Stats of Applicant Who Received an LOA

All I have to say is that on paper I am probably an average candidate in most areas, some would even say I don't deserve my LOA, but that is not true. USMA uses the "whole person" approach and my leadership, community service, and community engagement really helped my application.
 
Sledge said:
That's not what it "simply means" at all. It's a political decision to increase female representation. It's not a secret.

And the Army is ~14% female, yet USMA is trying desperately to get 25% (or more) females per class. So, it's not representative. They'll tell you it's because they expect the percentage of enlisted females to increase to 25% in coming years. And they expect it because it's a quota too, not a natural accession nor a warfighting necessity.
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Spot on correct.
 
I have a feeling that the timing one completed the online application may also have to do with LOAs. A friend of my son who attends same school (non URM, male, not recruited athlete) and had same ACT score (99th %ile) finished his application at the end of August and received LOA in October. My son finished online application mid September. No LOA. Similar GPAs , class rank and rigorous courses as friend. Friend had not completed CFA prior to the LOA either. Son was just accepted to top Ivy League school so we figure he has to be in same range as other LOA candidates who were academic qualifiers.
 
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Stemmom said:
I have a feeling that the timing one completed the online application may also have to do with LOAs.
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The operative word here is MAY. The LOA, as well as the selection process, is a mystery...that's a given. There have been those whose academics were superior to those that have received LOA's that did not receive one nor were they appointed. Then there were those whose ACT's, class rank, GPA's (which don't count for that much), etc. were were not as strong as those that were receipts also get one and were appointed.

Timing....perhaps...but remember that that there's that whole other 40% of the resume that also comes into play and USNA often sees things in candidates that us mere mortals do not. Trying to determine the how and the why or the algorithm they use will drive to the edge.

They've been doing this for an awful long time and all you can do is trust the process and system. They usually get it just right.
 
Sydney C. said:
The operative word here is MAY. The LOA, as well as the selection process, is a mystery...that's a given. There have been those whose academics were superior to those that have received LOA's that did not receive one nor were they appointed. Then there were those whose ACT's, class rank, GPA's (which don't count for that much), etc. were were not as strong as those that were receipts also get one and were appointed.

Timing....perhaps...but remember that that there's that whole other 40% of the resume that also comes into play and USNA often sees things in candidates that us mere mortals do not. Trying to determine the how and the why or the algorithm they use will drive to the edge.

They've been doing this for an awful long time and all you can do is trust the process and system. They usually get it just right.
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I was responding to the USMA LOA not Navy. Not sure how that process works. We were told at SLE that for USMA one category for LOA was academics especially an SAT or ACT in the 99th%ile - as was explained at the parent meeting- was one consideration that triggers an LOA. In this instance, two equal candidates on paper in that area the only difference was timing of submission of part one online application. Yes, I intentionally used the word "may" as it is speculation. ;-)
 
I literally finished my whole application and then about 2 days after, I got my LOA in the mail. Pretty sure it is because I'm a diversity candidate and they even invited me to an all expenses paid trip to visit west point on a diversity visit.
 
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