Optional LoRs

Shawn

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2011
Messages
164
The application states
While not required, you are highly encouraged to send in three letters of recommendation. These should be from people who know you well and who can provide insight into your character, leadership, and preparation for USAFA. They should not be from the three teachers who are completing our required teacher evaluations. DO NOT send in more than three letters, we will only consider three.

To what extent will these be used by the admissions board?

Thanks
 
Letters

Shawn, others will likely offer more precise information, but unless your application shows that you walk on water, get the three letters of recommendation. I can offer this perspective however; I have written several letters of recommendation over the last 25 years. It is my belief that most people feel honored when you ask them for such a letter. Therefore, do not be timid or feel hesitant to ask someone who knows you to write a letter. This includes coaches, neighbors, employers, teachers, etc. Finally, even if you walk on water, get the letters. The last thing you want to do next May is say, "darn, maybe if I had submitted letters, I would have been accepted."
 
Get them, get them, get them.

Mail in with a cover sheet, and confirm they were received by admissions. I had an issue with that my first time.

Get everything you can.
 
If you're applying to the VP for a nom, you'll need three sent to USAFA anyway. According to our counselor, those would be just fine since USAFA doesn't care WHO the letters are addressed to, only that they have them on file (besides, the VP nom package goes straight to the Academy anyway) - so kill 2 birds etc and get the letters for the VP nom and they'll serve dual hat.

Best
 
Wait, so if I send in my three letters for the VP nomination I shouldn't send in the 3 for the Academy??
 
Wait, so if I send in my three letters for the VP nomination I shouldn't send in the 3 for the Academy??

Double check with your counselor, but ours stated that the ones for the VP's nom would be fine for the USAFA requirement as well. The letters for the VP go straight to Academy Admissions anyway.

Best
 
For these letters do the candidates send them in or do the recommenders send them?
 
I had each recommender put their LoR in a seperate mailing envelope, seal the flap and sign across the seal. I then sent all three in the same manila envelope with the cover page.
 
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