo as a parent. As a parent you worry about your child, and at the same time you want to keep peace and EXCUSE your cjild's behavior as a guest in their home.
4. Moving now as a kid will help you as a parent in the military.
~ Not one of my 3 kids attended less than 9 schools. I did not have one child that I got pregnant with, gave birth to and celebrated their 1st birthday in the same home. We lived in 11 different homes, 2 countries, 8 different states all by the time my youngest was 11 and eldest was 15.
~~ I can't tell you how many fights and tears we endured as parents when we told them the AF was moving us again! It was downright painful because as a spouse I was giving up my life too, but I had to be there for their pain while my pain was placed not only behind them, but behind selling a home, having movers in my house, cleaning top to bottom and making a new life.
~~~ You will be able to relate to your child if you do this move in HS.
I wish you the best, but I have to be honest, I think you are risking making memories with your family for a what if situation and in a way trying to think you are gaming the system. You might have the same or better chance if you go with the folks than if you stayed behind. Ask yourself deep down why you want to stay? Is it because you have a better chance there or is it because you don't want to start over again with no friends as a senior in hs?
~ That is just my guess.
As others have stated just because you do not move with the folks it does not equate into being a resident of that district/state. I know of kids that try to circumvent in state residency by getting an apt in that state, the thing is to be a resident it takes more than just living there if you are a dependent.
I will say that sometimes you can pick your residency. Bullet and my DS had that option. We were married, but Bullet was ADAF. His residency was AK, mine was NC. This occurred due to laws created for military members. Bullet in their eyes was forced to move to NC by the AF. I, on the other hand, could have stayed in AK, thus, when I moved to NC, I had to change my residency to NC within 6 months. There was no military spouse/dependent exception.
In the OPs case they are electing to stay back as a dependent. That guardian cannot and will not declare them by law as a dependent, which in turn means that they are not a resident of that state. I am betting if he declared himself emancipated than yes he can apply within that state, however, is that a fiscally sound decision for the what if nom?
~ Let's assume the OP can get 3 noms from that 1 state compared to only 1 at another, they still have to be number 1 on at least one of those slates before hitting the national pool.
I do understand wanting to finish out your senior yr., but the fact is I am not sure I would advise this at all. I say this for many reasons.
1. Family ties are deep, friendships in hs not so much.
~ Let's assume you stay behind, what about next yr when you are in college at or an SA. You are not going to go back to that state for Thanksgiving are you? No you will go back to where the folks currently reside. If you don't do your last yr there, then you will have no friends there.
~~ I get it, this is hard, and it sucks! My DD pleaded, begged, implored with us to let her live in NC for her last 2 yrs of HS. She was an AF brat, and had already moved 8 times. It was hard on us to see her cry and feel her anger, for months, but eventually she got over it! The friends that she had back at 16, and even 18 in HS are no longer her social group. Her circle are the ones that she matured with during college. Same is true for DS1 and DS2. HS friends are now acquaintances that they wish Happy Birthday on FB because FB reminded them it was their BDAY.
2. MoCs are not heartless
~ A lot has to do with how you appear on paper at first.
~~ MoCs typically require that your application is in their hands between 9/15 and 10/31.
~~~ If you are a strong candidate, than your SAT/ACT scores will be strong. Your ECs will be there on your record. They can see on the transcript that you moved July 22nd, and this is your 1st yr in this district/state. They can see that maybe you were on track to be the FB captain or the NHS President, but because the folks moved, you had to re-start. Something they understand with military brats. Something you can explain if the MoC does an interview.
3. Living with someone, even an aunt or uncle is not like living with the folks.
~ Trust me, my kids love their extended family, but OMG when they did an internship and had to live with them for 2-3 months, my phone was ringing off the wall from both sides. My kids were accustomed to our rules which were different than the rules they were now living with my extended family. It is never a win-win situation impo as a parent. As a parent you worry about your child, and at the same time you want to keep peace and EXCUSE your cjild's behavior as a guest in their home.
4. Moving now as a kid will help you as a parent in the military.
~ Not one of my 3 kids attended less than 9 schools. I did not have one child that I got pregnant with, gave birth to and celebrated their 1st birthday in the same home. We lived in 11 different homes, 2 countries, 8 different states all by the time my youngest was 11 and eldest was 15.
~~ I can't tell you how many fights and tears we endured as parents when we told them the AF was moving us again! It was downright painful because as a spouse I was giving up my life too, but I had to be there for their pain while my pain was placed not only behind them, but behind selling a home, having movers in my house, cleaning top to bottom and making a new life.
~~~ You will be able to relate to your child if you do this move in HS.
I wish you the best, but I have to be honest, I think you are risking making memories with your family for a what if situation and in a way trying to think you are gaming the system. You might have the same or better chance if you go with the folks than if you stayed behind. Ask yourself deep down why you want to stay? Is it because you have a better chance there or is it because you don't want to start over again with no friends as a senior in hs?
Thank you for your long response. It is a lot to think about and I was asking the question to be sure I know all sides to make as informed a decision as possible. We have already moved a lot, not as much as your kids but this is my 5th place and 4th school. We have been here for almost 6 years though so this will be hard. I am on track to be NHS president and have built a relationship with my teachers for recommendations. My older siblings graduated from this school too. And not trying to game the system but the place we will most likely be moving to is more competitive so it is a consideration. I have good test scores 33/1470 and should be NM commended. Lots of AP, at the end of this year I will have 10 including Calc BC, Chemistry and Physics. But I go to a large school so leadership happens in the senior year and moving means it most likely won't happen.
My parents were both prior military and they understand this is tough. I will most likely move with them but I am grateful they have allowed me the chance to consider this option.
My parents were both prior military and they understand this is tough. I will most likely move with them but I am grateful they have allowed me the chance to consider this option.
You can apply to any MOC that will accept your application. There are no restrictions on who a MOC can and cannot nominate.
However, almost all MOC's set eligibility criteria that are clearly listed on their websites. Most require applicants to be residents of the district, but can make exceptions for extenuating circumstances such as yours. You should contact the MOC's office if there is any uncertainty.
A relevant issue will be getting to the interview - think about where you will be when interviews are conducted and the methods of interview the MOCs offer - At school or at your parents home? Will you have to fly across country to get to the interview? Can you interview by telephone or Skype?, etc
For the USMA, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy a House MOC can only nominate candidates from within their district. When you fill out your application at the academy the domicile address you list is the MOC portal you get funneled to. Only that office will be able to see you in their system and nominate you. MOC offices have the ability to physically add a person into the nomination portal, but if that person is already in another MOC's portal the academy will sort out which portal they should belong in and you will only appear in one House MOC portal to prevent double dipping in nominations. *You will appear in one House MOC portal and two Senate MOC portals when applying and can receive multiple nominations from these sources, but not nominations from multiple House MOCs.
If you're applying to the Merchant Marine Academy your nomination can come from any MOC office within the state you have as your domicile address.
I would recommend calling the academy directly and explaining the situation. They can walk you through the process and provide guidance on how to navigate it and be most successful.
If you're applying to the Merchant Marine Academy your nomination can come from any MOC office within the state you have as your domicile address.
I would recommend calling the academy directly and explaining the situation. They can walk you through the process and provide guidance on how to navigate it and be most successful.
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Good advice to contact admissions for guidance. SA's monitor where nominations come from so it is important to make sure that they have the correct MOC in your file if your status is not clear.
For USMA at least, it is possible to apply for a nomination outside of the district of residence, with good reason since the nominating MOC must agree. USMA lists two House districts in every candidate file - the district of physical residence and the nominating district. The two are not always the same. When they differ, the candidate will appear in the portal of the nominating MOC, rather than the MOC of residence.
Most often the reason is that the candidate is attending USMAPS, but occasionally occurs when there are extenuating circumstances - in the middle of a move, boarding school, etc. The bottom line is that you can only apply to one House MOC. Theoretically it can be any MOC, but in reality you must have some connection to the district.
In the case of the OP staying behind to finish high school, it is possible the MOC representing the OP's current residence will agree to accept the application considering the parents lived, paid taxes, and voted (presumably) in the district the past six years.
Note: A Senate MOC may be less agreeable due to the heightened competition for Senate nominations. Something to consider if you're changing states.
5centsmom
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Good suggestions & thoughts, but the best are telling you to call and ask. We found that our 3 MOCs all asked for different proofs of residency. Knowing ahead of time is mental peace.
Your parents have decided to move. Our family was in a similar situation when our eldest was about to enter his senior year,. We resolved the problem by splitting the household: I stayed behind with kids so eldest could graduate and have senior year as expected. My husband shuttled 4hours back & forth 3 of 4 weekends each month, bless him. Everyone sacrificed something, but we all gained something important to each of us individually.
I am NOT saying “your family’s SHOULD do what we did”. (Should’s ought to be ignored) Just sharing something beyond the stay/go option. In our case my eldest wasn’t looking at SAs, it was about the seniority in school (& anticipated leadership), finishing an educational program he began as a 6th grader (Benedictine school), friendships certainly (unlike other posters he’s still VERY close, maybe closest to these lifelong friends), and a family decision that involved everyone compromising.
In sum, call your MOCs, current AND potential new. And consider the sacrifices each member of your family makes, as separation is never in the plus column. I’m sorry this is happening for you right now, but am sure you will find the answer that works best for you. I am already impressed that you have thought ahead to the nom process!! Best wishes.
Your parents have decided to move. Our family was in a similar situation when our eldest was about to enter his senior year,. We resolved the problem by splitting the household: I stayed behind with kids so eldest could graduate and have senior year as expected. My husband shuttled 4hours back & forth 3 of 4 weekends each month, bless him. Everyone sacrificed something, but we all gained something important to each of us individually.
I am NOT saying “your family’s SHOULD do what we did”. (Should’s ought to be ignored) Just sharing something beyond the stay/go option. In our case my eldest wasn’t looking at SAs, it was about the seniority in school (& anticipated leadership), finishing an educational program he began as a 6th grader (Benedictine school), friendships certainly (unlike other posters he’s still VERY close, maybe closest to these lifelong friends), and a family decision that involved everyone compromising.
In sum, call your MOCs, current AND potential new. And consider the sacrifices each member of your family makes, as separation is never in the plus column. I’m sorry this is happening for you right now, but am sure you will find the answer that works best for you. I am already impressed that you have thought ahead to the nom process!! Best wishes.
usna1985
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You are a dependent of your parent(s) -- unless you are an emancipated minor -- so your district of residence is wherever your parents are legal residents. If your family moves, they will become residents of the new state/district. However, timing of the move vis a vis when applications are due will be critical and I suggest you contact your current and new MOC SA coordinators, explain the situation, and ask for direction.
If one parent stays behind and maintains legal residence in the "old" district and the other parent establishes residence in the "new" district, and they share legal custody, then you could apply in either district regardless of where you physically live. You must make all your applications (Sens/Rep) from a single district. Under no circumstances can you apply to both or "mix and match."