<p>i had interview today. it didnt go that well for me. i dressed well but i was nervous. it was my first interview in my entire life. I didnt know what to expect. i had some good answers and the interviewer said that was noble. however, i fidgeted too much. is that gonna effect my chances of getting nomination? is interview weight that much for a nomiation? btw i only applied for U.s merchant marine academy for a nomination</p>
<p>The good news is the MOC's get way fewer people asking for MM than the other academies...so that might be in your favor! These guys know kids get nervous...just relax! It will either be or it won't. Do you have other interviews? If so, you should get some help and practice. Perhaps your parents' friends in the business world would help you prepare. We did that for my son and his friend, and it seemed to help a great deal.</p>
<p>yes, practice with others. Definately. Secondly, if you bring a good resume to the table, then they are looking to confirm that you are who you say you are. Make sure you're answers reflect you, and that you are comfortable with them. As for fidgetting, my advice would be to use the distraction technique, unless you are too uncomfortable to do this, you should bring a folder. When answering the questions, refer to your folder to pull out a business card or other aide to prove your involvement. When asked what I was doing to prepare for the physical rigors of WP, I said I had a gym membership and I was doing PT with my local ARMY recruiters center, and pulled out CPL McCullough's Phone card to show them. Becareful though, dont make it seem like you are presenting the aides because they are the only thing concrete you have about the activity. Make sure it just enhances your monologue about that answer.</p>
<p>At least you get an interview. My senator/congressman back in the states have ignored me largely for the fact they hate representing overseas military. </p>
<p>I just want to say this plain and simple:</p>
<p>It is easier to get a nomination if you are from a civilian family, and much harder for military families to get one because over half of the senators and congressman WILL NOT give you one if they know you have a Presidential one. They are too stupid to know that only 100 individuals with Presidential Nominations can even get into the academy.</p>
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<p>Interesting. Where do you get your data?</p>
<p>I go by state. I know for sure the state of California does that, and most of the states in the Midwest and western area. I'm not entirely sure about the east side. I think Virginia was one of the few that doesn't care.</p>
<p>Mister sinister - stop. Just stop.</p>
<p>
[quote]
It is easier to get a nomination if you are from a civilian family, and much harder for military families to get one
[/quote]
this is ridiculous and you know it.
A nomination is the legal authority to offer you an appointment. You got one without doing anything. If USMA or USNA wants to offer you an appointment they can.
There are many highly qualified kids out there who don't get appointments. Talk to some of the kids who come from districts with high interest - they could be competing against 50-60 kids for a chance on a slate of 10. In large states - such as PA there are hundreds who apply for a nom from a senator.</p>
<p>Stop taking your own personal experience and applying it as a general rule.
You really should stop making excuses on this forum as to why you aren't getting a fair shot - it is starting to become clear that you may not be officer material.</p>
<p>Sinister,
As someone who came from an even worse situation than you did (school on the economy, several thousand miles away from the DoDs school system, mediocre school, mediocre opportunities for extra curriculars, competitive district, second ever from my school to apply, first ever to get in) and STILL made it in, I'm telling you, STOP WHINING. If you think you're getting shafted one route, pursue the presidential and vice presidential nominations. Work your tail off for the nomination from your state. You're ON AN ARMY BASE, if you're really worried, get letters of recommendation from the various west pointers down there. LTG Valcourt's a grad, so is MG Coggins up here in Area I. There are over 400 West Pointers on Penn, your family has to know someone who'll write you a letter.</p>
<p>The Academy KNOWS Army Brats. You'd be screwed if you were applying to podunk nowhere and trying to get them to understand the DoDs overseas sports teams, as well as the meager extra curricular opportunities...do you really think you're the ONLY APPLICANT EVER to apply from Korea? Over seas? As an Army Brat? Think again. </p>
<p>Please, stop whining on the forums. It's making you look bad, other brats look bad, and really hurting your chances for admissions. I'm sure that the Academy knows of this board, and you've put enough information up on here that they'll know who you are in real life. Heck, they probably know who I am...I used to volunteer there a lot, and I still volunteer here. I PMed you my cell, call if you really need to talk to someone who has been there, and done that, and I'll try and put your mind at rest, but really, rein in the whining.</p>
<p>Bzzzt and Momof4, you have both made your point.</p>
<p>Sounds like a smart move to delete the long post. Please know that everyone is struggling for their nom. Our moc usually has 20 apps for noms...this year he has 44...much tougher to get one. The two senators had over 200 applications. Getting an interview was an accomplishment...getting a nom will be a neat trick. Fortunately son is an athlete and if they want him and if he does not get the nom, there are other routes. However, hundreds of candidates don't get in; that's the hard truth. Others with presidential noms are already in...maybe you need to concentrate on improving your application so they want you for who you are.</p>