<p>Any advice before going to the committee in December?</p>
<p>My s went before a committee of 5 at the congressman's office, mostly current and former military. He was totally relaxed and I think it helped him. He wasn't in there 2 minutes when I heard laughter in the waiting room. Give eye contact when you meet each member and have a good strong handshake, not a dead fish. My s had his resume with him, but the committee also had copies and referred to it, so be sure you have your answers ready. Be ready to tell them why this school is a good fit for you. Before my s left the meeting, they pretty much told him he had their "thumbs up." I hope the same for you. Good luck.</p>
<p>It shows a certain level of maturity to do it on your own. At least thats what they told me.</p>
<p>Well here goes my "book" on the matter...</p>
<p>I can say the interview with my congressman started out shaky at best.</p>
<p>Make sure you know your district! I live on the border of two districts and this caused some confusion as to who was supposed to nominate me. </p>
<p>Needless to say I was late for my district's cutoff by about 2 weeks. I called the main office and was hung up on twice. After filing a complaint and notifying some friends with friends in the congressman's office.Things got rolling.I was able to fax my packet and show up the next morning for a "chance" at getting interviewed. To my dismay the secretary had been dealt with rather harshly and I had to sit on the chair facing her for a good half hour. Awkward at best. I apologized profusely for getting her in trouble.She had had a belligerent man yelling at her while she was taking my call. Hence the hanging up. After apologizing, we got along quite well. </p>
<p>I met her boss (who was less than enthused to have to take time interviewing me) and we shook hands, always make a good first impression. A suit is a must and so is a firm handshake. Try to personalize the experience don't just sit there. Hold a good conversation with the folks in the office. For me it was travel abroad, especially Africa. Even the boss turned around and started talking. </p>
<p>What really surprised me was the questions. My interviewer (no committee) was very nice.He asked two questions about the USMMA. First, "why do you want to go?" Second, "What are you going to do with the education?"</p>
<p>The answer to the first is entirely up too you. The answer to the second needs to include how you are going to serve your country. They aren't going to nominate you unless you can prove that you are a good investment.</p>
<p>The remaining questions were all about my family. Believe it or not, the reviewer(s) are more interested in how you were raised, your character, and moral standards(if your faith is a major part of your life, make it known).Than actual ability to handle the course load. Your transcripts give the tell all about your academic prowess. </p>
<p>If you don't think you have connections, ask around. Most likely somebody will know somebody, that can be of help. Don't take an initial "no" as a failure.
But most of all don't get nervous about it.</p>
<p>Good luck and have fun much paper work abounds if you succeed!</p>
<p>My suggestion would be to check each senator and your congressman's web site for required documents necessary for applying for the interview. In MD, you are not guaranteed an interview spot. You have to apply. I don't know how it is in all states. Some representatives are very specific on what documents they want. (For instance, my son did not have a recommendation from a science teacher, so we did not get an interview appt. with one senator.) Start collecting your documents now. Make sure your SAT's go to the academy. </p>
<p>Where a suit. Most candidates do not, so you will stand out. My son did and he was the only one for one of the interviews. </p>
<p>Think about your answers BEFORE you go into the interview. They will ask you WHY you want to go. </p>
<p>Most jurisdications will NOT give you a second chance to get an interview (like goathunter). There is one day for interviews and that's it.</p>
<p>Good Luck--it's a stressful year. (Leading up to indoc).</p>