Extra recommendation letters?
- Thread starter viennam01
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2018midmom
5-Year Member
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- Nov 26, 2013
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Call your admissions counselor and ask but I do not think they accept extra recommendations.
I would follow whatever instructions are provided with this year's application on this subject. Things might change from year to year, but the general discussion on past forums is that sending in additional letters of recommendations when there is no compelling reason, probably won't be of any help in your application.
The Academy chooses specific people who can objectively evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Having several other people write glowing letters (which is what I assume these extra individuals would do) probably isn't what they are looking for.
The Academy chooses specific people who can objectively evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Having several other people write glowing letters (which is what I assume these extra individuals would do) probably isn't what they are looking for.
falconchic88
10-Year Member
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- Aug 28, 2009
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USAFA takes up to 3 additional recommendation letters, But as far as I know (and DD2 is my 3rd child to go thru the process) USNA does not take any other than the ones they specifically ask for in the application, (Math and English teacher of your Jr or Sr year)
Your MOCs will also ask for some type of recommendation letter, that may be what they were referring to during NASS.
Your MOCs will also ask for some type of recommendation letter, that may be what they were referring to during NASS.
usna1985
15-Year Member
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- Jun 9, 2006
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Historically, USNA has accepted additional letters of rec but, unless they meet certain parameters, they are useless.
They are helpful if they cover a part of your life that cannot be covered by your teachers or BGO or by the other information you submit. Some examples . . .
You must work during the school year (e.g., to support your family) and thus don't participate in sports/ECAs -- a letter from your employer would be helpful. This does NOT apply to those who work summer jobs or work a few hours per week during the school year.
All of your ECAs are outside of school -- e.g., your church. Here, a letter from your religious leader might be helpful to describe what you do. This does NOT apply to someone who is very active in school and also in scouting or some other ECA outside of school.
Things that really don't help -- family friendd (including military officers and politicians) who say you are a great human being who would be a great mid/officer. Additional letters from teachers, club advisors, employers, friends, relatives or others who will simply reiterate the comments of your Engllish/mah teachers don't help at all -- and won't overcome weak recs from these mandatory recommenders.
USNA receives tens of thousands of applications. If each candidate submitted only one extra rec, that would mean 10,000+ recs to read. In the overwhelming majority of cases, they will not help at all. You might check with your BGO regarding your specific circumstances.
They are helpful if they cover a part of your life that cannot be covered by your teachers or BGO or by the other information you submit. Some examples . . .
You must work during the school year (e.g., to support your family) and thus don't participate in sports/ECAs -- a letter from your employer would be helpful. This does NOT apply to those who work summer jobs or work a few hours per week during the school year.
All of your ECAs are outside of school -- e.g., your church. Here, a letter from your religious leader might be helpful to describe what you do. This does NOT apply to someone who is very active in school and also in scouting or some other ECA outside of school.
Things that really don't help -- family friendd (including military officers and politicians) who say you are a great human being who would be a great mid/officer. Additional letters from teachers, club advisors, employers, friends, relatives or others who will simply reiterate the comments of your Engllish/mah teachers don't help at all -- and won't overcome weak recs from these mandatory recommenders.
USNA receives tens of thousands of applications. If each candidate submitted only one extra rec, that would mean 10,000+ recs to read. In the overwhelming majority of cases, they will not help at all. You might check with your BGO regarding your specific circumstances.