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Two things are at work here - kids are being advised to apply to several academies when they show interest in one. IMO - while they should be encouraged to investigate the different branches of military service, if one is a clear choice then they should go with that choice.
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<p>I've opined on this before but will again throw in my 2 cents. In most geographic areas, you will be either "encouraged" or "forced" to choose early b/c of MOC noms. Many MOCs will only give you a nom to one SA, so you have to rank up front. </p>
<p>Some people try to "game" the system by listing one SA first with one MOC and another SA first with a second MOC. I put "game" in quotes b/c there is nothing wrong with doing this -- perfectly legit. Some do it b/c they can't make up their minds; some want to improve their chances of getting into any SA. IMO, it's fine IF you are perfectly willing to go to either SA. However, if you have a preference, you're better off putting all your eggs in one basket. </p>
<p>A couple of years ago, I had a candidate who put USMA first with two MOCs and USNA first with one. He got 2 noms for USMA but didn't even get an interview (and no nom) with the USNA MOC. He called me asking what he should do. Told him he should go to USMA, as this clearly seemed to be his preference (or to wait a year and reapply to USNA).</p>
<p>The point of all this is that you'll have to choose at some point; make that decision early and you increase your chances. Of course, if you are "lucky" enough to live in an unpopulous state, you may be able to secure noms to more than one SA from the same MOC.</p>
<p>for class of 2009:
USNA: nom from congressman; offer of foundation
USMA: nom from same congressman; offer of appt
USMMA: nom from senator; offer of appt</p>
<p>selected foundation for usna</p>
<p>Class of 2010:
nom from same congressman</p>
<p>Sent the same application in to all.
Populus state and competetive.</p>
<p>S rec'd his rejection letter yesterday... Best of luck to all appointees and to those who will go to their backup plans. You are amazing to have made it to this point!!!</p>
<p>Son received 3 nominations to Naval Academy... that essentially removed chances to Air Foce Academy...nomination sources spread the wealth and only give one nomination per prospective student. He wasn't offered USNA as first post of this thread mentioned rejection. He was offered a Falcon Scholarship Thursday this past week. In the beginning of the process he was leaning toward USNA but would gladly of accepted an offer to USAFA as well. I guess the Academy's don't take into consideration loyality when getting 3 nominations and therefore if there isn't a strong preference towards one academy or the other our kids should apply to Representitive with first choice and apply to US Senators with second Academy preference 1st to increase probability. Still undecided but swaying towards GT NROTC.</p>
<p>Pretty populous state-
1 senatorial nom for USMA (stated USMA as 1st choice)
1 Rep nom for USMA (stated USMA as first choice)
1 Rep nom for USNA (same Rep as above, of course) (stated USMA as first choice)</p>
<p>Appointments to both USMA and USNA</p>
<p>Selected USMA. Would have gone ot USNA if USMA had said "no".</p>
<p>I also got the "Regrettably..." letter from USNA. I applied to all 5 SA's. Had a Presidential for USMA, USNA, and USAFA. A MOC for USMA and USAFA. Did not get a nom for USMMC (our MOC will not give you that if he gives you any of the Big 3). I have not heard form USCGA yet, but I am not optimistic. I do have a USMA AOG prep school scholarship and I am on the NWL for USMA. USAFA sent me a "stay tuned as you may hear by June based upon the number of declines". I have NROTC, AFROTC, and AROTC scholarships, but I am going to do the year of civilian prep school and try again for 2013 if I don't get an SA by June. I just turned 17, so I have "time to spare".</p>
<p>Actually from looking at the past stats for USMA their attrition rate I believe they are much higher than the USNA less people graduate in each class than USNA proportionally I was also told this by two brothers that were a year and two years ahead of me in school and are a fourth class and third class cadet at West Point. I wouldn't stake my life on it but I believe those stats are correct i'll go check and get back though.</p>
<p>Got my "no go" from USNA as well, but I knew I would, I didn't have any noms for USNA because one Senator gave me a princip to my top choice, USAFA...</p>
<p>To be honest, as far as applying to several SA's, I think its merely a matter of what youre interested in. I have always wanted to be a pilot, hence my apps to USNA and USAFA as well as ROTC for them both. I hada preference in the Air Force, but would have gladly taken Navy had it been offered instead. Perhaps those that apply to all of them are simply military oriented, not really interested in what it is they do, just as long as theyre living a military lifestyle. All mere personal preference, and I wish each and every one of you the best of luck in whatever endeavours you may embark on... ;)</p>
<p>If I recall correctly, you will receive a letter stating you will not receive an appt to the USNA..... if your application has been referred to the foundation program, the letter will state that. If you do get selected for a foundation scholarship from those applications referred by the admissions office, you will receive a letter and a packet from the foundation folks.</p>
<p>As for NAPS- i believe the letter from USNA will state that you will not be offered an appointment for USNA, however you have been accepted for NAPS.</p>
<p>I believe all of the letters should be out by now.</p>
<p>The letter for NAPS is just a letter that states you've been selected by the admissions panel to attend NAPS. It goes on to explain how attendance at NAPS would be a great opportunity and if you graduate you're assured a seat in next years I-day.</p>