<p>Here’s the deal. I applied to West Point and was identified as competitive and given all the instructions and stuff for sending in the official application. Before I did so, though, I decided not to go.</p>
<p>For a while I thought I wouldn’t go to a service academy at all but I decided [late, I know] that I wanted to go to USAFA. I really really want it bad, but I submitted my precandidate questionnaire around the 18th of October.</p>
<p>Anyway, I’ve been identified as competitive for USAFA too and have been contacted by an ALO for interview and have all those forms and stuff to fill out on the computer.</p>
<p>Anyway, my worry IS THIS: I’ve read on here that a lot of people have already gotten appointments, etc. I’ve talked to my Senator’s offfice and they said they will still consider me for a nomination if I get my packet in before Thanksgiving, but I don’t even see how this can be if people are already receiving appointments.</p>
<p>So, it just really worries me that I am already too late. Everything seems to be going fine/falling into place but I just have a nagging sinking feeling in my gut that I have missed something and that it is too late, regardless of my Senator’s office’s assurance.</p>
<p>I could be wrong, but I don't think any of us have actually recieved appointments yet. The Academy gives out Letters of Assurance beginning in October that say you will get an appointment contingent on obtaining a nomination from a member of congress. So you're not too late. A lot of people still don't have their files complete for USAFA and I don't think they will consider you until all components of your application are done. I would hustle and get things in ASAP (its easy since its all online). I'm just a candidate myself, so maybe someone else can give you more feedback. Good luck!</p>
<p>LOAs and appointments are totally different. LOAs just assure the candidate that if you obtain a nomination and are tripled qualified, then you will be guaranteed a seat in the class of 2011. Someone said something that there's only about 200-300 LOAs that go out each year. Note that there's about 1200-1300 appointments made out each year. So, if you don't get an LOA, don't sweat it. Work on getting that nomination for now and finishing the rest of your application.</p>
<p>Question:
why the last minute switch from USMA to Air Force?
In any case, you still might have time to pull a nomination, though it'll definitely be tougher.</p>
<p>Most people on here are not the norm for admissions. I am! UNcynical was as well. We received our appointments in March. I know one of my Senators turned her nominees in in January, the other did in November. So, if your MOCs' nominations are still open, then you can get the nomination.</p>
[quote]
why the last minute switch from USMA to Air Force?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Well, it just seemed like I would like it better. Both are amazing schools but I am in CAP so Air Force naturally comes to mind. Also, my career choice. If I were to pursue a military career, being a pilot is definitely top on my list. My family has a long background in flying and I am in flight school for my private pilot's license right now.</p>
<p>Not anything against the USMA, I just think I would enjoy the USAFA better.</p>
<p>From where I sit it is not too late to apply. However, the nomination may be the difficult thing - if you need a conventional member of congress nomination.</p>
<p>In our state, the application for a nomination from a member of congress for the class of 2007 have all passed. And at least one Senator has already interviewed and made his nominations. So I would start there and check the nomination application deadline right away. If you missed the deadline, you can beg and plead, if the interviews have not yet happened. Or you can apply to another nomination source to which you qualify (Vice Presidential, Presidential, etc.).</p>
<p>Getting a nomination is going to be the long pole in the tent. Get this and there is plenty of time to get everything else done. If you do not get this, consider the Coast Guard Academy as appointments are awarded by merit and does not use the nomination system.</p>