<p>The nomination process differs from MOC to MOC. They have different philosophies about LOA’s, multiple noms, interviews etc… In many areas it is rare to get a double let alone triple nom, to one or multiple SA’s. In some states senators get thousands of apps and interview the top 20. Odds are slim of getting one of those. Your most likely MOC nom is the smaller pool of your representative. Most reps get between 10-75 applications (again, depending on area). A rep could give more than one nom to 2 different SA’s, if they philosophically agree to that. Rarely will they give a nom to 3 SA’s. Again, every MOC has their own way of dealing with it so your area could be different. Consider talking to your MOC’s staffer. They probably are easy to get hold of and my experience is they are willing to talk. </p>
<p>I recommend you consider if you have a preferred SA. If you don’t have a preference, research the mission of each branch of the military, not their respective SA’s. You are at the SA for four years, you are active in that service a minimum of 5. Talk to some people currently serving (both enlisted and officers). A SA is an awesome opportunity, but if you realize part way through that you would fit better in a different branch of the military you have a problem. </p>
<p>Nomination committees can also be considerably different from MOC to MOC. Some MOC’s don’t have a committee. Some don’t interview. Some interview by phone. Some have 3 people on the committee and some have 15. I suspect that if a committee were looking at an individual who wants to go to ANY SA, they may ask questions to find out if you had researched them or just want a “free education”. Typically researching them will result in you finding that at least one of them is of less interest. </p>
<p>Another thought - by not ranking SA’s you are asking the committee to decide which is the better SA for you, which they may not be willing to do. You should be able to rank them. Doesn’t mean you will get a nom to your 1st choice, but by saying you have a first choice you are saying you have done research and you know yourself – there are significant differences in the branches of the military. One may be a great fit for you while another is a horrible fit for you. </p>
<p>These are tough decisions – very tough – but there is no one more qualified than you to make them. Getting in to the SA is only step one. </p>
<p>That is just my 2 cents worth.</p>