A little bit of confusion...

[heloo]

So I'm kind of confused about some of the criteria for my teacher recommendation letters and I have listed a few of my inquiries below:

1. I believe the letters have to come from a math, English, and physic/chemistry teacher but do these teachers have to be from my 11-12 grade year, or can they come from any year of high school?
2. I do not have a close relationship with my honors chemistry teacher from last year and I have not taken physics yet. Do I have to take physics next year or can I get a letter from any kind of science teacher (I'm currently in AP Environmental Science)?
3. Also, do I need a coach to send me a letter? I read that somewhere but I'm not sure if it's required.
4. Lastly, are all the academies similar in this respect, or are each of their requirements different?

 

[Damb_Dev]

1. I believe they do have to be from Junior/Senior year, the only exception may be the physical education teacher.
2. You don't have to as far as I know, but do to an emphasis on STEM at the academies it would be highly reccomended to take physics. I believe it has to be from a physics or chem teacher.
3. I don't believe a coach would have to send you a letter excluding an athlete who wants to be recruited. I never communicated with a coach from West Point.
4. They all have somewhat similar requirements for reccomendations, some schools you can send more then others. However, you also have congressional nominations you will be applying for which will need their own letters of reccomendation.

This is all from a C/O 2025 applicant, I also have an appointment so all my info is as recent as recent as can be.
Good luck!

 

[heloo]

1. I believe they do have to be from Junior/Senior year, the only exception may be the physical education teacher.
2. You don't have to as far as I know, but do to an emphasis on STEM at the academies it would be highly reccomended to take physics. I believe it has to be from a physics or chem teacher.
3. I don't believe a coach would have to send you a letter excluding an athlete who wants to be recruited. I never communicated with a coach from West Point.
4. They all have somewhat similar requirements for reccomendations, some schools you can send more then others. However, you also have congressional nominations you will be applying for which will need their own letters of reccomendation.

This is all from a C/O 2025 applicant, I also have an appointment so all my info is as recent as recent as can be.
Good luck!

Hey, thanks for the info, and congrats on your appointment! I have started on the vice-presidential nomination (opened up yesterday) and I don't believe it needs teacher recommendations but I could be mistaken. Do my regional representatives require recommendations? If so, do these teachers need to write two separate recommendations for nominations and USMA or can these letters be the same? Also, do I send the recommendation letters from my teachers to West Point, or do they send their letters directly to the admissions office? Thanks!

 

[Damb_Dev]

Hey, thanks for the info, and congrats on your appointment! I have started on the vice-presidential nomination (opened up yesterday) and I don't believe it needs teacher recommendations but I could be mistaken. Do my regional representatives require recommendations? If so, do these teachers need to write two separate recommendations for nominations and USMA or can these letters be the same? Also, do I send the recommendation letters from my teachers to West Point, or do they send their letters directly to the admissions office? Thanks!

It depends on the representative, but odds are they will require a letter of reccomendation. Some teachers will most likely be asked to write multiple letters of reccomendation, luckily I was close with my English teacher because she had to write something like 6 total letters. However, other than English and math which will be required from most you can spread out letters of reccomendation. I had my history and psychology teachers write them whenever possible. You will send an email to your teachers (it will be on the portal) from there they will be told how to submit their letters. Similar situation for representatives, I had to do snail mail for all three of my representatives.

 

[heloo]

It depends on the representative, but odds are they will require a letter of reccomendation. Some teachers will most likely be asked to write multiple letters of reccomendation, luckily I was close with my English teacher because she had to write something like 6 total letters. However, other than English and math which will be required from most you can spread out letters of reccomendation. I had my history and psychology teachers write them whenever possible. You will send an email to your teachers (it will be on the portal) from there they will be told how to submit their letters. Similar situation for representatives, I had to do snail mail for all three of my representatives.

Ok... I can tell this is going to be a pretty lengthy process lol! Thanks for your help!

 

[Damb_Dev]

Ok... I can tell this is going to be a pretty lengthy process lol! Thanks for your help!

Very much so, but believe me there is no better feeling then getting that Letter of Appointment. I can assure you that it is worth it

 

[MidCakePa]

Know that SAs aren’t asking your teachers for letters of recommendation. They’re asking for evaluations — straightforward assessments based on specific criteria. So while it’s time consuming, it’s not as much work necessarily as traditional letters of recommendation.

 

[jl123]

So I'm kind of confused about some of the criteria for my teacher recommendation letters and I have listed a few of my inquiries below:

1. I believe the letters have to come from a math, English, and physic/chemistry teacher but do these teachers have to be from my 11-12 grade year, or can they come from any year of high school?
2. I do not have a close relationship with my honors chemistry teacher from last year and I have not taken physics yet. Do I have to take physics next year or can I get a letter from any kind of science teacher (I'm currently in AP Environmental Science)?
3. Also, do I need a coach to send me a letter? I read that somewhere but I'm not sure if it's required.
4. Lastly, are all the academies similar in this respect, or are each of their requirements different?

The instructions accompanying the SOE's will clarify your specific questions. Unless something has changed:

1. They should be from more recent teachers, but don't have to be unless specifically requested. Evaluations from more recent teachers, and more advanced courses, are more compelling. Better to use your Junior year Precalculus teacher than Freshman Algebra teacher. Must use your Chemistry or Physics teacher no matter how long ago.

2. You must use a Chemistry or Physics teacher unless you get approval from your RC to do otherwise. You are expected to track down a teacher if they have moved. There are exceptions, but only if you have exhausted all efforts. TAKE PHYSICS! The required STEM courses at USMA (and other SA's) are rigorous. Even if you major in Humanities, you will take the same introductory calculus-based Physics class as a Physics major.

3. The PE SOE cannot be completed by a coach. It must be completed by an accredited PE Teacher. Acceptable substitutes are Dance Instructor, Martial Arts Instructor, or other approved by your RC if no PE Teacher is available.

4. Each SA has its own requirements, but they are pretty similar. Expect every school, SA and civilian, to require some type of Math and English evaluation. I don't think the others are as adamant about a Chemistry/Physics teacher evaluation.

 

[professorm804]

1. I believe the letters have to come from a math, English, and physic/chemistry teacher but do these teachers have to be from my 11-12 grade year, or can they come from any year of high school?

Any year of highschool.

2. I do not have a close relationship with my honors chemistry teacher from last year and I have not taken physics yet. Do I have to take physics next year or can I get a letter from any kind of science teacher (I'm currently in AP Environmental Science)?

The SOE specifically says "Physics/Chemistry" therefore they require someone from these fields.

3. Also, do I need a coach to send me a letter? I read that somewhere but I'm not sure if it's required.

Coaches are not allowed to fill out the Phys. Ed. SOE!!!! Repeat, do not ask your coach to do this!!!! Ask your PE teacher or MALO.

4. Lastly, are all the academies similar in this respect, or are each of their requirements different?

Some SA's requirements may differ, some may have the same requirements.

 

[JD-TN2002]

I would definitely recommend taking Physics. I am certain that your recommendation must be from a Physics or Chemistry Teacher. My letter came from a chemistry teacher who taught me at my old high school, not the chemistry teacher I finished the last four weeks of the semester with at the high school I am graduating from in May. Take Physics first semester so that you have the option of which recommender you prefer. My rule of thumb was not to choose anyone to write my letters who I thought may have had any negative feelings or emotions towards me. Trust your gut feeling on this. I have a very good friend who lost an appointment opportunity over a bad letter of recommendation. Choose a teacher who likes you or has a neutral opinion. Please let me know if you have any further questions.


Very Respectfully,

JD

 

[MidCakePa]

My rule of thumb was not to choose anyone to write my letters who I thought may have had any negative feelings or emotions towards me.

This advice is only as good as SA requirements allow. The SAs are quite specific about who they want assessing you.

More importantly, don’t put yourself in a position in which the teacher dislikes you — or even is neutral. That’s 97% or more in your control! Be an engaged and attentive student. Do the work. Ask thoughtful questions. Be respectful. Help your classmates. Use office hours if you’re struggling — and even if you’re not, just so the teacher gets to know you.

“Picking the right teacher” beyond the SA’s base requirement should not be an issue for a prospective mid/cadet.

 

[honeybadger]

So I'm kind of confused about some of the criteria for my teacher recommendation letters and I have listed a few of my inquiries below:

3. Also, do I need a coach to send me a letter? I read that somewhere but I'm not sure if it's required.
4. Lastly, are all the academies similar in this respect, or are each of their requirements different?

Specifically addressing #3 and 4 ...

As others have stated, your coach cannot write your Phys. Ed. SOE or administer your CFA for West Point. For West Point, your PE teacher, MALO, Military Officers or Non-Commissioned officers, FFR, and J/ROTC Instructors are the only ones that are authorized to conduct your CFA and write up your Phys. Ed. SOE. These qualification requirements differ from USNA's requirements, USNA will allow your coach or anyone qualified as according to USMA to administer your CFA. This added in an extra step for me as I had my coach administer my USNA CFA, therefore disqualifying the scores for consideration as a part of my West Point application. I ended up retaking the test ( and improved my scores ) and had my Phys. Ed. SOE written by the officer that administered my test. It worked out really well for me but I wish I had known about the different requirements for USNA and USMA.

Here's a brief overview of the differences between USNA recommendations and USMA recommendations:

Math- Same for USNA and USMA
English- Same for USNA and USMA
Chemistry/Physics- Not required for USNA required for USMA
CFA/ Phys. Ed. -
USMA List
- Physical Education Teachers
- Military Academy Liaison Officers
- Military Officers or Noncommissioned Officers
- Professors of Military Science
- Field Force Representatives
- J/ROTC Instructors
- Coaches and relatives may NOT administer your CFA

USNA List
- Same as USMA
- Coaches may administer your CFA

Hope that helps clear up some of your confusion! Best of luck to you

-HB

 

[heloo]

The instructions accompanying the SOE's will clarify your specific questions. Unless something has changed:

1. They should be from more recent teachers, but don't have to be unless specifically requested. Evaluations from more recent teachers, and more advanced courses, are more compelling. Better to use your Junior year Precalculus teacher than Freshman Algebra teacher. Must use your Chemistry or Physics teacher no matter how long ago.

2. You must use a Chemistry or Physics teacher unless you get approval from your RC to do otherwise. You are expected to track down a teacher if they have moved. There are exceptions, but only if you have exhausted all efforts. TAKE PHYSICS! The required STEM courses at USMA (and other SA's) are rigorous. Even if you major in Humanities, you will take the same introductory calculus-based Physics class as a Physics major.

3. The PE SOE cannot be completed by a coach. It must be completed by an accredited PE Teacher. Acceptable substitutes are Dance Instructor, Martial Arts Instructor, or other approved by your RC if no PE Teacher is available.

4. Each SA has its own requirements, but they are pretty similar. Expect every school, SA and civilian, to require some type of Math and English evaluation. I don't think the others are as adamant about a Chemistry/Physics teacher evaluation.

Wow, thanks for the info! I took my physical education classes virtually due to my heavy class load during freshmen and sophomore year so would I have to contact these teachers? Also, (I'm about to sound pretty ignorant...) what does SA stand for? I hear people use the term a lot but I'm somewhat uncertain what it stands for (I'm new to the whole "everything has an abbreviation" thing).

 

[heloo]

Wow, thanks for the info! I took my physical education classes virtually due to my heavy class load during freshmen and sophomore year so would I have to contact these teachers? Also, (I'm about to sound pretty ignorant...) what does SA stand for? I hear people use the term a lot but I'm somewhat uncertain what it stands for (I'm new to the whole "everything has an abbreviation" thing).

It stands for Service Academy, doesn't it... I guess I figured it out lol

 

[FrauTeufelshund]

It stands for Service Academy, doesn't it... I guess I figured it out lol

There is an acronym list in the menu bar above. I have been here a few months and use it often!

 

[WT Door]

It stands for Service Academy, doesn't it... I guess I figured it out lol

@heloo, outside this forum, “SA” also stands for situational awareness. In the military SA means being aware of what’s happening around you and having a grasp of the big picture. You want Sailors to have good SA when visiting a foreign port. In aviation mishap reports, situational awareness is often preceded by the words “lost” or “lack of”. Here is an example: "During night operations pilot lost situational awareness, failed to recognize excessive descent rate which resulted in water impact”. Not as dire in your case, but loss of situational awareness could result in missed opportunity. So, maintain SA during the entire application process. Apply for all eligible nominations. Consider primary and secondary dates for SAT/ACT. Establish a baseline now for the CFA and meet all application deadlines early.

Good luck to you.

 

[jl123]

Wow, thanks for the info! I took my physical education classes virtually due to my heavy class load during freshmen and sophomore year so would I have to contact these teachers? Also, (I'm about to sound pretty ignorant...) what does SA stand for? I hear people use the term a lot but I'm somewhat uncertain what it stands for (I'm new to the whole "everything has an abbreviation" thing).

Physical Education virtually? That's a COVID twist I hadn't heard before. Your RC would be the best source on that.

 

[heloo]

@heloo, outside this forum, “SA” also stands for situational awareness. In the military SA means being aware of what’s happening around you and having a grasp of the big picture. You want Sailors to have good SA when visiting a foreign port. In aviation mishap reports, situational awareness is often preceded by the words “lost” or “lack of”. Here is an example: "During night operations pilot lost situational awareness, failed to recognize excessive descent rate which resulted in water impact”. Not as dire in your case, but loss of situational awareness could result in missed opportunity. So, maintain SA during the entire application process. Apply for all eligible nominations. Consider primary and secondary dates for SAT/ACT. Establish a baseline now for the CFA and meet all application deadlines early.

Good luck to you.

I'm on it! I've been completing each of the steps that you mentioned and I do have one question about nominations... Is it better to have a good application that is turned in early or a great application that is turned in a little later?

 

[honeybadger]

Is it better to have a good application that is turned in early or a great application that is turned in a little later?

I would say put together the best nomination application you can before the deadline. If that means you have to work on the application up to the deadline then do so. It may vary by state- so check your Congressmans website- but I am fairly certain that MOC( Members Of Congress) do not have rolling admissions. Therefore, there is no potential benefit to turning in an application early as all applications will be reviewed at the same time. The only potential benefit to turning an application in well before(a month or more) the deadline is that it could show the MOC staff initiative and convey your commitment to receiving a nomination. Of course if that application is subpar they will sit there thinking 'why didn't they take the month and a half they had before the deadline to polish this application?'

Best of luck!
HB