<p>Yea, don't want to burn any bridges or leave any stones unturned. We will be definitely seeking congressional just in case the presidential doesn't do it. He tests were OK. Worse than some and better than some. SAT total was a 1930 and ACT Composite score was a 29. Honestly, I don't know what "Average" scores would be considered. I do know that as far as some of the Ivy league type schools go, these would probably be considered in the "Lower Average" of applicants.</p>
<p>We think his grades are good and he indeed has the sports and other things going for him. At least "We Think" so. But again, there are a lot of kids applying that are just as good or better. Competition is definitely tough.</p>
<p>But like you all have said, have to keep options available. Even if we were fortunate to get an appointment or LOA in Oct-Nov, we will still pursue AFROTC and some colleges. You never know what Football season could do this year. Nothing worse than being accepted to the academy and then be rejected later because of an injury. Thanks again everyone. Thanks for letting me vent my impatience. Especially those of you have gone through this before. I know that many have to giggle over some of our/my comments. Like a little Kid waiting for Santa to come. Take care all. later... Mike....</p>
<pre><code>Time for me to come out of radio listening silence. (i.e. I read the messages but rarely give my two cents worth) My daughter 2010 received a Presidential because I'm retired Army. I called my friends back at USMA and asked "Why should we apply for a Congressional if she already has a Presidential?" Basically the academies like to keep as many Presidential's as possible for candidates that may not be as qualified (i.e. make the top 100) For every Presidential that gets a Congressional it opens up that Presidential for someone that does not get a Congressional. In fact, our Representative cancelled her interview because she already had a Presidential. She did receive a Congressional to West Point from one of our Senators which she unfortunately (my viewpoint) declined. So the bottom line is: Apply to all sources but know that if you have a Presidential, it meets the requirement for a nomination. My daughter receved her LOA the day after Thanksgiving which just floored me. She didn't make her decision until Super Bowl Sunday. What a great day for me. My Steelers win the Super Bowl and my daughter chooses the Academy, Hey Hornetguy have you figured out who she is? She was in the Wolfpack.
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<p>Thanks for the info USMA. Funny you should mention the academy wanting to "Save" presidentials for those candidates who don't get a congressional. I've been speaking with my congresswoman and the congress is the opposite. While the senate gets to nominate, I don't believe they get any guarantees. The representatives however I believe get 2 guaranteed appointees each. Our rep said because she wants to get as many applicants accepted as possible, she would move an applicant of her's who normally be a number 1 or 2 guarantee to 3 or 4 if they received a presidential. This way it still shows as a nomination, but they get to use the presidential while she still gets to use her 2 guarantees. Thus, getting 3 from her state. </p>
<p>Seems like the reps and the academy are both playing the same game. I'll be honest, it wouldn't bother me how they want the nomination as long as my son can get in like he wants. </p>
<p>Was invited to a meet and greet this evening with Mitt Romney's wife. He's running for president and is starting some major campaining. Had a chance to meet our senators while we were there. Small states have such advantages, but also negatives when you only have 1 rep for the entire state.</p>
<p>Anyway, after 21 years in the Air Force, I definitely know how to play the "Hurry up and Wait". Thanks again for the info. There's nothing more we can do now. Just have to wait and see. Later... Mike.....</p>
<p>You're right hornetguy. It's NH. My favorite sarcastic volleyball player. My wife says that she gets her sense of humor from me. Scary thought!</p>
<p>Back to nominations for a second. I'm not sure if it has changed but it used to be that each senator and each representative could have 5 cadets at each academy. So that would mean that if your senator had 3 cadets at USAFA in 2010 and 2 in 2011 he couldn't nominate another one until 2010 graduates or God forbid someone drops out. I asked that question back in 1972 when I was being recruited to play football at USMA since my Rep had only one opening available. I was told then that they would get me a nomination from either a senator or representative from a state that had some slots available. Not sure if that is still the same policy. Good luck, Christcorp!</p>
<p>Yea, not sure about how many. I was under the impression that each Rep had 2 per year. If the Reps and Senators could only have 5 IN the academy at any one time, that would only be about 2800 cadets total. Plus the couple extra for presidential, vp, etc... Again, I'm not sure how it is. </p>
<p>I did find an old thread here at this forum that pretty well explains it. It is 3 years old however. Unless of course they are wrong. I doubt it. A lot is similar to what you said USMA. Some of what other included. Actually a very precise means. Here is the link for anyone with similar questions.</p>
<p>5 cadets at each Academy at any one time....10 nominations against any available vacancy. Each MOC has the ability to rank his nominations or allow the individual academy (Go USAFA, Sink Navy, Sorry USMA77 Beat Army) to rank them. Allowing the Academy to rank also gives the Academy better control over distribution.</p>
<p>Nominations can be confusing. My son received the primary nom from our MOC, she does rank them. However, when the Academy want to lure a friend's son from his Navy nom, they called our MOC and asked her to nom him as well. Since she did not have a nom two yrs ago, she had an "extra". He did accept the Academy offer, btw. After the graduation she had another to offer, so another from this area was offered a nom. So turns out our MOC gave three this year. Confusing enough???</p>
<p>Yes it is possible for an MOC to have more than one nominee a year appointed against their allotment, they just can't have more than 5 appointtees at each Academy at one time. 5 USAFA, 5 USMA, 5 USNA.....USCGA and MMA do not require the nomination/appointment.</p>
<p>Good luck to your son for the Class of 2012, My son hopefully will also be in this class. He is attending Marion Military Institute through the Falcon Foundation program from the Academy for 2007. Hopefully he will do well and get his appointment. Take care!</p>
<p>Thanks Airforcehokie and definitely good luck to you also. </p>
<p>I think we should make a rule that any student or parent that participates in these forums for the betterment of their child and their future, automatically gets accepted into the Air Force Academy. All in favor, say Aye. </p>
<p>Hee Hee LOL!!!! Sorry, thought it would be a good way to take most of the stress out of being accepted. Then we could concentrate on the details of the academy such as basic, classes, moral, living conditions, discipline, and all the other things our kids will have to deal with. </p>
<p>I even asked my son a while back when he said he wanted to go to the academy; "Are you sure you can handle the discipline, screaming in your face, have to do EVERYTHING a certain way even if it doesn't make sense. Combining your individuality so it is focused towards the common good of all. and so on". His response was ; "You were in the Air Force for 21 years. I've lived that way of thinking for the last 17 years. That mentality has got me through school, football, soccer, and the rest of life. The academy is probably going to be easier. LOL!!!!"</p>
<p>Of course he knows that the academy is very challenging. He's always been involved in a "Team" type of environment his whole life. At home, at school, on the sports field. What better team to now join then the ultimate team. The U.S. Military. He really loved the Summer Seminar. He thought it was everything he wanted and more. He liked spending a day like a doolie. </p>
<p>Anyway, good luck to everyone. And thank you all so much for a wealth of knowledge and support. Later.... Mike.....</p>