<p>It's my understanding that in the "old days" there were political favors made in the form of an appointment and that nowadays, there aren't politics involved, or at least that kind. That said, is anyone aware of politics involved in the admissions process?</p>
<p>Read the thread that will now follow yours, i.e. "Call From the Academy". Of course there are political favors.</p>
<p>One well-hashed recent example: The minimal GPA for NAPS transfer appointees was traditionally 2.0, no exceptions. Now, apparently in response to a U.S. senator's son who was below that level, the new minimum is lower. </p>
<p>While the Navy struggles at retaining its reputation as a "last bastion" of merit, i.e. where opportunity is essentially a function of achievement vs. birth right, it is fast slipping away, it seems, as we've seen gender, race, parental clout, athletic needs, cronyism, etc. play into the politics of the Academy. "Adjustments" to standards eventually mean that one individual's standards are not another's. And thus they quickly and forever no longer remain standards. </p>
<p>One key to success is ...well succeeding inspite of those functions for those less fortunates ...and employing them if one is in the right group. The phenomenon is call political correctness and it exists and flourishes pursuant to public purse strings. The corrosive enemy of the best is cynicism. And avoiding the oft but not always truth that those deemed with special annointing are not necessarily perpetually 2nd class officers and leaders. Some overcome.</p>
<p>No different than college admissions at many of America's fine institutions of higher education. </p>
<p>WP will call me naive, but in reality for the average family, you do not need to be politically connected to your MOC, or two senators to receive a nomination. Games can be played with how the nomination is reported to USNA - principal vs unranked slate but even the Academies prefer an unranked slate. I know a lot of USNA families in our state through our Parents Club and can tell you not a single one was a "political" appointment.</p>
<p>As for the Naps effect - when you are going to be a 4th generation Midshipman, just as if you were going to be a 4th generation "Harvard man" I do not think that anyone can get their knickers in a wad that an appointment was made. The problem does not seem to be that 3 generations served America before him but that because his father is a current US Senator it is perceived to be "political."</p>
<p>At one time (long long ago), it was (wink) expected (wink wink) that a large contribution be made to the "re-election committee" (wink) of the nomination source, usually your local Congressman, in exchange for the Congressman's nomination. </p>
<p>Similar to the Illinois Governor (allegedly) attempting to sell the Senate seat of President Obama, the MOC's looked at nominations as a fund-raising tool, nominating the sons of industry leaders, large land-owners, party-affiliated cronies, and other "influential" constituents. </p>
<p>Of course, sleeze like that has long since been abandoned and/or cleaned up, as the typical MOC usually doesn't have a clue of who is being nominated until they see the list for the first time, as a committee of volunteers most likely handles the entire process for them.</p>
<p>Whistle Pig, I don't see how you can draw a conclusion that a political favor was involved by reading that thread "Call from the academy." Just as Profmom2 stated, I too feel that a candidate can earn his/her nomination & appointments with their own merits. We are conservatives in a very liberal state and we've never been involved in politics at any level and never made any political contribution to ANYONE. I don't know if you know this but there are many kids that actually work their butt off through high school to achieve this.</p>
<p>You seem to view the world through a pair of very scratched up lenses.</p>
<p>I cannot help but feel as though politics has played a massive role in my admissions status. I am an Asian-American, from a district that has been Republican for the past 30 years. In fact, we are the only district in the whole Washington, DC metropolitan area that is still GOP. When I applied for nominations to both senators and my congressman, I indicated USNA as my top choice. When I received my LOA, i thought a nomination was in the bag (my congressman had two vacancies, meaning he could nominate up to 20 people). It was not the case...
So as of today, I have been rejected by both senators, AND my congressman. Fingers crossed for the VP nom!</p>
<p>I was privileged to sit on the nominating committee this year for our MOC, and can report that all was above board. The candidates most deserving of a nomination (as best the committee could determine) got one- unranked slate, with the MOC submitting the names put forth by the interviewing committee to the respective academies. Granted not all districts and state MOCs do things the same way, but in this case things were above board and the system worked the way it was intended. </p>
<p>d290- I am not seeing the connection with being Asian-American, in a republican district, and the nomination. I would question more how you interviewed, with what I will assume to be with 3 different MOCs. Perhaps the mistake was the assumption that the nomination was "in the bag...."</p>
<p>....unfortunately, it never is.
Like everything else, the nomination is a competetive process, and it must be earned. </p>
<p>Having said that, if the USNA gave you a LOA, obviously they saw something in you that they liked. Hang in, and best of luck with the VP nom!</p>
<p>Political Access!</p>
<p>Is it an advantage = Yes!
Does it happen = Yes!
Do they get in = Yes, If they qualify!</p>
<p>The operative is "do they qualify". </p>
<p>You father may be best friends with your Senator since High School and have contributed mucho dinero to every past election. If your SAT is 900 and your ACT is 19 I don't think you have a chance.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Of course there are political favors.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>and we would know that because.......</p>
<p>
[quote]
One well-hashed recent example: The minimal GPA for NAPS transfer appointees was traditionally 2.0, no exceptions. Now, apparently in response to a U.S. senator's son who was below that level, the new minimum is lower.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>There is no "new minimum."<br>
The minimum for Napsters remains at 2.0.
If there are exceptions, they are rare indeed, and a wise Napster would not be banking on one to get their "Pass Go" card stamped.
And IF an exception is made, I am glad it is for a 4th Generation family that has served a lifetime-times-3 in service of this country.</p>
<p>I trust those at the academy know *exactly **what the standards are and what they must do to not only meet them, but exceed them. It is easy to criticize when one is meerly peering over the top of the fence making all sorts of assumptions as to "what is." I will cast my vote to those * there and doing it. **</p>
<p>Political favors like I know you or I know the person you are reccomending happens all the time. "well-hashed"? Where? Didn't see that.</p>
<p>^^^ can't speak to it happening "all the time." Can only speak to our local MOC , who approved the list submitted to him by his nominating committee, which was submitted unranked.</p>
<p>I too have had the privilege of sitting on one of our Senator's nominating committee. We read the packages prior to the candidate being selected for an interview. We are not given any information from the Senator as to whose daddy he may know, or if any money has been received from a candidates family, nor is there any information as to the political persuasion of the candidate - one may be able to tell by the application essay but then that would just be interpretation on a readers part. The committee decides who will be interviewed, not our Senator. We then interview the candidates - this year we interviewed about 40 candidates for the slate of 10. We give the Senator's Academy liaison the list of 10 nominees - unranked. As far as I can tell he has never seen the candidates packages and other than signing the letters does not play any other other part in the process. </p>
<p>I think our process is pretty standard. On our board I have not seen any "advantage" given to any candidate based on politics. I am sure somewhere it might happen. For the vast majority applying to the service academies it is not a political process. Your parents do not have the buy your way in nor do you have to be politically connected to even get an interview. </p>
<p>Of the 4000+ Midshipmen you might find a handful that politics played a part. Personally, your daddy or grandaddy being a 4 star or career enlisted could do you more good. Like others have pointed out, if that is the case you and your family has earned the right for you to attend. IMO</p>
<p>Of course there will be an exception, don't think any one has claimed there will not be. The point being is do not count on it.</p>
<p>As for no one on this forum having access to Napsters grades - don't count on that either. The grades being speculated about are well documented in the brigade. Are openly talked about when you tour NAPS - they actually have a name for it the XxXXXX Factor. This individual has done well at USNA. An exception was made and it was done so for good reasons and the results back the exception.</p>
<p>there has been allot of talk about the "new minimium" for NAPS gpa, I am not sure about the 2.0 requirement being changed however, I do know that the current NAPS class had their grades thrown out at the end of the first semester because some incredibly high percentage of the class was not meeting the 2.0 requirement</p>
<p>**Please don't assault me for contributing this lol I was just told this by a group of NAPS students when I was there recently on an official visit and spent time with them as we were recruits for the same athletic team</p>
<p>I have never posted before, but I feel compelled to make two points based on the tone of this thread.
First let me state I am coming at this from two perspectives--I am a college admissions professional in a large VERY selective public institution on the far west coast.
Secondly, I am the mother of six, one whom has just received an appointment to USAFA and is awaiting word on his status from USNA. I have children attending civilian Universities--I have been through both processes, I have dealt with the civilian recruitmant, admissions and transition process for both sides.
Diversity outreach and Diversity recruitment is desirable, positive and necessary. It can only be viewed as a positive VALUE ADD to the mission of the armed forces and 99% of all civilian universities. It ENHANCES who we are. It makes US better, and it makes our institutions academically, culturally and socially richer and serves the context of their vision. In civilian schools it cannot exist for "its" sake. At service academies, however, it can. A cogent effort is being made to reflect diversity in our Leaders. The academies produce outstanding men and women who can serve as role models and mentors in their leadership. In some cases that may mean that an institution reaches out to an under represented candidate or offers additional support to accommodate those who may not have had the same academic advantages as others.
My son is proof positive that a kid with no connections, from a family with no military background, who does not have any--- as the previous poster referred to --as politically correct""birth right" advantages-- implying gender, race, ethnic, or cultural characteristics that deem him special. He is not a blue-chip athlete, nor has any relative ever step foot in a military academy--in fact the one that did serve spent his time playing on the armed forces basketball team. We are unabashedly "blue staters" yet my son received his congressional nomination from a conservative GOP congressman who could care less about his politics. He received that nomination because he was respected for his accomplishments and his commitment to service above self.
The admissions process at any institution of higher education is complex at best. Decisions are a balance of what is best for the student and the institution and in the case of the Academy the balancing act is much more complicated. As parents, our job is to encourage our kids to focus on their strengths and put together the best representation of them. Focusing on how it may or may not (usually not) work politically is a waste of time and negative energy.</p>
<p>which is exactly the point several posters have tried to make-
specifically, that politics have little room in the nomination process.</p>
<p>ProfMom2 is right -- when my son and I toured NAPS in '06 (son graduated from NAPS in '07) the admissions officer used the term "XXXXX Factor"! However, know that in the year in question, every NAPSter w/ a GPA between the 'political admittee' and 2.0 was ALSO admitted to USNA. In other words, this person's advantage was shared w/ at least a couple other candidates. They weren't political -- they were lucky. Right time, right place. </p>
<p>This goes back several years now, and as someone mentioned, the 'political' Mid in question is doing well @ USNA. </p>
<p>Some candidates are born w/ a physical advantage -- size, athleticism, DNA that skates them through DoDMERB. Some benefit from the Navy's goal of making officers match up w/ enlisted personnel. Some benefit from sports recruiting needs. </p>
<p>Man up. Have a Plan B, and if you want it so bad that you'd go to NAPS, head to community college, replicate the USNA class schedule, and reapply. This conversation isn't useful to applicants.</p>
<p>
[quote]
As I approached graduation from high school, the Naval Academy became almost an obsession in our family. If I slacked off at all from my schoolwork, one of my parents was sure to say, You'll never go to Annapolis this way!" In fact, there was only one way to obtain admission to a military academy: to receive an appointment either from one of our U.S. senators or from our local congressman. Since senators had to share their five incumbent midshipmen with the entire state, we concentrated on our Congressman, Steven Pace.</p>
<p>Daddy deliberately increased his circle of friends throughout our region, determined to use his political influence to wangle my Annapolis appointment from our congressman. He supported Mr. Steve Pace strongly in every election, and contributed what he could afford to his campaign fund. At least once a year while I was in high school, Daddy would take me and my report cards over to the Pace home during a congressional recess, to brag a little about me and to repeat his request for an appointment. Having served for several terms, the congressman knew how to assuage supplicants without making a firm commitment, and I finished high school without a positive response. All our family were bitterly disappointed, but Congressman Pace suggested that I enroll at the junior college in Americus and wait for another year, when a possible appointment might be forthcoming. </p>
<p>In September 1941, I left home and moved into the dormitory at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus, where I concentrated on subjects that were recommended in the Annapolis guidebook for prospective midshipmen. But after a year we were disappointed again, and this time our visit with Mr. Pace was somewhat confrontational. Daddy was determined to get a definite answer, and I remember our staying on the front porch after it was obvious that our welcome was over. Finally, I heard the congressman say, "I'll give Jimmy an appointment next year, and he won't have to take the full entrance examination if he can make good grades in college"...we decided on the way home that I could benefit more as a student at Georgia Tech than at the local junior college.</p>
<p>After a year of engineering studies in Atlanta, where I was a member of the Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps, I got my Annapolis appointment, and served for seven more years in the U.S. Navy...
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Jimmy Carter, An Hour Before Daylight, Memories of a Rural Boyhood</p>
<p>Despite the fact that President Carter's father, a prominent Southern farmer, was politically and personally connected to their congressman, Carter applied to the Naval Academy three times before he received his nomination/appointment! (Carter planned to make the Navy his career, but eventually had to return to Georgia to take over the family farm when his father died. As we know, Carter went on to become the governor of Georgia, President of the United States, and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.)</p>
<p>As others have stated, the majority of nominations/appointments today are merit based and free of political influence. However, I'm curious as to how this nomination process changed over time.</p>
<p>The fact that Carter got in at all illustrates the substantial flaws of the admissions process.</p>
<p>
[quote]
The fact that Carter got in at all illustrates the substantial flaws of the admissions process.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I realize how difficult it is for one to have tried to gain an appointment to the Naval Academy and not have it realized. I would, at the same time, hope that one could continue to respect the institution and its graduates nevertheless, instead of the continuous questioning and criticism of its admission practices, standards, education, training, and caliber of students that do gain that appointment.</p>
<pre><code>1 President of the United States
2 Cabinet Members
6 Ambassadors
21 Members of Congress
5 State Governors
5 Secretaries of the Navy
1 Secretary of the Air Force
5 Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
4 Vice Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
27 Chiefs of Naval Operations
9 Commandants of the Marine Corps
2 Nobel Prize Awardees
73 Medal of Honor Awardees
52 Astronauts
45 Rhodes Scholars
16 Marshall Scholars
93 Olmsted Scholars
25 Fitzgerald Scholars
830 Burke Scholars
</code></pre>
<p>Nothing else need be said.</p>
<p>When Dennison comes close let me know.
Until then, please respect this institution. It is your academy as well, even if only by way of your tax dollars supporting it.</p>