Received invite for an Overnight Visit

Armyhopeful

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2011
Messages
16
Hello everyone,

I am currently a senior in high school and was wondering about the benefits of receiving an opportunity to go on an Overnight Visit at West Point. The letter I received that was postmarked on September 6, states that the visits are "reserved for our most competitive candidates."

Did anyone else receive one as well?

Also, how competitive is it to receive the visit opportunity?

Thank you.
 
I got one too, I think these are the "letters of encouragement" we've been hearing about
 
Great opportunity

I would certainly take that opportunity. Though it cost me a bit of money to send my son out, I think it is really the only way he could get a good picture of cadet life (unless you have had a family member attend before). It is obviously a good sign and I think it helps the admissions office know that you have a good idea of what you are about to commit to. Really look at it and be certain WP is for you. We went out in the Spring. My son's initial response after the visit was; dad I now am pretty certain I can do this. Up to now, like most of my friends, I was looking forward to being independent of my parents, but going to West Point is like getting at least 10 parents. My son is not impulsive, but very thorough in his consideration. He came home, contemplated, and about a month later said he wanted to do it and has not looked back since.

I think our visit helped a lot
 
If we went to SLS, can we still expect to receive a letter of encouragement? I mean I was already up there for a week, how much will an additional over night visit help?
 
Just got one in the mail today as well. Sophomore in college and I still feel the same jump in excitement that I did when I was little at the prospect of WP. So I assume then that this isn't just sent to anyone? I mean in reading it it certainly sounds... exciting? unique? Its definitely not an LoA, so what the heck is it?
 
If we went to SLS, can we still expect to receive a letter of encouragement? I mean I was already up there for a week, how much will an additional over night visit help?

You will see what the typical day in the academic year is like, whereas when we went to SLS we were in our own little world.
 
Just got one in the mail today as well. Sophomore in college and I still feel the same jump in excitement that I did when I was little at the prospect of WP. So I assume then that this isn't just sent to anyone? I mean in reading it it certainly sounds... exciting? unique? Its definitely not an LoA, so what the heck is it?

It is a letter of encouragement. West Point likes you and has deemed you as competitive and wants you to visit overnight. There is a whole thread about this called, "Important Updates for Class of 2017 Applicants"
 
So SLS participants will receive one as well I presume? I haven't received one yet, but if am to receive one, it's probably just stuck at the USPS.
 
I was an SLS attendee and got one, so I wouldn't be surprised if others got one as well.
 
So SLS participants will receive one as well I presume? I haven't received one yet, but if am to receive one, it's probably just stuck at the USPS.


These overnight visits are probably for candidates the Academy is interested in. I doubt that all 1000 SLS attendees would get this letter since it is such a large number of people. Then again, I could be wrong.
 
Right, I wasn't implying that. I was simply meaning we can receive a letter even if we went to SLS, and, judging by hunter21's comment, this must be true.
 
Overnight visits used to be reserved for only those who were already or accepted or had a LOA. Since they're moving to the LOEs, I'd assume it'd have the same weight as a LOA so it pretty much says they will most likely accept you if you're nominated. I could be wrong though with the LOE change though....
 
I have a feeling Letters of Excellence are similar to LoAs in every aspect except that they are not conditional. So even though West Point wants you, it doesn't mean they are promising to accept you if you have a nomination and are fully qualified.
 
I was told by my FFR not to be discouraged had I not received an LOE, since I went to SLS. But, I did receive one so...
 
I think I am in the same boat as you Eaglescout. I live in San Diego, which is literally the farthest city from West Point in the lower 48. So I hope mine is on the way and will be here in a day or two.
 
Medical Status

Out of curiosity, what is the medical status of those of you who have received a Letter of Encouragement?

I had my medical exams the first week of August, and ended up being DQ'ed due to "Shoulder Instability". I am currently working on achieving a waiver, but in the mean time I am still Disqualified.

Has anyone received an LOE even though they have a remedial or are DQ'ed? I understand that they are reserved for top-tier/low-risk applicants, so I wouldn't be surprised if any medical issue was an automatic no-go as far as the LOE's are concerned.

Thanks,

bmcfarlin
 
Have you guys who received LOE's completed your entire application? I am yet to complete my essays, but my Regional Commader said that you wouldn't have to complete them to be considered for an LOA/LOE. But, I would assume it would be more likely if one was to have a completed application. Also, do you guys think that West Point will continue offering LOE's throughout the application process? The reason that I asked is because LOA's went out on September 1st last year, and I could be wrong, but I don't think they offered too many more after mailing out those initial ones.
 
If you have the opportunity to attend an overnight visit here, please do. I wish I would have. I too lived in California, and did not visit before reporting on R day.

The overnight visit is a great opportunity to see what real life is like here. You can watch videos on youtube..and the surviving West Point documentary (which literally bears no resemblance to life here)...or you can come and talk to a plebe, who is
1) Fresh out of Beast. As time goes on, we will start forgetting the little things about beast that could help you. Ask a firstie..and they will probably tell you they barely remember beast at all.
2) Fresh into the academic year. Things are already hectic, and everything is in full swing. clubs, classes and plebe duties.

It is a great way to get a feel for the campus, and the people here.

Any questions on anything, feel free to pm me. :biggrin:
 
I was fully medically qualified when I received mine, but a friend of mine who also received one has not yet had his exam. I am not entirely completed with my application; I'm just missing one of my recommendations.
 
Out of curiosity, what is the medical status of those of you who have received a Letter of Encouragement?

I had my medical exams the first week of August, and ended up being DQ'ed due to "Shoulder Instability". I am currently working on achieving a waiver, but in the mean time I am still Disqualified.

Has anyone received an LOE even though they have a remedial or are DQ'ed? I understand that they are reserved for top-tier/low-risk applicants, so I wouldn't be surprised if any medical issue was an automatic no-go as far as the LOE's are concerned.

Thanks,

bmcfarlin

I got one a few days ago. I have a document remedial going through the system, so am not yet medically qualified. I have also not finished my essays yet, but everything else in my immediate control (not LOR's) is in.
I went to SLS, and have been to West Point on numerous occasions because of my parents, but I still plan on doing the overnight to get a better feel for it.
 
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