LOA Question

Naval_Gopher

5-Year Member
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Jul 30, 2014
Messages
16
I heard that LOA's only go to candidates whose applications are not at 100% (waiting on nomination and or DoDmerb) but are found triple qualified, otherwise. My application is at 100% complete (including CFA, Presidential Nom and DoDmerb). Am I a candidate for a LOA or is that reserved for highly qualified candidates who are still waiting for nominations, etc?
 
LOAs are rare and usually only go out to HIGHLY qualified candidates.


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Historically, some LOAs have gone to those who don't have 100% of their packets complete. However, in most cases, the packet is 100% complete other than, potentially, medical and CFA. The LOA is contingent on passing the CFA and being medically qualified, as well as obtaining a nom.

If everything is complete, you could receive an LOA -- or not. Remember that the overwhelming majority of those who receive appointments didn't have an LOA.
 
Daughter had an early LOA pending medical. Disqualified for MED by DoDmerb. Forwarded subsequent medical information and admitted after everything was cleared up. The why and why not of LOA is an unknown question.
 
My daughter was contacted this weekend by a Navy Capt. and was told she had been approved. I don't really know what that means, but I hope she receives an LOA soon. She is a recruited athlete. She does have good ACT, class standing, leadership, rec letters from math and english teacher, gpa, community service, etc.
 
All the sports my DD played in High School were not played varsity at the time at USNA. Field Hockey, Ice Hockey and Lacrosse. Still got the LOA. Good Luck .
 
In my nearly 15 years of being a BGO, I've only had 1 or 2 recruited athletes get LOAs and I typically have 1-3 LOA recipients each year.

Those earning LOAs are typically just all-around great candidates -- academics, athletics, and leadership.
 
Shows how much I know. Thanks so much for your help. I am new to the process. I thought that was standard for blue chip athletes to keep them from going to other schools.
 
My DD was not a recruited athlete, but received an LOA to USNA last October.

She had a handwritten note on the LOA that stated that her (I want to say cadre, but that's AF) for summer seminar said she'd be a great addition to USNA. This is why I say ALWAYS assume you are being evaluated when you are at a SA. Whether SS, CVW, or just a tour.

-- Proud Mom to USAFA 2018 cadet (yah, she went Air Force :smile: )
 
In my nearly 15 years of being a BGO, I've only had 1 or 2 recruited athletes get LOAs and I typically have 1-3 LOA recipients each year.

Those earning LOAs are typically just all-around great candidates -- academics, athletics, and leadership.

usna1985 +1

Our DS' BGO mentioned that recruited athletes don't go through the regular admission channels and would not likley receive LOA's. She explained LOA's were sent to candidates-not athletes- the USNA really wanted to let them know early on in the process(yes they can come out very late also) so that they didn't necessarily commit to other schools offering early acceptance.

We aren't waiting for an LOA or TWE, we are hoping for a FWE and diligently working on plans A+1 and B through C. Best of luck to all and can't wait to hear on everyone's results.
 
To clarify my original post in case it may be confusing to some -- those candidates I've worked with who received LOAs are typically not recruited athletes. I can't speak for the overall numbers -- only my tiny corner of the world!
 
usna1985 +1

Our DS' BGO mentioned that recruited athletes don't go through the regular admission channels and would not likley receive LOA's. She explained LOA's were sent to candidates-not athletes- the USNA really wanted to let them know early on in the process(yes they can come out very late also) so that they didn't necessarily commit to other schools offering early acceptance.

We aren't waiting for an LOA or TWE, we are hoping for a FWE and diligently working on plans A+1 and B through C. Best of luck to all and can't wait to hear on everyone's results.

I can guarantee you recruited athletes (DD '18, with a LOA) definitely go through the regular admissions process. After all was completed I spoke with her coach at IDAY for clarification of LOA and blue chip. He said she had qualified on her own merit, so coach did not need to use a blue chip. I did not ask him for further details on blue chips. I was told LOA's were given to highly qualified candidates, be it academic or athletic. This is so that they would not pursue other schools, who generally ask you to commit or accept their offer letter way before Academies give Appointments. Upon receipt of LOA she committed and stopped talking with other school coaches.

This year DS - USNA and USMA 2019 Candidate has received an LOA to USMA and he is not a recruited athlete or URM. He has not heard from USNA at this time.
 
"She is a recruited athlete. She does have good ACT, class standing, leadership, rec letters from math and English teacher, gpa, community service, etc."

Do you mind sharing what her composite ACT score was? Specifically in math and English?
 
"She is a recruited athlete. She does have good ACT, class standing, leadership, rec letters from math and English teacher, gpa, community service, etc."

Do you mind sharing what her composite ACT score was? Specifically in math and English?

29 composite. Not sure of breakdown. All high 20s and low 30s.
 
I can guarantee you recruited athletes (DD '18, with a LOA) definitely go through the regular admissions process. After all was completed I spoke with her coach at IDAY for clarification of LOA and blue chip. He said she had qualified on her own merit, so coach did not need to use a blue chip. I did not ask him for further details on blue chips. I was told LOA's were given to highly qualified candidates, be it academic or athletic. This is so that they would not pursue other schools, who generally ask you to commit or accept their offer letter way before Academies give Appointments. Upon receipt of LOA she committed and stopped talking with other school coaches.

This year DS - USNA and USMA 2019 Candidate has received an LOA to USMA and he is not a recruited athlete or URM. He has not heard from USNA at this time.

+1 We have been told same.
 
I can guarantee you recruited athletes (DD '18, with a LOA) definitely go through the regular admissions process. After all was completed I spoke with her coach at IDAY for clarification of LOA and blue chip. He said she had qualified on her own merit, so coach did not need to use a blue chip. I did not ask him for further details on blue chips. I was told LOA's were given to highly qualified candidates, be it academic or athletic. This is so that they would not pursue other schools, who generally ask you to commit or accept their offer letter way before Academies give Appointments. Upon receipt of LOA she committed and stopped talking with other school coaches.

This year DS - USNA and USMA 2019 Candidate has received an LOA to USMA and he is not a recruited athlete or URM. He has not heard from USNA at this time.

"So coach did not need to use blue chip" Blue Chip is NOT regular admission process and recruited athletes are in a different admissions pipeline.
 
"So coach did not need to use blue chip" Blue Chip is NOT regular admission process and recruited athletes are in a different admissions pipeline.

Not sure about using blue chip or not. Just that all the normal steps be followed.
 
My personal opinion is that LOAs are primarily used to "bring up the average" for the class, especially in those cases where the recipient is not a recruited athlete.
 
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