<p>Hey all, I recently just recieved a nomination to the USNA and the Merchant Marine Academy. I was really suprised acually because my HS record was just the average HS student (in college now). USAFA is my number one choice and I really would like to get a nomination somehow. I have one more interview with my MOC and I was wondering if there was any way I could convince the board to take a chance on me and nominate me to USAFA? Thanks!</p>
<p>When you applied for the nomination, did you mention USAFA?</p>
<p>I ask because at first glance it would seem that they nominated you for those two schools, but not USAFA....</p>
<p>Yes, it seems unlikely that they would reconsider you for AFA when you already had nominations to NA and MMA.</p>
<p>yes i mentioned USAFA, i put it down as my first choice..so there's no chance for AFA?</p>
<p>This is a little confusing - let me understand - </p>
<p>you ranked USAFA as first choice and USNA, USMMA down the line. You were awarded nominations already to USNA and USMMA by an MOC - correct?
either a senator or congressman.</p>
<p>You have an interview with another MOC coming up with either a Senator or Congressman correct?</p>
<p>In that interview you should tell that committee and/or submit additional info to the committee that you already have a nomination to USNA and USMMA but that USAFA is your first choice.
That may be about the best you can do.</p>
<p>When applicants apply to and seek nominations from multiple academies it is not uncommon to receive nominations to one academy and not to another. It all depends on the number of slates that MOC has open for a particular academy and the competition in your region.</p>
<p>Yes, you are correct. I ranked USAFA as first choice then USNA, USMA, then USMMA. I was awarded nominations to USNA and USMMA by a Congressman. </p>
<p>I have an interview coming up with a Senator.</p>
<p>Ok thank you! I figured that'd be the best I can do. So it's not completely hopeless yet?</p>
<p>No - there is still a chance that the senator might give you a nomination to USNA. It all depends upon the competition. By being upfront with them you risk not getting a nomination at all - if there is not room for you on the AFA slate - but it also might help them to see you are serious about AFA and make your case. I think being upfront is better than hedging and they may ask you if you already have other nominations. Be forthright and honest.</p>
<p>Hopefully, if you don't get a nomination to USAFA you will happily consider USNA or USMMA - both rumored to be very fine institutions. ;)</p>
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Yes, you are correct. I ranked USAFA as first choice then USNA, USMA, then USMMA. I was awarded nominations to USNA and USMMA by a Congressman.
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<p>Okay...</p>
<p>I would not say all hope is lost simply because if you applied to your MOC and both Senators (as well as anyone else you applied to), but have only heard back from the MOC, then you should still have a shot at USAFA via one of your other sources. It has been rumored (been too long for me to remember accurately) that sometimes MOC's will cut deals where the MOC gives the nomination to one guy and the Senator to another, but that's either mostly hearsay or at best extremely variable.</p>
<p>That said, it cannot hurt to ask your MOC if his nominations to USAFA have been finalized, and if you were on the list after all. Clerical errors happen, and if you don't ask, you may miss a chance to correct it.</p>
<p>You should start thinking, however, that if you do have nominations only to USNA and USMMA, and those result in appointments, would you be willing to attend or roll the dice for USAFA again next year. </p>
<p>Of course, you could just do the right thing and go Navy. We're better anyway. :D</p>
<p>I've only heard back from only one senator, the other sent me a rejection letter stating that I wasn't competitive enough. I don't understand about the MOC cutting deals wiith the Senator?? Can you explain?? </p>
<p>But if I recieved an appointment to USNA, then I will gladly accept the appointment.</p>
<p>Each MOC (senator and representative) has their own policy. They all nominate their own slate. 10 names on each slate.</p>
<p>In some states the representatives and senators work together - they try to maximize the number of candidates who get a nomination.</p>
<p>So, for instance, a representative is ready to pick his slate. He has 20 names for 10 slots. This MOC might check with the senators in this state to see if any of his candidates will get a nomination by a senator. If so, then he may not give those candidates a nomination thus opening up another slot for a candidate from that representative's district.</p>
<p>The competition of the different academies varies geographically. In some areas USAFA is very popular and in other areas USNA or USMA is very popular.
Sometimes congressmen don't have enough to fill a slate for one academy and may ask candidates if they will consider a nomination to another academy - happens alot with USMMA.
It appears that USAFA is very popular and thusly competitive where you live. You may want to write a thank you to your Congressional representative thanking him for the nominations. You also may tactfully reiterate in that letter that USAFA is still your first choice - your MOC may have an alternate list. While it is only November - the MOC's have until the end of January to submit their slates to the Academies.</p>
<p>Chances are if your MOC said you are not competative enough...you may not get an offer of appointment to an academy. The MOC's have all the criteria that the academies are looking for. Best of luck, and hang in there...!</p>
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Chances are if your MOC said you are not competative enough...you may not get an offer of appointment to an academy.
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<p>There are always a chance of a prep program, however.</p>
<p>It all depends - this was from a Senator and a candidate would be competing from candidates from across the state - there just may be too many to interview. Some MOC's have their own minimum requirements - such as SAT scores - which are different from Academy standards.</p>
<p>It is entirely possible to get a nomination and not be Scholastically qualified by an Academy.
It is also entirely possible to be triple qualified and not win a nomination.</p>
<p>Even though techinically a nomination is not required for an academy to sponsor you for a prep program - IMHO - it helps.</p>
<p>Ok thanks! If I were to be offered a prep school appointment, I would gladly accept that as well. I'm a minority student with a 3.6 gpa in college, an athlete, very involved with extracurricular activities, and have hundreds of hours of volunteer time. What do you think my chances are with the prep school?</p>
<p>I got rejected before the interview with one senator, the other rejected me after the interview, and my MOC nominated me. I'm still at USAFA...</p>
<p>Raimius,
That's encouraging! My son was not selected for interview by one senator, had the other, and the congressman is Saturday. Hopefully someone will see the potential for greatness that I see and put him on a nom list!</p>
<p>yes that is very encouraging! thanks raimius..i'll keep my chin up</p>