With an LOA in hand, completed on-line application (including nomination), this is the sequence of events that occurred at our house:
1. We checked the on-line candidate profile daily. The morning the USPS package was delivered (12/23), there was a notation on the profile that he could accept the appointment. Also appearing were some .pdf files to download. Basically, it was the 2014 handbook and the forms (medical/optical followup, original birth certificate, etc.) to be completed and returned hard-copy to admissions.
2. While we knew before he left for school that day, we did not tell him. We wanted him to be informed with the receipt of the actual appointment. The package was too big/stiff to fit into our mailbox and was banded to the outside. Knowing he would be home from school soon, we left it there under watchful eye for him to retrieve from the mail box and we watched from the window as he retrieved his package. The package contained the hardcovered appointment, a letter describing the appointment, and a return post card to accept (as an alternative to using the on-line acceptance method). There was no handbook, no forms, etc., included in the package.
3. To give some memorability to the event, on Christmas afternoon we gathered about the computer and he clicked his acceptance option. The check turned green and overnight the database updated and his file noted he had accepted his nomination.
4. He downloaded and printed the appropriate files and we are in the process of completing the appropriate responses.
5. On the 26th of December, the office of his MOC phoned him to let him know of his appointment and to congratulate him.
6. About 10 days later he received a congratulatory letter from admissions in which he was reminded to go to his on-line file and retrieve the handbook and documents to be completed. The letter emphasized the importance of completing the medical/optical and bank account portions and returning the material to them quickly. This letter also included some pre-addressed return envelopes.
6. He is now working his way through the everything and getting ready for semester exams next week.