LOA Questions

[BigNick]

Answer to a few of the questions above:

You must have an outstanding record to even be considered for a LOA. The best of these outstanding records are given LOA'a. There is not a "formula" - these decisions are made based on the best judgements of a panal of Admissions Officers. The best of the best are given LOA's.

No set date for LOAs. However, I expect to see them started in September. They do not all go out at one time. LOAs can be issued anytime.

If you do not get an LOA, do not be discouraged. The vast majority of the Class of 2017 WILL NOT get a LOA.

[R.Martin95]

I am of the XX Chromosome division (or female). I hate to make it seem like I think the selection process is sexist in my favor, but that is the impression I am getting. Does being female increase the odds of me receiving a LoA?

Thanks so much!

[BigNick]

West Point does have "goals" for class make-up for minorities and females. Therefore, in my opinion - it is a clear advantage to be a minority or female. To "round-out" the class, some people are taken from the NWL without regard to their WCS (whole candidate score). Theat means that some non-minority candidates with higher WCSs are "passed-over".
HOWEVER, DO NOT ASSUME THAT ALL MINORITIES OR FEMALES HAVE BELOW AVERAGE (FOR WP CADETS) RECORDS. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THEM WHO ARE ADMITTED HAVE STRONG RECORDS AND ARE FULLY QUALIFIED IN EVERY WAY.

[another13mom]

Frankly, being a female applicant who is NOT a recruited athlete would appear to work against you. If you assume that the average percentage of women per class is 15-18% and you factor in the Corps teams (basketball, soccer, volleyball, track, tennis, swimming, cross country), then if the goal of the class is 1000, and 150-180 spots are for women, if you are NOT a recruited athlete, there isn't a heck of a lot of room left.

[R.Martin95]

I wouldn't think so. Assuming that each of the nine women's NCAA teams have about 18 girls (which I believe is a fair estimate), there would be a maximum of 162 recruited athletes, spread out over 4 years of cadets. About 40 girls annually have the chance of being a recruited athlete, out of the aim for 200 female appointments. Not terrible odds, but whatever.

Sorry, I'm terrified to consider that I might not be a suitable applicant XD

[AF6872]

They are not "girls" they are women. DD had LOA for USNA and her sport's were not recruited. Grades, application and interview were the deciding factor. If you are not recruited it doesn't work against you. Forget the LOA get the Nomination.

[AF6872]

BigNick:

You forgot Women's Ice Hockey, Field Hockey and Lacrosse. All incidental contact.

[R.Martin95]

Sorry about the incorrect noun. I'm still in the high school mind-set where it is okay to refer to your team-members "girls" and bizarre to call them "women." My bad XD

[AF6872]

Martin95

Not a problem. No Bad. My Daughter is still a "girl" to me but actually a woman even if a Marine Lieutenant.

[SonNo2of4]

Son received his LOA today, yeah. He was so excited, what a big hug I got when I came home. It has been a long road and he still needs to receive the appointment. He difinitely started early and fits most of BigNick's stated criteria. Best wishes to all.