<p>Anyone have any gouge on how competitive this district (Lamar Smith) is/how many slots are available for this year (for USNA)?</p>
<p>Don’t know the number of slots, but competition can vary from year to year.</p>
<p>Your best bet is to send in your request and stay on top of them.</p>
<p>Members of Congress (MOCs) can each have 5 students at USNA at any given time. Thus, most years, MOCs only have one slot. Rarely, they have 2. You’d think the 2nd slot would come up at least once every 5 years, but for a bunch of complicated reasons, it doesn’t always work that way. So, count on 1.</p>
<p>However, it’s critical to understand that, if you are one of the 10 folks nominated for that slot, you go into a pool from which you may receive a nom from another source (such as SecNav). Some MOCs prioritize their list of 10 – most don’t. If they do prioritize, USNA must take qualified folks in that order. </p>
<p>Texas is one of the more competitive states (along w/CA, PA, VA, MD, and FL), especially in areas near military bases. However, TX also has a good number of students at USNA. </p>
<p>As Zaphod said, it’s important to make your packet exceptional and most important to get it in on time (even early if you can do it). Tardiness is an easy way for MOCs to eliminate candidates for reasons other than merit.</p>
<p>Also, be sure to apply to your Senators. I know in a large state such as TX, you may think you have no chance. BUT . . . first, you never know and, second, USNA likes to see people applying for all the noms for which they are eligible. Don’t forget the VP – I know of someone who got one of the VP noms this year, so those 5 do go to someone.</p>