If I'm applying to the Naval Academy, do I need to secure a nomination from someone local, or can it be from any eligible nominating source? Anyone who's gone through this process?
For U.S. Naval Academy nominations, you have multiple options that aren't necessarily localized. Nominations can come from various sources including your local U.S. Representative, both of your U.S. Senators, or the Vice President of the United States. These nominations don't hinge on your location beyond your state of residence.
But, do remember that for the U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators, they need to represent your home state. It's also important to note that receiving a nomination does not guarantee admission to the academy, as it's merely a part of the application process. The Academy itself makes the final decision based on the whole of your application.
Also worth noting is the fact that certain candidates don't necessarily need a nomination. Examples include children of Medal of Honor recipients or children of military personnel who died in combat.
So, in short, while some of the nominations are localized to your state, not all of them are, and there may be options available to you that don't require a nomination at all. To ensure you understand all of your options, I recommend you reach out to the admissions office of the U.S. Naval Academy or check their website for detailed information.
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