LOA

J

jennifer8490

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2011
Messages
14
When does a person receive a LOA during the application process. And how does he or she get one?
 
LOA usually are awarded to very outstanding candidate, usually ones with amazing SAT/ACT scores and class rank. Some receive them as early as late July. However, as much as a LOA sounds, the ultimate goal is to be recognized to earn an appointment.
 
I contacted my RC about LOAs earlier since I've finished my file and I'm anxious to know when the first LOAs go out and he informed me that the first LOAs will probably not go out until late August and then the majority will be sent in September and October. WAITING IS TERRIBLE!!!!!
 
USMA2016 said:
I contacted my RC about LOAs earlier since I've finished my file and I'm anxious to know when the first LOAs go out and he informed me that the first LOAs will probably not go out until late August and then the majority will be sent in September and October. WAITING IS TERRIBLE!!!!!
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If you think that the waiting for the LOA is terrible imagine those who don't get LOAs who have to wait until March and even April to receive their appointments, or their letters of denial. Its mind boggling:eek:
 
SaltLife said:
If you think that the waiting for the LOA is terrible imagine those who don't get LOAs who have to wait until March and even April to receive their appointments, or their letters of denial. Its mind boggling:eek:
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Not quite true. My cadet did not receive an LOA. He did, however, receive his nomination and appointment long before another cadet at his school who had an LOA and had not bothered to apply to any backup colleges. When the cadet finally heard, it was well up into spring and panic had set in.
 
In my humble opinion: there is entirely too much emphasis here on receiving an LOA.
 
mom3boys said:
In my humble opinion: there is entirely too much emphasis here on receiving an LOA.
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Having just look out at 1250 "New Cadets" on the plain I can tell you they all look the same. Whether they received a LOA early or an appointment at the last minute from the wait list.

You fight to be improve your score, become qualified and obtain a nomination, not an LOA. That's the path to an appointment.

And if you get an LOA it's a plus, but it's not in your control.

It does not hurt to try to understand what an LOA is, how the noms work with one, etc. But given that so few (8-15% on average) appointees will receive one just realize it's the exception rather than the rule.

I'm just a dad with a new cadet in CBT, but from observation it appears that LOA's mainly go to one of the following:

  • Recruited Athlete in some form
  • Candidate from under represented district
  • Candidate with very high academic performance

The odds are if you are in one of these buckets you'll know it. IE: If you would be in the running or not.

Note: only admissions & the board know when/why they give letters... the above is just observation based on the 2014/2015 process. It may change, there may be other reasons, etc.

And even if you fall in one of the categories above, your actions need to be the same:
  • Fight to improve your SAT
  • Fight to improve/max as many CFA sections as you can
  • Maintain / Improve your grades
  • Get your recommendation letters, CAR, etc underway, don't wait
  • Schedule your medical as soon as you get the letter, it will take longer if you wait
  • Look up your nom sources and understand their process
  • Get ahead of your essays
  • Use your malo as a sounding board on the above, look for ways to improve your file
  • Develop a backup plan- Every year there are appointees who do not get to go for various reasons

The items above are in your control and are what you need to be focused on. Not LOA's, as attractive and elusive as they are! And by the way, most of the steps above will also help increase your competitiveness, which can only help the odds for an LOA!
 
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