Where do LOA's come from?

mustlovedogs

5-Year Member
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Hi there!

I was wondering who decides which candidates get LOAs, more specifically, does the Admissions Officer for the region have any input? My Admissions Officer called me today and said that mine was on it's way! Thanks ahead of time for you input!:smile:
 
I am pretty sure they come from the admissions office. If you dont mind me asking, how long did it take to get that call after you submitted your app? Also, how were your test scores and extra-curriculars?
 
Hi there!

I was wondering who decides which candidates get LOAs, more specifically, does the Admissions Officer for the region have any input? My Admissions Officer called me today and said that mine was on it's way! Thanks ahead of time for you input!:smile:

First of all...congrats! This is awesome news. Make sure you do everything you need to do for your congressional nominations.

My DS got the call last week and we were told the letter will come as soon as the civilian employees came back yo work. Assuming that happened today so the LOA should be on its way.

I have no idea about criteria. They were very evasive about that line of questioning during CVW.
 
I am pretty sure they come from the admissions office. If you dont mind me asking, how long did it take to get that call after you submitted your app? Also, how were your test scores and extra-curriculars?

DS completed his app in early July. I think you'll find that test scores are varied. One posted he receive a LOA with a 26 ACT. Most seem around 30 or more.
 
From an answer by the admissions office to a post on the Naval Academy Admissions Facebook page...



the number of LOAs depends completely upon the quality of the candidates. There is no set amount given each year. If you do not get an LOA, you should not be worried. The vast majority of our incoming class does not receive an LOA.
 
DS's good friend and fellow AFJROTC member received his USNA LOA on Friday. Just needs the MOC nomination. He is thrilled and we are happy for him.
 
My DS just received his LOA to USNA today-very exciting news. Since he already has a Presidential nomination, does he still need to pursue MOC noms? He applied to all 3 members and has so far heard back from 2 to schedule interview. Should he respectfully decline or go through with them.
TIA for any guidance.
 
Nominations

Get as many nominations as possible. It gives the Academy more buckets to choose from to give the appointment. The only exception would be if the parent had a Medal of Honor.
 
My DS just received his LOA to USNA today-very exciting news. Since he already has a Presidential nomination, does he still need to pursue MOC noms? He applied to all 3 members and has so far heard back from 2 to schedule interview. Should he respectfully decline or go through with them.
TIA for any guidance.

Congrats! Very good news!
 
Get as many nominations as possible. It gives the Academy more buckets to choose from to give the appointment. The only exception would be if the parent had a Medal of Honor.

The academy is not going to award an LOA and ignore a nomination. If a candidate has an LOA in one hand and a nomination in the other (any nomination!), provided he has satisfactorily completed all other parts of the application process - they're in! I don't see how additional nominations change any of that from the candidate's perspective. I don't see the advantage. What - a presidential nomination is not sufficient?

Anything that is remotely time consuming in acquiring additional nominations after having already been awarded an LOA is a waste of time that could be better spent doing something else.
 
In the LOA my DS received the only box checked of the requirements he still needed to fulfill was his medical. He's already had optical and is going for medical & audio on Monday. The unchecked box for "nomination" indicates his Presidential nom satisfies that requirement.

He doesn't want to offend anyone by taking a pass on his MOC interviews, yet he doesn't want to waste their time by going through the motions if he already has a nom. So I am somewhat confused by the conflicting advice.
 
I'm in agreement with Memphis on this. There is no need to get an additional nom. I think the advise to pursue it anyway is an attempt to let the Academy choose which nom to use for your DS. In my opinion, besides the one nom being sufficient, no MOC in their "right mind" is going to waste a nom slot on someone with an LOA who already has a nom. So not only is it not necessary to pursue the MOC noms, it's a total waste of your DS's time.

I'm sure if he calls, or writes, explaining the situation, no one's feelings will be hurt. I rather expect they would be appreciative.
 
I am sort of in agreement with you kinnem & Memphis. I will have him make some calls & send emails explaining his situation. Believe me, he is beyond grateful to have such "problems".
Thanks for your guidance.
 
At this stage in the game, if all the paperwork has been completed and it isn't unreasonable (i.e. expenses, missing school time, etc.) I would say to continue your pursuit of nominations. While, your DS might not get the other nominations, I think the interview part is worthwhile...having to answer questions on the spot...something that will re-occur throughout one's career (civilian or military). Why waste all of the hard work of putting nomination packets together and not following through. Let the MOC decide NOT to nominate your DS...at least he can go in relaxed, knowing that if he interviews bad (and doesn't get a MOC nom), there is no real loss and maybe he improves his interviewing/professional skills.
 
At this stage in the game, if all the paperwork has been completed and it isn't unreasonable (i.e. expenses, missing school time, etc.) I would say to continue your pursuit of nominations. While, your DS might not get the other nominations, I think the interview part is worthwhile...having to answer questions on the spot...something that will re-occur throughout one's career (civilian or military). Why waste all of the hard work of putting nomination packets together and not following through. Let the MOC decide NOT to nominate your DS...at least he can go in relaxed, knowing that if he interviews bad (and doesn't get a MOC nom), there is no real loss and maybe he improves his interviewing/professional skills.

You raise a good point I hadn't considered. I expect interviews the rest of his life will feel pretty easy after that.
 
You raise a good point I hadn't considered. I expect interviews the rest of his life will feel pretty easy after that.

... as long as your son realizes that he's wasting the interviewer's time.

Is it really an interview if there is zero stress about whether you will get the "job" or not?

Your son is going to get plenty of opportunities to display his composure and communication skills while at the Naval Academy.
 
@hthp37

In regards to the question of whether you should go through with the MOC interviews or not when you already have a Presidential Nom .... I will tell you what the letters from my DS senators said...

"In the event you recieve a nomination from another source prior to your interview date please inform us immediately so as to give another candidate the opportunity to obtain a nomination. "

Hope that helps
 
Thanks mjm. He called admissions office this afternoon and was told he should interview with moc and try to get as many noms as possible. But I think that is more for their benefit than his.
I'll mention to him to check the moc websites for any info regarding other nominations and if they would like to be notified so as to put the ball back in their court.
He has State Championships he's prepping for the same week he has his interviews and his DODmerb physical. it would be nice to take one thing off the plate, but he'll handle whatever he has coming his way.
 
@hthp37

In regards to the question of whether you should go through with the MOC interviews or not when you already have a Presidential Nom .... I will tell you what the letters from my DS senators said...

"In the event you recieve a nomination from another source prior to your interview date please inform us immediately so as to give another candidate the opportunity to obtain a nomination. "

Hope that helps

Well I guess different Districts/States handle it differently. My DS was told by the 2 moc's he has interviews with, he should definitely come in. He was advised by our Senators office that it shows motivation. He is certainly motivated but we just needed clarification.

My advice to others in this situation would be to check with your MOC's before assuming anything.
 
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