<p>Hello all, I’m currently a high school junior and I know that MOC and Senators don’t even begin accepting applications for a nomination until early senior year but I was just wondering if I should go ahead and start writing them anyways. From what I’ve read this seems to be the recomended thing to do. But is it too early? and what exactly should I write in the letter to them?</p>
<p>“Hi my name is… I’m from…I’m a junior…interested in USMA…just want to let you know who I am so you’re familiar with me when I begin the application process…” ???</p>
<p>something along these lines? Seems kinda generic to me and almost like they would just say “whats the point of this? you and a thousand others.” if the actual MOC or Senator even reads it themselves. How formal should it be? How often should I write before the nom process? I’de like to get some letters off by the end of the week, any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance</p>
<p>Personally I never did that but it doesnt seem like a bad idea. They always say its good to familiarize yourself with the staff at these places, get your name out. The staff are happy to read your letters, I say go for it in a semi-formal matter. I wouldnt be suprised if they keep all of your correspondence so i wouldnt exactly say Whatsup or anything. But good luck, good to hear you’re starting so early.</p>
<p>yes i used that same exact letter (the one on the usma website) and sent it in to my people here in CA. i lived in nevada junior year so i was able to drive to their actual office and pick up the application packages. i went at the end of feb/beg. of march. i wanted to be the first to get one and send it back. i sent my app back before the end of april. trust me the actual senator/ congressperson wont actually read every single letter. they have MUCH more important things to do than read letters from us.</p>
<p>The letter on the website you all are talking about, is the form actually used to start the Congressional nomination process though correct? I was talking about a letter just to get acquainted with the MOC and his staff/comitee to let them know who I am so they are already familiar with me before the process begins and to show them the initiative I’m taking to take care of things early and trying to get on top of things. Just a personal letter of some sort. But I will fill the other letter/form out soon and try to do what sparkleandshine did.</p>
<p>The Congressman/Senator usually has an administrative assistant that handles all of the nomination paperwork. You can certainly give them a call, and get acquainted with them. The letter you posted is similar to the one that you can access on your candidate login site once you have filled out the precandidiate questionaire for SLS. In some cases the nomination material required by a MOC is available online, and the initial letter is not necessary. </p>
<p>As a matter of fact, you may not even meet the MOC. The Aide will handle much of the logistical work and there will often be a nominating committee. The MOC’s likely will not even be part of the interview process.</p>
<p>In about april i requested an application which I had completed by mid august. You are not going to be able to send it in much sooner because they require a 6 semester transcript…meaning all of junior year.</p>
<p>Edit:Yes OP the sample letter on their website is the letter I sent. Actually if you wait for your password and candidate number than you can print letters with all your info and the senator’s info. Kinda cool thing I found out like yesterday on the candidate’s website</p>
<p>i sent my application package in april/mayish. i wanted to get it in asap… maybe some special attention… you can always send in a 6th semster transcript once you get it.</p>
<p>Just wanted to pass along a few suggestions. Our state Senator and MOC applications required a wallet size photo be sent with the completed application packet. Since his “Senior Pictures” were not scheduled until late summer, I had an independent photographer take a basic head shot and had my order (8 wallets) in one week. Plan ahead.
My son also sent letters out to his counselor, teachers, employer, pastors, coaches, etc. requesting letters of recomendation in July. He included a self addressed stamped envelope asking them to send it to our home. This allowed him to make a copy for his personal file and send the letters with his Application Packet. Give your writers a deadline…“Although the deadline in in October, I have given myself a deadline of August 15, 200X. I have enclosed a S.A.S.E. for you convenience so that I can include your letter in my Application Packet.” Also, ask that they include your FULL name and social security number in case it gets separated from your packet.<br>
Because my son had EVERYTHING complete before the end of Oct, he was offered an early Appointment. Best wishes to the class of 2011!!!</p>
<p>I’m afraid I wasn’t as organized as momof3boyz son was, but I did send in about four “Hello, my name is…” letters, one for each year of high school. If you don’t watch out they can become generic, but the important thing is to put your heart, soul, and motivation into it. I don’t know whether it had any affect on my application, but I did get 2 nominations (Representative and Senator). The best way to ensure that it gets into the hands of the right people is to include it with some of your actual paperwork. At that point you will have a file opened where they can keep it.</p>