Service Academies' VP Nomination

Another opportunity to earn a nomination to the Air Force, Naval or Military Academy

One nomination type that is available to "everyone" is the Vice-Presidential nomination. The application is initiated through a White House dedicated web page and the process is straightforward.

Let's discuss some more of the details.

• The nomination request (application) must be completed online by January 31 of the year you plan to enter the Academy. It typically includes a short essay.

• The VP 'sponsors' five cadets or midshipmen at each of the three large service academies – USAFA, USMA and USNA – over the four-year cycle. There is usually one vacancy for the Vice President each year and for every vacancy, 15 nominations are submitted for candidates across the U.S. and from outside the country, too.

• All students who are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for the Vice-Presidential nomination. Students who are U.S. citizens living outside of the United States and who have not maintained a U.S. home address are encouraged to apply for the VP nomination.

• A Vice Presidential service academy nomination does not require separate or additional recommendation letters; the recommendations submitted directly through your USMA, USNA and USAFA applications are sufficient. Supplemental evaluation materials and recommendations go directly to the respective service academies, rather than to the Vice President's office.

• Nominees are selected by USNA, USAFA and USMA Admissions directly. That is the main reason why the online application is fairly 'thin' since each academy already has all of your details from your academy application. In fact, the Vice President's office is not involved in the nomination process.

• The Vice Presidential nominations are designated in late February and early March.

With all of these facts in mind, I would like to add some other thoughts.

First, this nomination is extremely difficult to earn. However, I recommend that student apply for the nomination. Like David Bowie once noted, "You can't win a race you never enter." It's easy . . . so just submit it!

As you might anticipate, the service academies award the nominations to exceptionally qualified students that have somehow missed earning a nomination for their particular school (USMA, USAFA or USNA). The nomination typically leads directly to an appointment as each candidate possesses a very high Whole Person Score (or Whole Candidate Score / Whole Person Multiple).

Every candidate for the Naval, Air Force and Military Academy should apply for the Vice-President's nomination. It is due on Janaury 31, and it's straightforward. Enter the race and give yourself a chance to win!

[I would welcome a chance to discuss details with you. I offer coaching services to pace and prepare you (and your parents!) for the entire Academy application process . . . including applying for the VP nomination! Contact me at chris@cbbrechin.com and/or 503.515.7406 -- my contact form is here]