Do LOAs have an effect on MOC decisions?

suddensam

USNA BGO
5-Year Member
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Feb 7, 2012
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DS is 3Qd and a recruited athlete. There is still a possibility that he will receive and LOA, even at this late date. I assume that, if he receives one, he should communicate that fact to the various congressional service academy coordinators. To what degree do MOCs take into consideration the candidates LOA? I would think that it would at least be considered an indication of the Academy's strong interest in the candidate.

Thanks.
 
It really depends on the MOC. Many view it in a very positive light because they know this is a candidate that the SA badly wants and thus nominating that candidate means an automatic appointment (barring medical issues).

I have heard anecdotally that some MOCs take a slightly different (and somewhat misguided) view that they are better off giving noms to a non-LOA candidate b/c the SA will "find" a nom for the LOA candidate and nominating others increases the chances of more constituents receiving an appointment.

In my area (very competitive and also with lots of LOAs), I haven't found it makes much difference either way. I've had candidates with LOAs receive noms and candidates with LOAs not receive noms (and be turned down by USNA). I've had candidates without LOAs receive noms. I've had the SA coordinator for a local MOC say that this MOC "always" gives noms to LOA candidates and that very year had an LOA candidate who did not get a nom (from any MOC).

So, all in all, it's generally helpful but not universally so -- really depends on your MOC. Also, LOAs are sometimes given out before all of the documentation is in. Thus, for example, the BGO may not have met the candidate. There are some candidates who look good on paper but do not come across well in person. If the MOC conducts interviews, a social "negit" may not do well and thus not get a nom.

Finally, the above assumes that the candidate does not have a Pres nom. Most MOCs won't give a nom to a candidate with an LOA and a Pres nom b/c he/she is already guaranteed an appointment so the nom is "wasted."
 
Thanks for the detailed reply. DS's packet is complete. He's had his BGO interview, and the coach told him that is was very positive. He's also interviewed with the MOCs already. Although he has no way to know what they thought, their direct feedback was that he did very well and seemed to really have the right motivations.

Anyway, the wait continues. Thanks again for the reply.
 
BTW, always be somewhat wary regarding what coaches say re the admissions process. Some are spot on accurate and some . . . well . . . let's just say try to paint a rosier picture than may exist.

One year, our system indicated a candidate had been turned down. Meanwhile, the coach told her she was "waitlisted." I called Admissions and they said it was absolutely a turn down -- she'd never been waitlisted and never would be. So I had to be the one to give the bad news. The coach later acknowledged that he/she had been somewhat inaccurate.

The story does ultimately have a happy ending as she reapplied and was admitted.:smile:
 
BTW, always be somewhat wary regarding what coaches say re the admissions process. Some are spot on accurate and some . . . well . . . let's just say try to paint a rosier picture than may exist.

One year, our system indicated a candidate had been turned down. Meanwhile, the coach told her she was "waitlisted." I called Admissions and they said it was absolutely a turn down -- she'd never been waitlisted and never would be. So I had to be the one to give the bad news. The coach later acknowledged that he/she had been somewhat inaccurate.

The story does ultimately have a happy ending as she reapplied and was admitted.:smile:

Thanks for that caution. That's exactly what his current high school coach said. In this particular case, we think that the academy coach is very honest and forthright. We have the benefit of some transparency, as DS has a teammate from last year with similar stats who was recruited by the same coach and is currently a plebe. He's given us a lot of insight into his experience and the process, and despite my natural skepticism, we think we are getting the straight story.

Of course that could all be wishful thinking.
 
This thread concerns me. My non athlete DD received an LOA and completed interviews last week. They highlighted receipt of the letter as kind of a big thing. So too did her BGO. It was even described by one MOC office as the "golden ticket"....their words, not my DD. This feedback got my DS quite optimistic. Sounds to me like an LOA is somewhat common and not a differentiator which is much different than what I learned elsewhere. Am I reading this right? Thanks.
 
This thread concerns me. My non athlete DD received an LOA and completed interviews last week. They highlighted receipt of the letter as kind of a big thing. So too did her BGO. It was even described by one MOC office as the "golden ticket"....their words, not my DD. This feedback got my DS quite optimistic. Sounds to me like an LOA is somewhat common and not a differentiator which is much different than what I learned elsewhere. Am I reading this right? Thanks.

No, I share your initial perspective. While and LOA doesn't guarantee you admission, it is a statement that says assuming certain conditions are met (usually DODMERB qualification and a nomination), you will receive an appointment. It's as close as you can get to a golden ticket without actually having that BFE.
 
This thread concerns me. My non athlete DD received an LOA and completed interviews last week. They highlighted receipt of the letter as kind of a big thing. So too did her BGO. It was even described by one MOC office as the "golden ticket"....their words, not my DD. This feedback got my DS quite optimistic. Sounds to me like an LOA is somewhat common and not a differentiator which is much different than what I learned elsewhere. Am I reading this right? Thanks.

Also, keep in mind that my DS doesn't have an LOA yet. The coach simply said that he might receive one. The back story here is that he was already 3Qd and a good athletic prospect before he received the results of the October SAT. He jumped 200 points and I think that put him at a different place, at least in the coach's eyes if not the academy's.
 
Thanks for the perspective. She'll just have to wait and see....only one MOC interview left and her doc visit is done and paperwork already submitted for a simple remedial from DoDMERB. Fingers crossed and best of luck to you.
 
An LOA is a great thing to have. It means that you will not be one of the (unfortunately) many who are 3 Q'ed with a nom and still don't get appointed. If you obtain a nom from any source and are medically qualified, you're in.

The reason some of us caveat it is that you really do have to "get" the nom. It's not a sure thing an MOC will give you one -- especially in certain areas of the country where LOAs may outnumber available nom slots. And the fact you have an LOA does not mean the SA will "find" an nom for you (i.e., a Supe's nom). I have had candidates with LOAs not get noms and not get an appointment. It's rare across the country, but I probably average one every other year.

To reassure you, although I've never seen the numbers, I would bet the the overwhelming majority of LOA recipients who are medically qualified do get appointments.
 
Thanks USNA1985 for the further clarification. I like the odds....one every other year. My DD saw your post and her optimism is back, especially since the interviews seemed to have gone very well, and the doc told her he's sending in the 'all clear'.
 
Follow Up

Good news this week.....my LOA DD received medical QUALIFIED yesterday and her nomination today! GO NAVY. The optimism paid off. Now just the big leap of faith is required.
 
What would happen if the MOC nominates two candidates that have LOA's to his slate of 10, and only has one vacancy at the given Service Academy? Would both applicants get in?
 
LOA on MOC

My DS had his MOC this morning and the eight person panel knew he had the LOA. DS said interview was very informal and light questions asked. Total interview lasted 15 min. I asked DS if he felt having the LOA in his file helped? He said in his case he was sure it was seen in a very positive way by the review board.
Regards
John
 
What would happen if the MOC nominates two candidates that have LOA's to his slate of 10, and only has one vacancy at the given Service Academy? Would both applicants get in?
Both will get in. Some MOCs will use this sitation to get 3 in by naming a princpal that is not one of the LOA holders. The academy will find places to charge all LOA holders if they get a nomination from any source.
 
My DS had his MOC this morning and the eight person panel knew he had the LOA. DS said interview was very informal and light questions asked. Total interview lasted 15 min. I asked DS if he felt having the LOA in his file helped? He said in his case he was sure it was seen in a very positive way by the review board.
Regards
John

Great to hear. Congratulations to your Son.
 
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