<p>My son is a high school junior and is starting the process. He would be eligible for a presidential nomination based on my service record. What is the appointment differential between the presidential vs. congressional vs. vice-presidential nominations? I thought , perhaps mistakenly that once a candidate has a nomination that all files would be considered equally. Help?</p>
<p>An infinite number of Presidentials can be awarded. However, only about 100 get in from these each year. Also, since Presidentials are usually made early, those who are qualified and have their packages completed have a good chance to be appointed early in the process (November-December time frame). Remember, it is a rolling admissions process, so earlier is better, and, as the early appointees are taken out of the pool, more are being added.</p>
<p>It would be advisable to also seek nominations from your Members of Congress, just in case the Presidential Nomination does not result in an appointment. This is just prudent, and puts your son in the position of competing in two pools. </p>
<p>Good luck with this process! As grueling as it is, it is just the beginning of the rollercoaster! I am glad you found us, the amount of experience, expertise, and just plain empathy to be found here is a great support!</p>
<p>As far as I know, once a nomination is made, they are all considered equally.</p>
<p>You need to remember that the nomination process is what weeds out a good 80% of the applicants. The remaining 20% or so is then gone over with a fine-tooth comb for months. The selection criteria within that group is almost anyones guess, but I have never once heard even a rumor that Presidential nominations are accepted over Congressional ones.</p>
<p>About the only rumor I've ever heard is that children of Alumni get a break, but even that is pure speculation.</p>
<p>Short hijack,</p>
<p>Hey, Zaphod. Thanks for the input. USNA must still be much the same as when you were there, since what you say echoes our sons' comments. It is quite the grinder. I can understand the great feeling of pride at having graduated, and having withstood the grinding down. </p>
<p>Oh, plebes can have cell phones, only during Plebe summer they are maintained by the Cadre and only returned for the Sunday calls and then for good at PPW.</p>
<p>Thanks for the words to parents, too. We need that. and wine. and chocolate. Occasionally, a stiff drink. </p>
<p>I am waiting for one of the plebers to use the screenname Ford Prefect. How appropriate. ;)</p>
<p>My pleasure. Glad to help! :-)</p>
<p>Thank you for the input!</p>