LOA

Congratulations. Your LOA is conditional, based on you addressing an issue that should be explained in the letter. So what does it say? Address that issue to USAFA’s satisfaction, and an offer of appointment will be on its way.

However, don’t stop working on a Plan B. What if you’re not able to satisfy the condition? What if you don’t get a nomination? What if something happens between now and I-Day (illness, injury) that prevents you from reporting? What if some other freak thing occurs? Yes, sadly, these things do happen. Until you’re actually standing at USAFA, taking the oath in June, you’re not safely in.
 
The Letter of Assurance (LOA) is a Conditional Offer of Appointment. After you satisfy the condition(s), your Fully Qualified Offer of Appointment is assured.
Then all you have to do is accept or decline the offer. If you accept, the USAFA will update you with requirements for paperwork to send in, prior to I-Day.

If you want something to do until then, you can start getting some information together in one place;
You should get a U.S. Passport if you don't already have one. You will need an official copy of your birth certificate. You will need a physical Social Security card.
Those all serve as proof of your citizenship.

USAFA will probably ask for a police record check, and may or may not supply you with a form. In the interim, you can do some checking where you live to see who actually does that.
Depending on location, it may be your State Police or your County Sheriff's Office. It may just be your municipal Police Department.
Some departments won't release records (or even do a record check) if you are younger than 18 years old. You can start by making a few phone calls, but it may require a visit in person.

Congratulations. As @MidCakePa states above, don't give up on "Plan B". There are horror stories (few as they may be) of LOA recipients getting LOAs who did NOT get a nomination and did not ultimately get an Offer because of it. Then there are the situations in which the LOA turns into an accepted Offer - and a month before I-Day - the candidate breaks their leg. Things happen.
 
@skyflies2023, First of all a BIG CONGRATULATIONS!
You brought luck for us as well so you are very special this morning. I saw your posting and checked the USAFA's portal. Our DS and whole family is very excited.
Thanks to all senior and old timers here for all your guidance in this process.
I have a question, if my son can take an over night visit to USAFA ? Is it possible ?
 
Congratulations. Your LOA is conditional, based on you addressing an issue that should be explained in the letter. So what does it say? Address that issue to USAFA’s satisfaction, and an offer of appointment will be on its way.

However, don’t stop working on a Plan B. What if you’re not able to satisfy the condition? What if you don’t get a nomination? What if something happens between now and I-Day (illness, injury) that prevents you from reporting? What if some other freak thing occurs? Yes, sadly, these things do happen. Until you’re actually standing at USAFA, taking the oath in June, you’re not safely in.

I just need the nomination but they said they’d contact the congressmen. Is that guaranteed ?
 
From prior posters wisdom..... I've learned there are no guarantees in this process. There are prior posts of young people with LOA's who fail to get in due to lack of obtaining a nomination. Keep working hard, don't let up yet.
 
I just need the nomination but they said they’d contact the congressmen. Is that guaranteed ?
No. There are folks on this forum every year who have an LOA and no nomination.... which results in no appointment.
 
@skyflies2023, where are you in the nomination process? If you’re still in the thick of it, then do all you can to secure a nomination on your own. USAFA helps those who help themselves.
 
You should get a U.S. Passport if you don't already have one.

Is this required now, or even recommended? I recall my sons getting passports at USAFA - no charge to them and no hassles either, which didn't happen until after/around commitment.

I just need the nomination but they said they’d contact the congressmen. Is that guaranteed ?
Absolutely NOT! There are any number of factors which could influence your acquiring that desired nomination: bad interview, slip up in grades or behavior, DODMERB difficulties... Maybe your MOC just isn't likely to put you on his/her slate.

Is the LOA a good thing to have? Sure! But it is just a part of the package.

I always suggest students and parents keep their PlanB options open, until after BCT (even if it costs several hundred dollars). (And note: not all parents agree with this position; it was just sound wisdom for our family since we had four kids in college at the same time.).

Now, can we please be done with the LOA talk? You know I hate it. :)
 
@skyflies2023, where are you in the nomination process? If you’re still in the thick of it, then do all you can to secure a nomination on your own. USAFA helps those who help themselves.

I completed my nomination applications over a month ago but my Representative extended his deadline. He doesn’t interview and will choose nominees before Christmas. I’ve maintained contact with his secretary and she’s been helpful as far as providing info. My senator hasn’t responded and isn’t expected to conduct interviews until mid December
 
Is this required now, or even recommended? I recall my sons getting passports at USAFA - no charge to them and no hassles either, which didn't happen until after/around commitment.


Absolutely NOT! There are any number of factors which could influence your acquiring that desired nomination: bad interview, slip up in grades or behavior, DODMERB difficulties... Maybe your MOC just isn't likely to put you on his/her slate.

Is the LOA a good thing to have? Sure! But it is just a part of the package.

I always suggest students and parents keep their PlanB options open, until after BCT (even if it costs several hundred dollars). (And note: not all parents agree with this position; it was just sound wisdom for our family since we had four kids in college at the same time.).

Now, can we please be done with the LOA talk? You know I hate it. :)

I know you hate it! But I needed advice from the pros
 
@fencersmother , a U.S. Passport is highly encouraged before I-Day (at least at USNA).
It is something akin to "it's not mandatory, but you will be there".
 
This morning I received a LOA, and I’m overjoyed but a little confused on what to do next. Should I continue to apply to other schools and an AFROTC scholarship ?

Yes! Continue to apply to other schools until you get a full Appointment! And make sure you graduate and do well at school.
 
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