Recommendation Letters

sportsfan

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Dec 15, 2016
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Hello, On the portal I see that one can send in up to three letters of recommendation to the Academy but does it have to be exactly three?Can one just send in one if that's all they have? Thank you.
 
Letters of rec are optional so you technically don't have to send any in. But if your teachers are willing to write them, I would definitely try and send in all three if you can. It gives admissions a better insight into who you are.
 
Letters of rec are optional so you technically don't have to send any in. But if your teachers are willing to write them, I would definitely try and send in all three if you can. It gives admissions a better insight into who you are.

Oh okay thank you, but does it have to be all three?
 
Oh okay thank you, but does it have to be all three?
Not it doesn't, I sent in 2 and my application is complete. Obviously they recommend all 3 though. Regardless of whether or not it's that good of a recommendation, I'm sure it shows dedication that you got 3 people to write you a LOR and helps your chances.
 
Okay thanks guys. Last two questions... Do the letters have to be directed to someone in general or does it just have to be directed towards admissions? Also, we send the letter ourselves, am I correct? Thank you.
 
Okay thanks guys. Last two questions... Do the letters have to be directed to someone in general or does it just have to be directed towards admissions? Also, we send the letter ourselves, am I correct? Thank you.

I think our DS's letters were addressed "To Whom it May Concern". But the body of the letter made mention of Academy Admissions as the reason for the recommendation. I'm sure either way would be fine. And, yes, collect and send the letters yourself (after you make copies).

Sorry to butt in but would getting a Rec letter from a service academy grad help my chances more

All letters of recommendation should be written by someone who knows you well. I am sure an Academy grad would write an awesome letter. But great letters of recommendation come from individuals that have a history with YOU. If that is an Academy grad, then great! But its better to have a letter from someone that has never even been in the military that knows you, can speak to your character, integrity and work ethic from personal experience. Our son's letters came from a factory worker in management (who worked with DS on church missions), his youth pastor (where DS was musician/music director) and a teacher (he had in class, then worked as an aid for 3 years) - all of whom knew him very well.
 
My religion teacher ironically came from the naval academy I've had him for 3 years as a student and been an officer in the club that he mentors so I think that helps but wanted to know if anyone knew if there was added benefit from that.
 
My religion teacher ironically came from the naval academy I've had him for 3 years as a student and been an officer in the club that he mentors so I think that helps but wanted to know if anyone knew if there was added benefit from that.

It is meanngful in that the individual knows what it takes to get through an SA. However, if that person doesn't know you WELL, it could negate any benefit. If the three years of knowing you yields a great letter with insight on you as an individual, then it would be good. If that person sends in a template/generic letter with the "usual platitudes" it is counterproductive.
 
I already finished my application, and it shows complete. Will I still be able to submit letters of Rec.?
 
Yes, I was able to send them in after I finished my application. Just follow the instructions on the portal.
 
Hello, I saw that they can be mailed or faxed but what is the process for them if they are faxed? Does one just gets the coversheet and places the letters behind the coversheet and that's it? Thank you.
 
I supplied my recommenders a cover sheet and instructed them where to send it. I wanted them to be sent in by the recommenders because the Academy knows that I did not see them and therefore it was more likely to be an honest recommendation. Here is the instructions from USAFA -

You can fax the letters of recommendation to (719) 333-3012, or mail them to USAFA/RRS, 2304 Cadet Dr Ste 2300, USAFA, CO 80840-5025. Please include a coversheet with your full name and SSAN (to ensure the letters get into your file)
 
I supplied my recommenders a cover sheet and instructed them where to send it. I wanted them to be sent in by the recommenders because the Academy knows that I did not see them and therefore it was more likely to be an honest recommendation. Here is the instructions from USAFA -

You can fax the letters of recommendation to (719) 333-3012, or mail them to USAFA/RRS, 2304 Cadet Dr Ste 2300, USAFA, CO 80840-5025. Please include a coversheet with your full name and SSAN (to ensure the letters get into your file)

Oh okay thank you.
 
Guys, last question.. the letters do not have to be signed right? I didn't find that specification in the portal.
 
I understand that the three letters of recommendation are optional, but, I would HIGHLY suggest you utilize EVERY option you can in submitting your application to USAFA. My daughter, Class of 2017, submitted her LOR when submitting her application and also submitted them to the Director of Admissions at USAFA. She wasn't a direct entry but spent her first year at USAFA Prep.. Did the LOR help? We'll never know, but she'll be graduating this from USAFA in May.
 
I understand that the three letters of recommendation are optional, but, I would HIGHLY suggest you utilize EVERY option you can in submitting your application to USAFA. My daughter, Class of 2017, submitted her LOR when submitting her application and also submitted them to the Director of Admissions at USAFA. She wasn't a direct entry but spent her first year at USAFA Prep.. Did the LOR help? We'll never know, but she'll be graduating this May from USAFA in.
 
I understand that the three letters of recommendation are optional, but, I would HIGHLY suggest you utilize EVERY option you can in submitting your application to USAFA. My daughter, Class of 2017, submitted her LOR when submitting her application and also submitted them to the Director of Admissions at USAFA. She wasn't a direct entry but spent her first year at USAFA Prep.. Did the LOR help? We'll never know, but she'll be graduating this from USAFA in May.
Wow that is awesome to hear! Congratulations on that!
 
My DS completed his application to USAFA. Here receives both Presidential and Congressional nominations. In the application, he included 3 recommendation letters which is optional. Today, he gets a very nice letter of recommendation from his high school band director, who has been one of the mentors to DS since middle school. Can the band director fax this LOR to USAFA admission even though USAFA specifically says " ..up to, no more than three, LOR."
 
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