LOA consideration is not the only benefit of completing your file early.
Other benefits:
- it shows your RC and FFR that you are a dedicated and determined candidate
- medical waivers will not be requested unless your file is complete
- you're more likely to get an authorization for a CFA retest if test was failed
- there are some issues that arise in a file review that take time to resolve - like citizenship verification, risk review, and legal or discipline problems -to name a few
- one thing that you may not have thought about is the impact that early file completion has on the MOCs. If your file is complete, it then can move to the next step which is to be Qualified. Being Qualified before you go to your MOC interview sends a message to the MOC that you are a 'no risk' to nominate because WP has already Qualified you. Noms are wasted on candidates who are not Qualified. Therefore, MOCs like knowing this kind of info before they make their slates.
The Qualifying process takes several weeks (and takes longer the later you wait due to increasing file volume), so you want your file complete in time to be Qualified before any MOC interviews!
From our former RC:
The best candidates tend to complete their files early because they ARE the best candidates. They complete everything in their life early and can manage the numerous activities going on in their life. They have established relationships with their teachers and school administrators and know how to work through the high school bureaucracy that stymies other candidates. They are motivated and West Point is their first choice.
I think that speaks volumes!
Early file completion is something that RCs consistently emphasize.
So - if you don't get a LOA, you have not 'wasted' your time getting your file completed during the summer.