LOE vs. 3Q?

kndnmc

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Jan 7, 2016
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My file is 100% complete, I have a nomination, am medically and physically qualified, etc... and I received an LOE back in late November before finishing my application. My question is this: does everyone who is triple qualified get the 3Q letter? I am certain that I would be considered qualified in every aspect, however I never received a letter. Does an LOE suffice for this? Thank you in advance for your help!
 
LOE is not a qualification letter. My understanding is that a LOE is a way of saying "you are very competitive, we like you, please continue to complete your application". I think it is a nice thing to get, but not a LOA. And it does not mean you are 3q.
 
My DS got the LOE and then about 3 weeks after the application was complete he got the 3Q letter.
 
^and an LOE allows the candidate to have an overnight visit.
My son, who I believe is a very competitive candidate, never received a LOE, but was invited by his RC to schedule an overnight visit. Unfortunately, the person he was told to call to schedule the visit has been out of the office for several weeks.
 
So let me make sure I got the terms and their significance correct:

-LOA-Letter of Assurance-Very rare but signifies that if all other requirements are met, appointment is assured.

-LOE-Letter of Encouragement-Rare also, but signifies that WP likes what they see and encourages to finish your application. It also allows for an overnight visit, but an RC can schedule an overnight visit without an LOE. However, appointment is not assured.

-3 Q Letter-Letter indicating that all 3 qualifications are met (Nomination, CFA and DODMERB). You're just waiting for an appointment, rejection or waitlist at this point.
 
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So let me make sure I got the terms and their significance correct:

-LOA-Letter of Assurance-Very rare but signifies that if all other requirements are met, appointment is assured.

-LOE-Letter of Encouragement-Rare also, but signifies that WP likes what they see and encourages to finish your application. It also allows for an overnight visit, but an RC can schedule an overnight visit without an LOE. However, appointment is not assured.

-3 Q Letter-Letter indicating that all 3 qualifications are met (Nomination, CFA and DODMERB). You're just waiting for an appointment, rejection or waitlist at this point.

Actually, the 3Q letter indicates that a candidate is academically (and all that entails), medically (DODMERB) and physically (CFA) qualified. Nomination is not part of 3Q. You can have a nomination but not be 3Q; you can be 3Q and not receive a nomination. To get an appointment you have to be 3Q & have a nomination.
 
Actually, the 3Q letter indicates that a candidate is academically (and all that entails), medically (DODMERB) and physically (CFA) qualified. Nomination is not part of 3Q. You can have a nomination but not be 3Q; you can be 3Q and not receive a nomination. To get an appointment you have to be 3Q & have a nomination.

Ok, got it. So if you get a 3 Q letter, you could still be waiting on a nomination. Roger that.
 
The minimum requirement for an appointment to WP, academic, physically and Dodmerb. (3Q'd) Plus a nomination source. LOE is not required, its nice but not needed to be considered for an appointment.

With that being said, your WCS is the determining factor how competitive you are in the selection process. 60% is based on academics. The best way to improve your WCS, is to improve your academics.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
Thank you all! I've also seen on other threads that if you are 3Q'd you may not necessarily get the 3Q letter. Can anyone verify this? I'm 99% sure I am 3Q'd but I never received a letter. Also brovol, there is a way to schedule the overnight online on the admissions website, you just have to look for it, it's much easier than calling and they send you a confirmation email!
 
Thank you all! I've also seen on other threads that if you are 3Q'd you may not necessarily get the 3Q letter. Can anyone verify this? I'm 99% sure I am 3Q'd but I never received a letter. Also brovol, there is a way to schedule the overnight online on the admissions website, you just have to look for it, it's much easier than calling and they send you a confirmation email!

It all depends. When did you submit your application, finish your DODMERB and conduct your CFA?
 
Finished my application early December. Passed CFA then. Was deemed medically "qualified" early December as well.
 
Finished my application early December. Passed CFA then. Was deemed medically "qualified" early December as well.
I'm no expert, but I guessing you won't get a 3Q Letter rather the actual decision regarding the status of your appointment. I think 3Q Letters are given for those who submit their application earlier in the autumn, I believe. Best wishes to you!
 
My DS got the LOE and then about 3 weeks after the application was complete he got the 3Q letter.
I don't understand what a 3Q letter is. My son has already been offered an appointment to USAFA and hasn't heard form USMA or USNA yet, but he's never received one of these letters, yet he's qualified.
 
The 3Q letter for USMA is sent by the Regional Commander, so as some have said in prior posts, not everyone, even 3Q'd, may receive the letter -- it's up to the RC. The letter basically says "We have received all your application information and the Admissions Committee has qualified your file." It goes on to mention that all qualified applicants are placed on the a National Waiting List until appointments are made, and that most appointments will be tendered between {date} and {date}. The letter also reminds candidates they are still competing for admission and should continue updating their records with significant achievements.

Boymom73 -- your DS may have an appointment to USAFA, but USNA doesn't tell candidates if they are 3Q. Your DS could reach out to his USMA RC for clarification. Don't assume 3Q among the SAs, although if his stats are high in all areas, he probably is. Good luck!
 
The 3Q letter for USMA is sent by the Regional Commander, so as some have said in prior posts, not everyone, even 3Q'd, may receive the letter -- it's up to the RC. The letter basically says "We have received all your application information and the Admissions Committee has qualified your file." It goes on to mention that all qualified applicants are placed on the a National Waiting List until appointments are made, and that most appointments will be tendered between {date} and {date}. The letter also reminds candidates they are still competing for admission and should continue updating their records with significant achievements.

Boymom73 -- your DS may have an appointment to USAFA, but USNA doesn't tell candidates if they are 3Q. Your DS could reach out to his USMA RC for clarification. Don't assume 3Q among the SAs, although if his stats are high in all areas, he probably is. Good luck!
Thanks for the info! I'm sure he won't be offered appointments to multiple academies anyways, though he did get a LOE to USMA and made a visit. Not a word from USNA.
 
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