My DS was appointed, and I know I am repeating myself, he did not get accepted to SLE, no LOE and no LOA, he just worked extremely hard to get better SAT/ACT (GPA never an issue), went to Boys State, Captain Football team (3 year starter, school basketball team, and I am not sure how many Volunteers hours, Head Coach rec basketball team (youngest here ever), etc. So if you do not get into to SLE, it is not the end.....or is the end if no LOA, LOE....Hard Word, leadership, determination, and dedication!!!! And GO to the Informational meetings USMA has in your area, DS went to two, traveling over 2 hours (we live in rural area) to one of them...you meet face to face with Admissions, and do not show up in JEANS, wear suit and tie, dress suit, etc....