LOA

iausmacof2023

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Feb 17, 2018
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I just had a quick question about how to get the LOA. Is it possible to receive an LOA without completing my CFA or SOE. I just received an email from my congressional officer that I was in good standing to receive one, but he said that I needed to show progress on my application. Thank you!
 
There’s no magical formula to receive an LOA. Just do the best you can do and complete the most of your application that you can. And yes, it is possible to receive an LOA without either.
 
Recycling a response to a similar question on USNA forum: Do not, do not, do not concern yourself with an LOA. Many prior threads on this topic — look them up — and it’s vital you understand that the goal is not an LOA but an offer of appointment. Contrary to popular opinion, they are not the same thing. An LOA is a conditional offer —underline “conditional” — and you may or may not be able to successfullyaddress the condition. It is not a guarantee of anything. On top of which, LOAs are incredibly rare.

When you say “congressional officer,” do you mean a staff member for a MOC? Because with all due respect to that person, unless he/she also sits on USMA’s admissions committee, he/she has no standing to give you this advice. Perhaps it’s a positive signal that you’ll receive a MOC nomination, but suggest you not read anymore into it than that.
 
I just had a quick question about how to get the LOA. Is it possible to receive an LOA without completing my CFA or SOE. I just received an email from my congressional officer that I was in good standing to receive one, but he said that I needed to show progress on my application. Thank you!
I know a current Plebe who received her LOA mid Sept after completing her application early. She received her appointment in January after MOC nom. Just get everything done early.
 
From what I’ve heard, admissions tends to give LOAs to those who have already passed their CFA. I don’t think SOEs are as necessary.
 
Concentrate putting together the best package you can. If they want you you get an appointment, if not no appointment. LOA is not the goal the Appointment is.
 
While many are right, LOAs shouldn't be an end goal, it is possible to receive one before completing the CFA or SOEs. I received one prior to either of those being complete, but every extra addition to your application makes a difference. Best of luck!
 
LOAs definitely have a weird formula. I received mine today and it is contingent upon the completion of CFA, transcripts, candidate essays, dodmerb and a nomination.
 
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Weird indeed. DS #1 & 2 have almost identically stats. DS 1 received an LOA to WP in mid August 2 years ago, but didn't hear a peep from USNA until his appointment in Jan. DS #2 has heard nothing from USMA, yes I know still early, but received an LOA to USNA yesterday.
 
Weird indeed. DS #1 & 2 have almost identically stats. DS 1 received an LOA to WP in mid August 2 years ago, but didn't hear a peep from USNA until his appointment in Jan. DS #2 has heard nothing from USMA, yes I know still early, but received an LOA to USNA yesterday.

When Academies offer LOAs, the Academies want you to charge your Nom to their schools as your #1 choice even if it is not your number one. They are offering you the incentive to take this action. If you tell your MOC during interview that you are happy to attend any one, the MOC will charge your Nom to the Academy with an LOA. Academies know this all too well and it is a way to lock you in to their schools. So yes sometimes you can try to negotiate to get another LOA but that is a function of your Regional Commander’s calculus and competitive landscape so not easy to pull the trigger when dealing with super competitive districts.
 
Super surprise LOE today. Older son never had a LOA or LOE. Authorized an overnight visit so hoping he can tour with older brother.
 
Weird indeed. DS #1 & 2 have almost identically stats. DS 1 received an LOA to WP in mid August 2 years ago, but didn't hear a peep from USNA until his appointment in Jan. DS #2 has heard nothing from USMA, yes I know still early, but received an LOA to USNA yesterday.

When Academies offer LOAs, the Academies want you to charge your Nom to their schools as your #1 choice even if it is not your number one. They are offering you the incentive to take this action. If you tell your MOC during interview that you are happy to attend any one, the MOC will charge your Nom to the Academy with an LOA. Academies know this all too well and it is a way to lock you in to their schools. So yes sometimes you can try to negotiate to get another LOA but that is a function of your Regional Commander’s calculus and competitive landscape so not easy to pull the trigger when dealing with super competitive districts.

Maybe in some districts for some candidates but older DS had an LOA to WP and later, after his nomination packages were turned in, to AF, he still received a nom to all three including Navy as well and nobody tried to change his order of preference.
 
That only works in districts that offer all 3. Not in districts that MOCs coordinate to offer only 1. Your children are the fortunate ones living in a district that offers more options. Not mine
 
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That only works in districts that offer all 3. Not in districts that MOCs coordinate to offer only 1. Your children are the fortunate ones living in a district that offers more options. Not mine
Not here too:( only pick one!
 
I feel your pain also, but in highly populated states such as Florida, it makes good sense. In Florida, two senators cover 21M residents; contrast that to New Mexico, where two senators cover 2.1M residents. Limiting a candidate to only one nomination across the state’s entire congressional delegation gives more people a chance. Maybe not the best system for individual candidates, but a reasonable solution from a statewide perspective.
 
I feel your pain also, but in highly populated states such as Florida, it makes good sense. In Florida, two senators cover 21M residents; contrast that to New Mexico, where two senators cover 2.1M residents. Limiting a candidate to only one nomination across the state’s entire congressional delegation gives more people a chance. Maybe not the best system for individual candidates, but a reasonable solution from a statewide perspective.

Oh, I agree @MidCakePa, at the end you can only go to one academy.
My DS placed his number #1 in all applications senators and representative.
However, because I am not military and probably not as noble and selfless as others, I would really like my DS to have nominations to all 3 academies, get an appointment to all three, fly airplanes and become the next chief of staff. Hahaha
 
Live in a state with lots of people.

For one senator, you can pick only 1 SA.

For junior senator, you have to submit an entire packet for each SA you want to be considered for a nom.
 
I feel your pain also, but in highly populated states such as Florida, it makes good sense. In Florida, two senators cover 21M residents; contrast that to New Mexico, where two senators cover 2.1M residents. Limiting a candidate to only one nomination across the state’s entire congressional delegation gives more people a chance. Maybe not the best system for individual candidates, but a reasonable solution from a statewide perspective.

Oh, I agree @MidCakePa, at the end you can only go to one academy.
My DS placed his number #1 in all applications senators and representative.
However, because I am not military and probably not as noble and selfless as others, I would really like my DS to have nominations to all 3 academies, get an appointment to all three, fly airplanes and become the next chief of staff. Hahaha
My DS1 did exactly that...guest what DS2 only applied nom to Congress for Usma. But have pres-nom to all big academy including usma. Getting 3 congress-nom for usmma. Top pick USCGA. Dedicated to finish all applications.. hoping for LoA to West Point. In Florida8 you have until Dec1 to declare your #1. Something to think about!
 
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