LOA Question

I have an LOA. I received it way back in August. I have passed my CFA and medical. I had my nomination interviews but i have not heard back. How often does somebody get an LOA but not a nomination because I heard that getting the LOA was the harder part. and if i get the nomination, i will also get an appointment correct?

A Letter of Assurance is contingent upon clearing medical and receiving a nomination. It tells you that academically/whole person composite eval (and assuming the CFA is passed), you will be offerred an appointment "IF" you MEET medical standards or are medically waived AND you receive a nomination.

The LOA is rendered by West Point.
The nomination is rendered by a Member of Congress, the VP, or the President, and special categories.

LOA + passing CFA + medical clearance + Nom = Offer rendered by West Point

west point,

It is very rare that a candidate with an LOA does not get a nomination.

Aspen said:

west point,

It is very rare that a candidate with an LOA does not get a nomination.

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Is that statement true? I have a buddy in high school who also has an LOA for USAFA and we're both scared (naughty word)less that we might not get a nomination. In fact, we both have interviews this saturday for a senator nomination (oh dear). Does anyone possibly know if there is a correlation between people who get LOAs and people who get nominations?

Yes, that statement is true.
Most MOC's will award their nominations by examination of a candidates record. MOC's want to nominate candidates who are not only motivated but have a good chance of success.
When I hear of candidates who receive an LOA but not a nomination it is usually because they applied to mulitple academies and their MOC would only offer a nomination to one academy. For instance, a candidate applies to USNA and USAFA and applies for a nomination to USNA as first choice and USAFA as second choice and then receives an LOA from USAFA and a nomination to USNA.

When you and your buddy go to your interviews - prepare for them and do the best job you can. Don't assume that it's "just a formality" or that a nomination is "owed" to you and don't be cocky.

In addition to what JAM said, MOCs want to nominate students who will get appointed (bragging rights for them). It is in their best interest to nominate you if you have an LOA. My cadet's nominating source had 9/10 from his slate receive appointments...that really gave him something to brag about to his constituents.

mom3boys said:

In addition to what JAM said, MOCs want to nominate students who will get appointed (bragging rights for them). It is in their best interest to nominate you if you have an LOA. My cadet's nominating source had 9/10 from his slate receive appointments...that really gave him something to brag about to his constituents.

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Just_A_Mom said:

When you and your buddy go to your interviews - prepare for them and do the best job you can. Don't assume that it's "just a formality" or that a nomination is "owed" to you and don't be cocky.

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Thanks for the clarification and heads up. Yes, I will heed your warning very well...I would strongly disagree to say that I am arrogant or cocky but it does sound more relieving to hear that applicants with LOAs have somewhat of a better chance of getting a nomination than those who dont. I will do my best at my interviews and remind my friend to do the same.

Interesting to know about some of our lawmakers' underlying motives...