Got the Nomination, Now What?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
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<p>Our son applied for only the USNA this fall (Sep 2009). He was invited to interview with the 2 senators and our Congressman. He was interviewed and then received a nomination from our Congressman. Our state's Congressional delegation pools their nomination info, so that double nominations, etc. are not given. </p>

<p>Good grades (3.4 unweighted), ACT/SAT scores 33/1500, varsity athlete (starter), well liked student by classmates and teachers... in the International Bacc. (IB) program at a top 200 academic high school. many extracurricular activities, active youth leader at church, Eagle Scout, likely median phys. assess. test scores. </p>

<p>Most of his IB classmates could be valedictorians at the typical high school. He's a good writer and loves math and science. </p>

<p>So, he's received the nomination. He was honored and humbled by it. </p>

<p>Is it a wait and see thing now? </p>

<p>When do the appointments begin to be sent to nominees? That is, nominees without LOA's.</p>

<p>What do nominees receive if they aren't appointed?</p>

<p>Our son has been to the USNA several years ago, so a visit may not be worth it. What does one learn on those visits? We will attend a local "USNA admission info forum" this month. </p>

<p>Is it still worth going to visit the academy? Does making contacts during a visit enhance his chances of receiving an appointment? </p>

<p>As a former Marine, I know alot about 'hurry up and wait' as the system churns its way through the process. But we all are anxious, as other regular schools soon begin sending acceptance letters. Our son is much more calm and collected about this part than his parents. :) </p>

<p>For me, it is still so hard to 'give' your son (one of the best people I know) to serving in the United States military, as a patriot to the ideals of freedom and and liberty for all people. It's just hard! But I want him to achieve his aspiration to attend the USNA and serve in the Navy. He chose this path and pursued it, and we supported it in any way we could. ...Still, it's darned hard to.. well, you parents know, don't you? </p>

<p>FWIW - I have read virtually all of the forum before today and want to thank all posters for their opinions and facts and other info. Navy families helping others - that's the ticket! :)<br>
If I can, I will contribute what little I know. </p>

<p>Thanks for any comments about the several questions/items above.</p>

<p>Happy New Year to all.</p>

<p>P.S. When people say that 'it's great your kid may attend a military academy because it's a free education', try some version of this. </p>

<p>"Free education ??? It's the most expensive education there is!! What universities in America offer a free education in exchange for putting your life at risk for several years, anywhere, anytime the U.S. government says?"<br>
Answer: USMA, USAFA, USCGA</p>

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<p>Dad: Basically you are now playing the waiting game. Your son sounds like an excellent candidate. </p>

<p>MOC’s must have their nominations reported to the academies by the end of January. Candidates have another month beyond that to get their apps complete. So, your son may have to wait until all those on his slate have completed their apps before the slate is reviewed and an appointment offered. It is kind of frustrating…even though you have your ducks in a row, you might wait on others. Typical I guess, of many situations in life. </p>

<p>A Candidate Visit Weekend (CVW) is very helpful. If possible, request one from your BGO, Regional Director, Admissions. Candidates spend two nights with a plebe in Bancroft and accompany them to classes, physical training, etc. Gives a good view of USNA. </p>

<p>Last year, appointments started rolling out in earnest in February. Your MOC will know about a week before you do. USNA gives them the opportunity to notify the candidates. Some do, some don’t. Son got a call from Senator last year, staffer left message. He returned call, which was to tell him he was receiving a nomination. Then the staffer told him they had just been told by USNA he was receiving an appointment. He was so excited he was afraid he misunderstood, so, at his request, I called Senator’s office back to confirm.</p>

<p>What made the waiting easier for us was two things: 1. A solid back up plan for another university, accepted, dorm deposit paid, etc. and 2. Most importantly, I think, son decided early on that if he did not get offered an appointment, he would re-apply. Just having made that decision seemed to make the waiting easier…</p>

<p>An appointment arrives in a leather-like navy blue portfolio thing. A letter telling you that you won’t be offered an appointment arrives in a regular envelope, affectionately referred to as a TWE, thin white envelope. </p>

<p>You might also find the “other forum” helpful:</p>

<p>[Naval</a> Academy - USNA - United States of America Service Academy Forums](<a href=“http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6]Naval”>http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6)</p>

<p>I am not savvy enough to know how to fix that link so you just click on it and get there!</p>

<p>Let us know how it turns out!</p>

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<p>Are there CVW dates published somewhere or are they a secret? :)</p>

<p>Backup plans are going forward.</p>

<p>I will update any new developments.</p>

<p>For others, our BGO has been fantastic and always responsive.<br>
The regional guy has never once responded to several emails. Kind of a surprise to all of us.</p>

<p>Pray for our guys and gals out on the line. We have one of our family, a Marine, just now arriving in Afghan.</p>

<p>Thanks for the excellent response, rangelady. That link worked.</p>

<p>Thinkin’ about a " a leather-like navy blue portfolio thing " for our big guy. Dreams do come true.</p>

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<p>The invitation my son got listed the following choices:</p>

<p>21-23 January 2010
25-27 February 2010
25-27 March 2010
15-17 April 2010
22-24 April 2010</p>

<p>Hope that helps! He’ll be going to the January one if you have any questions after that!</p>

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<p>marciemi …if possible, make sure he stays for the Army-Navy basketball games. While not quite as intense as Filadelphia football, it’s a fun afternoon. Games are at noon and 3, I believe.</p>

<p>And the REAL DRAW that afternoon??? The school girls from near Cincy, Ohio who do the synchronized rope-skipping. They are nothing short of SPECTACULAR, and the Mids and Cadets even stay in their seats to watch these elementary, middle and HS gals. </p>

<p>They are on YouTube, if you’d like a preview, from last year’s game. And there are always tickets for these games, it seems.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the info! I won’t be with him, but son is going with a friend and they’re not flying home until Sunday so I’ll definitely tell his mom about the possibility! Sounds like a lot of fun (both the Army/Navy b-ball part and the rope skipping part!).</p>