<p>Yes, a NASS application takes the place of a preliminary application.</p>
<p>I don’t know of a separate “closing date” for the Preliminary app versus the overall application. </p>
<p>Benefits to applying sooner rather than later:
- Once your preliminary application is in, you can be assigned a candidate number (if qualified), which will allow you to fill out the “final” application sooner. My dd finished everything for USNA last summer, so she could laugh while classmates were sweating deadlines and hoping that the counselors and teachers would really finish their recommendations on time.
- Once your “final” application materials are at least 50% complete, you can (if assigned a candidate number) start the DoDMERB process. Believe me, this can take longer than anything, if you have to do remedials and wait for waivers.
- Putting in your application early MAY have a benefit with MOCs and USNA by showing a high level of desire and organization. If SAT/ACT scores are the only reason you’re hesitant to apply early, remember that you can take each test as many times as necessary to get what you feel is your best possible score in each section.</p>
<p>Be sure to check in with your with your MOCs soon. All of our MOCs deadlines were months earlier than the USNA deadline, so now is not too early to contact them. Each of our MOCs has a POC who coordinates the Academy nomination process. They can provide you with their deadlines, their application packets, and all you need to know about applying for a nomination.</p>