Maryland nomination interviews

efp2014 · 10-19-2009, 03:39 PM

Does anyone know what the interviews for a nomination are like? I am most interested in the state of Maryland

efp2014 · 10-19-2009, 05:16 PM

Or any state. What is a nomination interview like?

FaithfulMom · 10-19-2009, 05:58 PM

Go to United States of America Service Academy Forums - Powered by vBulletin
Select the "Nominations" discussion and then do a search for "interviews". I have found that there are numerous threads/posts with helpful tips, including the following very helpful post by "flieger83":

"Hi!

Okay...I can speak very specifically on this topic for at least my state and precisely for my congressman.

If there is an interview, expect to be one of MANY! Most likely it'll be at the local office of your MOC. You will probably be dealing with his Director of Constituent Services, or like title. This person works personally with/for the MOC so when you speak with them, think as if you're speaking directly to the MOC.

Dress...like you've heard from others here...a suit is NOT inappropriate. This is a job interview. You are there to convince the board that you are THE student that they want to tell the MOC that he/she absolutely MUST nominate to the academy! If you don't have a suit, or a sports coat, then at a minimum (my personal opinion) a NICE pair of PRESSED slacks, a pressed dress shirt, and a nice tie (and make sure it goes down to your belt; not only halfway down the shirt.

Questions you're bound to be asked...

a. WHY are you seeking this nomination?
b. WHY are you better than ALL those other young men and women you saw in the lobby with you?
c. Is that attitude confidence or arrogance? Can you explain the difference?
d. Tell me about a time you failed at something? What was it, why did you fail, what did you learn from it?
1. Failure is NOT striking out in the bottom of the 9th with a runner on third in the state championship game
2. Failure is NOT getting an "F" in a class that is for "UBER" intelligent people and where you busted your butt all semester.
(Are you getting the idea of what I mean by failure?)
e. What happens if you do NOT receive this nomination and therefore, are not able to attend the academy? What's your backup plan?
f. Have you applied to ROTC for a scholarship?

These are just a few of the MANY questions that I'd be able to answer. I'd also be able to speak intelligently on the events of the day, newsworthy items, etc.

Now...why do I put all these varied questions out for your consideration?

Maybe I've seen/heard/asked them?

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

NOMINATION BOARD CHAIRMAN FOR MY MOC"

efp2014 · 10-21-2009, 12:28 AM

thank you! I appreciate all your information.

Luigi59 · 10-21-2009, 08:09 AM

Not all Congressmen in MD will conduct interviews with candidates, some give nominations on the basis of the application and/or resume submitted to their office.

However, both Senator Mikulski and Senator Cardin use volunteer panels to interview candidates, but not all candidates will be selected for an interview.

jscam87 · 10-21-2009, 02:38 PM

It may help if you look at it as a job interview. You are potentially obligating yourself for the next 9+ years. Looking at it in that manner, an interviewer would expect a high degree of research to be done beforehand. As most of these interviews are done by "panels", there is no real way to get the inside info on what they are going to ask. Even they don't know what questions the others will bring. Walking in with the "big picture" is a much better way to handle the interview. Research some common questions found at the "Service Academy Forum" website. Also try Service Academy Admissions - Welcome . You will notice that many questions are general like "current events". You may get a question about Iraq of Afghanistan. Since you could be sent there in about 5 years, it is a pretty relevant question. Also, nobody knows what will be the current event topic the week of your interview. Today the President has not committed troops. When you interview, he may have sent some, but not in the numbers requested. See how things have to be general? If you understand the mission of the Service that you are applying to, and can show (not just tell) how you would be an asset to that mission, you will have 9 out of 10 of the interviewees beaten already.
Good Luck!