Loa consideration

[Armyhopeful]

Hi everyone,

So I am basically done with my west point application except for one teacher recommendation. I know that west point goes by rolling admissions so will I have to wait until September to even have my application considered? Or will west point use what they have so far to evaluate me? I definitely don't want one teacher recommendation to change me from having my file done by July 11 to one done during September.

Also did anyone else get a notification about loas being handed out no earlier than October this year? Thanks

[scoutpilot]

Sigh. It is way too early for the LOA-chasing to begin.

[SA2017]

Originally Posted by scoutpilot

Sigh. It is way too early for the LOA-chasing to begin.

scoutpilot, that's easy to say when you're not the one chasing one!

[scoutpilot]

Originally Posted by SA2017

scoutpilot, that's easy to say when you're not the one chasing one!

Been there. Done that.

While your enthusiasm is commendable, you will likely not receive one. They are getting rarer by design. Focus on your overall application first. Then a nomination. LOAs are a sucker bet. Worry about the ol' fashioned way and it'll all work out.

[SA2017]

@sp
yes i know they are getting rarer. My issue (and probably others) is that I live in a very competitive area; my three MOCs will only give you a nomination to ONE service academy and do NOT duplicate noms, and I am applying to 2 (or maybe 3). I have to turn in my nomination packet in November with a request for which SA I am wanting a nomination for but I have no way of knowing which one I will get into. I went to two SA summer leaders progams and honeslty would be VERY (!!!!) happy in either service. However, without an idea of which one I can get into I have no clue which SA to request a nomination for. So yes, I very much would love a LOA so I can request a nomination for that SA. (my fear is I get a nomination to one and get in another). It is easy to tell every one to chillax when its not you. Thats all im saying. No offense.

[scoutpilot]

Originally Posted by SA2017

@sp
yes i know they are getting rarer. My issue (and probably others) is that I live in a very competitive area; my three MOCs will only give you a nomination to ONE service academy and do NOT duplicate noms, and I am applying to 2 (or maybe 3). I have to turn in my nomination packet in November with a request for which SA I am wanting a nomination for but I have no way of knowing which one I will get into. I went to two SA summer leaders progams and honeslty would be VERY (!!!!) happy in either service. However, without an idea of which one I can get into I have no clue which SA to request a nomination for. So yes, I very much would love a LOA so I can request a nomination for that SA. (my fear is I get a nomination to one and get in another). It is easy to tell every one to chillax when its not you. Thats all im saying. No offense.

Well, I think between now and then you need to do some soul-searching on which one you think you want to go to more. Figure it out. Make a plan. Get your name in for that nom EARLY.

[debcst]

Originally Posted by Armyhopeful

Hi everyone,

So I am basically done with my west point application except for one teacher recommendation. I know that west point goes by rolling admissions so will I have to wait until September to even have my application considered? Or will west point use what they have so far to evaluate me? I definitely don't want one teacher recommendation to change me from having my file done by July 11 to one done during September.

Also did anyone else get a notification about loas being handed out no earlier than October this year? Thanks

Last year there were certain application requirements to be considered for an LOA. The file did not need to be complete. Maybe someone on here who is involved with admissions can share the information about which items must be in.

[BigNick]

I agree that the path to a WP offer is not necessarily the LOA route. However, the LOA is a great advantage. In effect, the LOA reserves a slot for the recepient pending some conditions (possibly nomination, passing physical etc). The advantage of an LOA is that WP is now "chasing you" rather than you chasing WP.

I realize that LOAs are getting more and more difficult to get but my son (Class of 2015) got an LOA in July so early LOAs are possible. ArmyHopeful, you did the smart thing in getting your file completed early - it is a great advantage.

Another advantage - if you get an LOA, WP will find you a nomination.

Work for the LOA - ask the Regional Admissions officer what you need to do to get an LOA. If you do not get one - no problem -keep working to improve your file.

[SA2017]

Originally Posted by BigNick

ask the Regional Admissions officer what you need to do to get an LOA.

I finished my application completely and wanted to email my Regional Admissions officer to ask what I need to do to get an LOA but I was concerned that it would be presumptuous or arrogant and considered a negative. Any thoughts?

[Art.Perea]

Originally Posted by SA2017

I finished my application completely and wanted to email my Regional Admissions officer to ask what I need to do to get an LOA but I was concerned that it would be presumptuous or arrogant and considered a negative. Any thoughts?

I have been in contact with my liaison officer for a few months now and I, very politely, asked if he would consider me for an LOA. Obviously he didn't give me a straight answer, but I think if you talk to them and ask it shows that you really want to get in.