I am interested in learning whether a candidate with a Principal Nomination to the USAFA might be given a spot at a Prep school instead of the academy if deemed not academically qualified. Is it possible to be offered nothing if you have a Principle Nomination? Thank you! (My apologies if this is not right forum...I thought this could go in nominations, prep school, or USAFA)
Principal Nomination to USAFA possible appointment to prep school?
- Thread starter blessedbe
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A bit of apples and oranges here.
USAFA may only offer appointments to fully qualified candidates: athletic/CFA; medical/DoDMERB Q or a waiver; academic-scholastic/all the other elements that get evaluated. If the candidate is not fully qualified, it doesn’t matter what kind or how many noms they have, no appointment.
If they are fully qualified with a principal nom, USAFA should offer an appointment.
USAFA evaluates all candidates for the service prep school or sponsored civilian prep scholarships (Falcon Scholars) as part of the normal review process. It is usually the case a candidate not qualified in the academic-scholastic area but is otherwise desired as a member of a USAFA class, may be offered a prep opportunity. Nominations don’t come into play for that opportunity.
Usnavy2019
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It is possible, but the decision for prep school slots rests with Admissions. Principal nominations are just saying your MOC wants USAFA to consider you first and appoint you if you are 3Q. Typically, MOC staffs will do their due diligence when using the principal/alternate system. They want to ensure their principal nominee will be found qualified. That said, if the principal nominee is found unqualified, Admissions will appoint the highest scoring qualified candidate (deemed by Admissions) that is on the slate (unranked alternate system) or the highest ranked (deemed by the MOC) qualified alternate (ranked alternate system).
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All of what has been said is excellent!
Adding just a touch. I worked on the board of a MOC that used the principal, 9 alternate method. Our senior senator at the time, a USNA graduate, also did this.
The way they submitted names was in order of THEIR preference: Principal, and then 1-9 in order to replace the Principal IF not found 3Q. Prep Schools didn't enter the equation as this is for direct entry.
I would "imagine" this is the process used by MOCs that use the principal nomination.
Steve
USAFA ALO
Adding just a touch. I worked on the board of a MOC that used the principal, 9 alternate method. Our senior senator at the time, a USNA graduate, also did this.
The way they submitted names was in order of THEIR preference: Principal, and then 1-9 in order to replace the Principal IF not found 3Q. Prep Schools didn't enter the equation as this is for direct entry.
I would "imagine" this is the process used by MOCs that use the principal nomination.
Steve
USAFA ALO
aranders75
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So if a candidate receives a principal nomination and is 3Q but just barely academically or just barely passes CFA, there is a chance they would be offered prep?
This is the case for DD. She just received a principal nom to USAFA (yay!) but she’s worried because she’s not had pre-calc and is still struggling with pull ups and pushups. I’m, by no means saying she didn’t earn every bit of that nom (she’s worked so hard to lose 55lbs to get where she is!) and her ACT scores show aptitude for applying math to higher level science. (ACT Reading 33, Science 29, Math 22) but she’s worried she will really struggle that first year and would perhaps prefer a prep school spot.
I hope this doesn’t sound like she’s ungrateful. She’d be extremely happy with a direct but also sees the benefits of her attending prep. I’m wondering if anyone has received an appointment requested to go to prep? Not that she would necessarily do that- I’m just curious.
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The SAs want cadets/mids to succeed. Therefore, if the candidate is 3Q (fully qualified academically, physically, medically) the SA will put them in the best position to succeed. If that means a year at prep school to beef up their academic chops, so be it. If prep school isn’t assigned, it means the SA is confident that the candidate will be fine. Perhaps not excel with flying colors, but successful due to strong effort, high focus and reliance on all the support available.
The SAs don’t typically assign prep school for physical deficiencies. It’s meant more for academic development.
The SAs don’t typically assign prep school for physical deficiencies. It’s meant more for academic development.
I am 100% positive that USMA does not offer prep to qualified candidates and 99% positive the other academies do it the same way. The admission's board determines if a candidate is academically qualified and i would suggest that a 22 in the math and not having any advanced math courses in high school is probably disqualifying. If she is not deemed qualified then she will be considered for prep and the principal nomination may help. It sounds like your daughter understands what she needs to improve and working towards her goals.
aranders75
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Yes she is. I failed to mention her SAT scores were 710 for reading and 600 for math.
She’s planning on taking a pre-calc course this spring so she can prepare herself but hasn’t taken one up to this point. And, of course, working everyday on those pushups and pull ups!!
Thank you for your insight.
They do. My son was 3Q and sent to prep. I have seen someone else got a LOA with similar stats as my son. He was missing leadership roles and we are in a very competitive region.
shock-n-awe
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My DS was a highly qualified candidate and received a Principal Nom to USMA. He had also applied to USAFA but did not receive a NOM. When he was at BEAST, the USAFA called our house offering DS a Falcon scholarship. I declined for him and explained he was already at the USMA.
So he may be that 1% you mentioned. But it can happen if the SA really wants a candidate.
Interesting…thank you for sharing. Fortunately, my son received an appointment to the academy. When I originally posted, I really was unsure what possibilities existed.
What if 3Q+LOA+Nom, but not principal Nom in the slate (someone else has Principal Nom), still has risk of no appointment ?
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3Q+LOA+Nom will bring an appointment regardless of someone else having the Principal Nom.
Be certain that you actually are 3Q though - USNA does not tell the candidate and do not assume it because of grades or scores.
aranders75
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So in this case, what happens to the Principal Nom? Does that mean an LOA trumps a Principal Nom? Especially if a MOC can only have 1 person per academy?
hopefulmama1218
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Does the LOA recipients from SAs mean that appointment are going to be charged to either the Superintendent or VP if the candidate is not PNom from MOC? Is this inclusive or exclusive of the 150 Merit based NWL candidates?
It’s at the discretion of the SA. They could charge to the NWL, or charge to one of the other categories.
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The 1 per academy (most years) is for people CHARGED to the MOC. In the case of one candidate with an LOA and another listed as Principal Nom, both will most likely get in and one (probably the LOA) will get charged to another "slot"
No. LOA won’t get principal usually because they already have LOa, MOc won’t waste the principal on LOA or Athletics who are USMA favorites. MOC’s goal is to secure as many appointments as possible for their district if they are qualified.