<p>Hey guys. I just went to my districts interview today, it went really well. Having an LOA definetly helped. The board said that based on the interview, my LOA, and my resume, they were unofficially giving me the 10th ranked nomination from our district. Happy day for me. But i'm a little confused about the nomination process. Does every one of the ten nominations count the same as the next? I know there are primary nominations, and the interview board said that West Point would go to the bottom of the list to make sure I got in, but the whole things is just a little baffeling to me. If anyone could enlighten me it'd be much appreciated.</p>
<p>Each MOC can submit ten names in nomination for each slot they have open at an academy. If you have an LOA it doesn't matter what "ranking" you are amongst the 10, if you are listed you are nominated. They will generally rank LOA's as the "10th man or woman" since being the primary nomination isn't necessary with an LOA.</p>
<p>With an loa, all you need is a nomination from anyone (congressman, senator, vp, pres, ect) and you are in. It doesn't matter if you get ranked 10th or you get ranked the principal nominee, you are in provided you have an loa. </p>
<p>It kinda stinks though as all the boards that have interviewed me said they are going to put me on the bottom of the list cause of my loa. However, I do not want to take principal nomination when I am already guarenteed a place. They can give it to some kid without an loa. </p>
<p>But to answer your question..not all nominations count the same. MOC's can nominate 1 principal nominee and 9 Qualified Alternates or make a list of the 10 most qualified. However, it Doesn't matter for you. All you need is A Nomination no matter where it is from or what you are ranked.</p>
<p>Just a little bit more clarity ... It is confusing. As noted, each MOC has the right to nominate a slate of up to 10 candidates for each open slot at an academy. There are 3 options for submitting a nomination slate. </p>
<p>1) 10 names are submitted with one designated at "primary" and the remaining 9 forced ranked (2nd choice, 3rd choice, etc). If the primary is qualified academically, physically and medically (triple qualified), the Academy must offer an apointment. If the primary is not triple qualified, the board moves down the list to the 2nd choice, then 3rd, etc. until a qualifed candidate is found.</p>
<p>2) 10 names are submitted with one designated as "primary" and the other 9 as alternates. In this case, if the primary is not triple qualified, the Academy is asked to choose an alternate from the remaining 9.</p>
<p>3) 10 names are submitted with no ranking at all. The Academy is asked to choose from the list.</p>
<p>MOST (but not all) MOC's choose option 3 in order to avoid any accusation of bias or favor.</p>
<p>In all options, the Academy MUST appoint at least one candidate from each slate, presuming at least one is triple qualified. However, the Academies can and do choose more than one from many slates. This is where the LOA's come in. If you have received an LOA you are being told that all you have to do is be ON the slate -- your ranking doesn't matter (if your MOC ranks, which most don't). </p>
<p>In 2004 all 10 of one of our Senator's candidates for USNA were offered appointments. I presume the same is possible for USMA. I make this point because I think it is very important for all of you to remember that the important thing is being ON THE SLATE -- the Academy will take it from there, and if they want you, you will get in.</p>
<p>Thanks alot for the response, put alot of clarity to a confusing issue.</p>
<p>Is a congressional appointment possible if a waiver is still needed or does that put you out of the running for an appointment?</p>
<p>They are 2 separate steps in this process. Candidates can definitely receive nominations while going through the waiver process.</p>
<p>Good luck!!</p>