LOE and 3Q

db11usma

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2013
Messages
61
What is the difference between a LOE and a 3Q letter?
How important is a LOE and what does this say about your chances?
Which is better to have?
How many get sent out each year?
 
What is the difference between a LOE and a 3Q letter?
How important is a LOE and what does this say about your chances?
Which is better to have?
How many get sent out each year?

An LOE is a letter stating that your file looks promising and that the board of admissions is impressed with your work so far. It is basically a letter saying keep it up and you will most likely be offered an appointment. However, a 3Q is a letter stating that you have been fully qualified by the academy and you are now admissible basically (you still need a nomination obviously).

While an LOE is good, it is not the most important thing you need to worry about. The only thing it does is basically say you have higher chances of getting in and it offers you an overnight visit.

Both are good to have. It isn't really one or the other. You must have a 3Q letter or at least be 3Q'd (as some people don't ever receive a physical letter) to be offered an appointment. The LOE is basically just a little extra boost and something that says if you get the job done, you will most likely get the spot.

Nobody really knows how many are sent out each year. You might be able to ask your ALO (they know how many in the area, but not nation).


P.S. Remember, the majority of the entering class will most likely NOT receive an LOE based on the rumored numbers from this year/previous years (I've heard anywhere from 150-250). So you don't necessarily need to worry about it. Just make your file as strong as possible and play the waiting game like the rest of us! :rolleyes:
 
Thank you cadet85!
I was just curious to see what the difference was and how it impacted admissions. I received a LOE last month, I know this does not guarantee me appointment but it sure is a huge confidence booster knowing I am on the right path.
 
Thank you cadet85!
I was just curious to see what the difference was and how it impacted admissions. I received a LOE last month, I know this does not guarantee me appointment but it sure is a huge confidence booster knowing I am on the right path.

Very much so! Congrats! I too have an LOE and 3Q letter! :thumb: Have you completed your file yet? 3Q?
 
File completed! Just waiting on being medically qualified(after December 12th) and I will hopefully receive a 3Q letter. Then it's just the matter of waiting and updating my file/retaking SAT/ACT to maximize my chances. Hopefully we will see each other at the Point in July, best of luck!
 
File completed! Just waiting on being medically qualified(after December 12th) and I will hopefully receive a 3Q letter. Then it's just the matter of waiting and updating my file/retaking SAT/ACT to maximize my chances. Hopefully we will see each other at the Point in July, best of luck!

Good luck to you too!
 
How long does it usually take to receive a letter saying 3q'd or not on the portal once your application is completed?
 
How long does it usually take to receive a letter saying 3q'd or not on the portal once your application is completed?

Mine took a while. But if you contact your regional manager, he or she can usually get the process going. Just shoot them an email and ask when they think you will get the 3Q letter, and they should respond with some helpful information regarding your question. Then, they will usually contact their superiors and ask them about your file and then admissions will probably jump on it. As soon as I contacted my RM, he responded back and within a week I had my 3Q letter in my online portal.

Be proactive and contact the academies, they will see it as you being eager for an appointment (which is better than the "I don't really care" attitude).
 
Be proactive and contact the academies, they will see it as you being eager for an appointment (which is better than the "I don't really care" attitude).

This is so true cadet85. I called my RC yesterday and stated my name, immediately he responded, "Oh, hey ****** I've actually been meaning to call you but assumed you were in school." This is just a example of how my RC new who I was on a first name basis because I have been in contact with him for the past three months regarding my file and how I can improve it. Show initiative. If you want it, show them!
 
This is so true cadet85. I called my RC yesterday and stated my name, immediately he responded, "Oh, hey ****** I've actually been meaning to call you but assumed you were in school." This is just a example of how my RC new who I was on a first name basis because I have been in contact with him for the past three months regarding my file and how I can improve it. Show initiative. If you want it, show them!

Yep! Also, these guys look at your files constantly! My ALO said this in response to me saying "I don't know if you have checked my file lately": he said "Oh, I check your file everyday. I practically stalk you!" So it is BIG when you show initiative and improvement. The more you are in contact, the faster things will happen.
 
OK, not sure if DS is doing this the right way. He has asked questions in the past of his Regional Technician, who has been helpful. We went on a College Week Live chat and asked about 3Q letters and finding out the strength of his file. It was suggested that the Regional Admissions team would be able to give him this information, so he e-mailed this technician again. She replied that she could not answer those questions as that was up to the committee. Now we are not sure if she is talking about the admissions committee, or the Congressional nominating committee (as he had also asked about his competitiveness within his congressional district).
However, he still has no answer to the questions!
 
Regional Commander is your best bet. They are on the USMA Admissions Page and are specific to your residence
 
So he could send the same e-mail to the Regional Commander, even though he sent it to the Regional Technician - don't they work together?
 
Regional techs look after the paperwork in your file and make sure it is all correct. It is the RCs job to look at competitiveness. While the techs may know the answer, they are not going to give it because that is the responsibility of the RC (read they are held accountable for their actions).
 
Back
Top