<p>im a junior in high school right now....just wondering, do I have to send 3 nomination requests/letters to each of my assigned MOC if im applying to USNA, USMA, and USAFA.</p>
<p>the letter format is something like this: I desire to attend the United States [Name of the Academy] and to be commissioned in the U.S. [Name of Service]. I respectfully request that I be considered as one of your nominees for the class entering the summer of [year].</p>
<p>For most MOC's, you probably don't even need to write a letter. In my case, the letter just put me on their mailing list for a paper application, but most of the MOC's post their applications online in a PDF format, so there would be no real need to write a letter.</p>
<p>On another note, some MOC's only allow you to apply for a nomination to one academy. Although it is good to apply as early as possible, if you are leaning more to one academy or think that you may be able to make a decision for your first choice in the future, you may want to wait so that you apply to all sources for a nomination to a single academy and increase your odds for getting a nomination to that academy.</p>
<p>Good idea, Soylent.</p>
<p>Just make sure that you know your MOCs deadlines. I would suggest applying as soon (after their apps are available) as you have a good idea of your order of preference. My d called each of our MOCs offices last spring, and they mailed application packets to her.</p>
<p>I agree to try to get the packets in as soon as possible, however don't rush it. I actually turned my packets in two days before the deadline ( though I wouldn't recommend it- it was very stressful for me and prob. didn't set a great first impression) and everything turned out great for me. Most MOC's will ask for an essay- be sure to take your time on it because it can really help. In all three of my MOC interviews people commented on how great my essay was and it probably helped me get two noms ( one principal ). Sorry- I'm not trying to brag- just trying to stress how crucial this aspect is. </p>
<p>In addition- if the essay is about why you want to attend a Service Academy (or something along those lines) make sure that your voice stands out in the essay and try to mention certain aspects of the academy that other people may not talk about in their essays. A subject like that can get a lot of the same types of answers- you want to say something strong that will stand out.</p>
<p>Contact your MOC offices sometime this spring and indicate that you are applying to those three SA's. If they have a restriction they will let you know. I would suggest not sending in your application until late summer before your senior year for a few reasons: 1) There are lots of awards and scholarships that only juniors are eligible for and they start rolling in at the end of junior year (so at least wait until end of junior year to see what kinds of awards you get so you can put them on your resume). 2) Hopefully you'll go to one or all of the summer seminars and you can talk about your experiences there in your essay. 3) Hopefully you'll have a better idea about your first choice and you can focus your essay towards that academy.
Also, definitely listen to PlebeWannaBe's advice about the essay. I was really anxious to submit my USNA essay so I didn't do a very good job on it and spent days worrying about its quality after I submitted it (not a very good feeling). Basically, don't worry about what you think they want to hear (basic advice for any college essay) - tell them about your personal goals and about you and your personal experiences with the academy and the service.</p>
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<li><p>contact your MOC office to get your name "on the radar." Keep in mind most offices will not have applications for 2013 available yet- some do not make them available until the late spring/summer and even into the early fall- so inquire.</p></li>
<li><p>many of the MOC's offer "academy days" ....usually in the early fall (sept-oct) where they hold an informational session re: the nomination process, have applications available, and even invite reps from each service academy to make a "pitch" for their school, give an overview of the admission process, and take questions from those in attendance. If your MOC offers such a forum, do attend!</p></li>
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<p>Our MOC had different offices and they were not there for the interview process. Check to see where your nom paperwork is being sent, call that office and speak to them. For all 3 nom sources, ea. one went to a particular office and not directly to the sources.<br>
For NC we did not have any "academy days". Our paperwork was due in between Oct. 1 and 31st.
I would make it a point to check their websites, find out where the nom request is sent, call that office and ask for a sample packet. Ea of our MOC's had different requests regarding essays and recs. In total, besides the SA essays, I am almost positive ds did 5 more essays, had to get 4 different recs (some wanted personal, some wanted athletic/work, and some wanted teachers and gc). The essays are question prompts. Add that to your other college essays and ROTC, you will become the best writer that you will ever be</p>