Not offered a LOA?

Candidate2239

5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 29, 2010
Messages
11
Hi guys,

I completed my Personal Data Record to complete my file on Sept. 13. Is there another wave of LOAs coming anytime soon?

I completed my USMA application after USNA and got an LOA to WP last week. I'm surprised because I went to the Naval SS(got ranked well), already had my USNA interview, and felt strong about my application.

It's worrying because my only option is congressional nominations...

For those who received a NA LOA: When did you complete your application?

Thanks!
 
Hi guys,

I completed my Personal Data Record to complete my file on Sept. 13. Is there another wave of LOAs coming anytime soon?

I completed my USMA application after USNA and got an LOA to WP last week. I'm surprised because I went to the Naval SS(got ranked well), already had my USNA interview, and felt strong about my application.

It's worrying because my only option is congressional nominations...

For those who received a NA LOA: When did you complete your application?

Thanks!

Dont worry, if your file is strong, then you'll be nominated as primary, and get in through that. Your goal is an appointment, not a LOA.
My file, everything, Dodmerb and all, was complete by Aug. 1. I went to NASS and was ranked 2 if not 1. I didnt receive an LOA until Oct. 4.
LOAs are given out as late as February? (correct me if I'm wrong) Admissions Boards meet two Thursdays a month in FL.
But by then, you'll most likely have your MOC interviews, so you'll just receive an appointment if found qualified.
Just remember that a LOA is just a piece of paper; the appointment is the good blue folder :thumb:
 
Do the math; most noms come from the House side. LOA's will start to wane after the first of the year when Admissions knows who has a nom and can skip the LOA and go directly to an offer of appointment. The LOA is exactly what it says: an assurance - a piece of paper that tells a candidate that Admissions wants you and more will follow if you get your nom, complete your CFA, or pass your medical. I have never heard of a limit on the number of LOA's that will be granted, but the practical limit is the number of vacancies in the class that is being formed. An LOA is not an automatic result of completing your packet or being 3Q'd; it is extended to those candidates whose packet has impressed Admissions as being someone they want.

I know this seems rather blunt and maybe simplistic, but I get the impression that many candidates are under the impression that the selection process is on autopilot - it isn't. There are as many variations as there are candidates.

Best wishes to all of you. Do your best and you don't have to make excuses to anyone, including yourself.
 
I have 2 sons at USNA. Neither had a LOA. They were not recruited athletes nor are we a military family, or a minority. Keep your eyes on the prize: a nomination and an acceptance letter. Best of luck.
 
candidateElias15 and candidate2239 - How did you know what you were ranked at NASS?
 
My son had two friends at NASS, both of whom were told by their SL's that they were ranked number 1 in the squad and that it would go on their record. This was last summer (2009). Neither of my sons were told anything about their rank when they went (2009 and 2010) so they took that to mean that evidently they weren't #1 in the squad! :wink:
 
candidateElias15 and candidate2239 - How did you know what you were ranked at NASS?

When I read somewhere on this forum that we were ranked, and a "commentary" was made for us at NASS that goes into the candidates file, just how at West Point SLS, the interview took place of the ALO interview.
I just asked my Mid 3C (who I added on facebook), and she told me she ranked me first. I didnt think it was any relevant information until the guy who made this thread posted that.
 
Dont worry, if your file is strong, then you'll be nominated as primary, and get in through that. :

This is completely false and misleading to applicants!! I am flabbergasted that a current candidate (I am presuming from the screen name) would offer totally untrue advice as though they were some kind of expert!:thumbdown:

The "strength" of your file has absolutely NOTHING to do with the method of nomination your Congressman presents his or her slate of nominees. In fact, the primary or principle method, is not the most common method of presenting a slate of nominees. Elias, I strongly suggest you do not offer advice until you have some earthly idea how the process works!
 
^^^

Although I am a candidate my self I know that to be very true!

As I have been told by USNA staff that most appointed candidates will NOT get a LOA and the best thing to do is make sure you are 3Qd and have a nomination. That puts you in a pool from which appointments are given.
 
3Q'd Question

Hello All,

I too am an applicant for the USNA class of 2015. This may sound silly, but how do I know if I am 3Q'd? So far I have received letters stating that I am both Medically and Scholastically qualified. Does the CFA (Physical) portion fall into the Scholastically qualified category?

By the way, what do "DS" and "DD" stand for? I have been trying to make some sense out of it but have come to no logical conclusion.

Thanks in advance for the help.
 
This is completely false and misleading to applicants!! I am flabbergasted that a current candidate (I am presuming from the screen name) would offer totally untrue advice as though they were some kind of expert!:thumbdown:

The "strength" of your file has absolutely NOTHING to do with the method of nomination your Congressman presents his or her slate of nominees. In fact, the primary or principle method, is not the most common method of presenting a slate of nominees. Elias, I strongly suggest you do not offer advice until you have some earthly idea how the process works!

Is it not true that if you're nominated as primary, and assuming you have a strong file (3Q'd), that you're in by law?
Thats all I was meaning to imply, thats what I read here, http://www.west-point.org/academy/malo-wa/educators/noms.html.
I meant no harm, and I'm sorry if I was wrong, but by no means was I impersonating an expert, which is why I have such a screen name. :redface:
 
Gatchman54: It sounds to me like you are. As long as you didn't recieve a letter in the mail saying you failed the CFA then I think you are good. DS and DD stand for Dear Daughter and Dear Son.
 
Does the CFA (Physical) portion fall into the Scholastically qualified category?
The pass/fail portion of the CFA is actually one of the three qualifications of 3Qed. How well or how poorly you did may affect your overall scholastically qualified grade/ranking.
 
Is it not true that if you're nominated as primary, and assuming you have a strong file (3Q'd), that you're in by law?
Thats all I was meaning to imply, thats what I read here, http://www.west-point.org/academy/malo-wa/educators/noms.html.
I meant no harm, and I'm sorry if I was wrong, but by no means was I impersonating an expert, which is why I have such a screen name. :redface:
Elias, I think jenny mistakingly assumed that when you used the term 'primary' that you meant to use the term 'principal' and obviously you didn't. You are correct. If your file is so strong that you obtain the main/top/ number 1/primary/etc nomination, and you are also medically and physically qualified, you are in. 'Principal' is the term used for the top candidate when the MOC tells the Academy which specific individual that he wishes to attend. There is no term for the number one candidate on a competitive list and consequently no term for the overall number one candidate. 'Primary' is as good as any. Confusing enough to even the 'experts' such as jenny.
 
I think Jenny and Mongo are zeroing in on the truth here, and Elias is learning that unlike a past president who chose to off-track and distract from the real issue by suggesting ..."depends on the meaning of 'is' ..." , indeed with that info and a PRINCIPAL nomination ...or is it "principle?":confused::rolleyes::wink::bang: But let me split one more hair to edify this ...

Correctly, given these circumstances, an APPOINTMENT is offered. But one is not "in." For any of several rare but real circumstances ...flunking, bad behavior, immorality, felonies, drug/alcohol use, injuries, etc. ...Appointments can be and have been rescinded. Quibbling, but about a most important hair in need of splitting, might we agree?:eek::thumb:

None are "in" prior to swearing in at I Day.:eek::thumb::shake:
 
Last edited:
Gatchman 54-

On your CIS page it will tell you if and when you passed your CFA. It will give you your exact date.
 
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