Confused LOR Question

Hunter15

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Joined
Mar 16, 2021
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19
Good Morning,
This will probably sound like a stupid question but I still don't quite understand the letters of recommendations. I am going to SLE and NASS this summer and could learn everything I need to know there on this subject but the problem is I am moving at the end of May and will leave all my teachers and coaches that I have made actual connections with. For the LORs some MOCs say 2 others say 3, it just varies for each. I have heard that you just send teachers and coaches an evaluation sheet through email and they fill it out, but from what it sounds like to me, I should just ask my teachers to write an open recommendation letter. I also don't know that my teachers would even see or care to fill out an evaluation in September for a student that left in May. I think my question here is should I ask my teachers to be on the lookout for an evaluation sheet in their email and hope they fill it out, have them write an open LOR right now, or hope I make some connection with teachers and coaches by October (which doesn't seem possible) at my knew school and have them do the LORs. Sorry if this is confusing but anything really helps! Thank you!
 
If you have connected with these teachers/coaches/admins, they will want to advocate for you even if you do move. Have a discussion with them about the best way to keep in touch (usually email, even if you don’t move!). Explain to them what will be happening. There may be some rules about WHO can write your different required items (LOR vs Evaluation), idk. For most MOC’s I’m aware of, LOR’s can be written by anyone who shows you well. So the move wouldn’t matter.

Many (most) applicants work in their applications during the summer of their rising senior year. And utilize much of their junior year. This is also something you can address in your interviews/essays, if needed.
 
Good Morning,
This will probably sound like a stupid question but I still don't quite understand the letters of recommendations. I am going to SLE and NASS this summer and could learn everything I need to know there on this subject but the problem is I am moving at the end of May and will leave all my teachers and coaches that I have made actual connections with. For the LORs some MOCs say 2 others say 3, it just varies for each. I have heard that you just send teachers and coaches an evaluation sheet through email and they fill it out, but from what it sounds like to me, I should just ask my teachers to write an open recommendation letter. I also don't know that my teachers would even see or care to fill out an evaluation in September for a student that left in May. I think my question here is should I ask my teachers to be on the lookout for an evaluation sheet in their email and hope they fill it out, have them write an open LOR right now, or hope I make some connection with teachers and coaches by October (which doesn't seem possible) at my knew school and have them do the LORs. Sorry if this is confusing but anything really helps! Thank you!
Evaluations and LORs are a bit different:

Generally, each Academy wants three or so academic-related evaluations from your teachers. This includes a PE Teacher for West Point (not your coach!). These eval forms will be emailed.

Your LORs are for your nominations, and those are generally open recommendation letters. These can come from people who know you well. It's recommended that your LORs each focus on a different aspect of you (For example, one letter focusing on your character, one focusing on your leadership, etc.). Each MOC will have their own more specific requirements, so make sure to read their instructions carefully.

Definitely write out which teachers/individuals will be completing which items to avoid duplication, especially if you're applying to more than one service academy. And like @justdoit19 wrote, even if you do move, your old teachers will still be a great resource, and make sure you keep in touch with them.

Kudos to you for looking ahead! :D Good luck with your application!
 
English, Math, & Science--and PE.
These are by topic requests in the application packet.

You should work now to get the summer email addresses of your letter-writers (referees). Ask them if they would be willing to write a strong letter of recommendation for you for USMA during the summer and that the request will come directly from USMA. (I think it includes some check the block style ratings).

Yes, you will be taught how to complete the application at SLE--you will also take the CFT (so start training now if you have not already) and you will complete the interview equivalent.) At some point in July/early August, the full application will open--and you will be ready.
 
Evaluations and LORs are a bit different:

Generally, each Academy wants three or so academic-related evaluations from your teachers. This includes a PE Teacher for West Point (not your coach!). These eval forms will be emailed.

Your LORs are for your nominations, and those are generally open recommendation letters. These can come from people who know you well. It's recommended that your LORs each focus on a different aspect of you (For example, one letter focusing on your character, one focusing on your leadership, etc.). Each MOC will have their own more specific requirements, so make sure to read their instructions carefully.

Definitely write out which teachers/individuals will be completing which items to avoid duplication, especially if you're applying to more than one service academy. And like @justdoit19 wrote, even if you do move, your old teachers will still be a great resource, and make sure you keep in touch with them.

Kudos to you for looking ahead! :D Good luck with your application!
For USNA, the general letters of recommendation, since the USNA is not sending a link, how are those LORs delivered to the USNA? Is there an address they are mailed to? Or email? Or portal upload?
 
USNA doesn’t request general letters of recommendation. The application process requests an evaluation of you, from your math and English teachers. And that’s done via online between the teachers and USNA. Not via mail.
 
For USNA, the general letters of recommendation, since the USNA is not sending a link, how are those LORs delivered to the USNA? Is there an address they are mailed to? Or email? Or portal upload?
USNA doesn’t request letters of recommendation. They require evaluations from your Math and Science teachers. And that’s done from a link sent to the teachers from USNA. Not via mail.
 
Evaluations and LORs are a bit different:

Generally, each Academy wants three or so academic-related evaluations from your teachers. This includes a PE Teacher for West Point (not your coach!). These eval forms will be emailed.

Your LORs are for your nominations, and those are generally open recommendation letters. These can come from people who know you well. It's recommended that your LORs each focus on a different aspect of you (For example, one letter focusing on your character, one focusing on your leadership, etc.). Each MOC will have their own more specific requirements, so make sure to read their instructions carefully.

Definitely write out which teachers/individuals will be completing which items to avoid duplication, especially if you're applying to more than one service academy. And like @justdoit19 wrote, even if you do move, your old teachers will still be a great resource, and make sure you keep in touch with them.

Kudos to you for looking ahead! :D Good luck with your application!
What about if you don't have a PE teacher?

My school lets athletes opt-out of PE, so I'm not in a PE class. Would I then be able to get an evaluation from my baseball or basketball coach? Thanks
 
It is important to follow the specific instructions, be it individual MOCs or SA. Yes, they may be inconsistent with each other - they are independent of each other and may require different things from you. If you don't follow instructions, it's a negative on you. In some cases, they may consider your application incomplete and won't move your application to the next stage (such as interview). Some MOCs may want teacher recs, while others are more lenient by allowing recommenders to be anyone other than relatives. Some MOCs require emailed/online applications and some want the paperwork by postal mail with stamps. Just follow the requirements to the letter and you'll be fine.

As for PE teachers vs coaches, teachers are credentialed for the subject that they teach, have a systematic and standardized evaluation process, and have a stricter code of ethics expected of them. Coaches may be volunteers (paid or unpaid; parents, upper classmen, alumni athletes, etc) and while we commend them and are thankful for them, just not the same as an actual PE teacher. When in doubt, always consult with the Regional Commander or admissions team assigned to you. If they say coach's rec is OK then it's OK.
 
People are correctly advising to follow all instructions to the letter.
The application process is a challenge for a reason. There are many specific details that each SA is looking for. If those specific details are not delivered according to the procedures requested, the application will likely be dreamed incomplete. So be meticulous with every bit of it. This includes first educating yourself about the entirety of the application requirements so you can help your Guidance counselor and other supporting evaluators do their part both accurately and most importantly timely! Many school officials are only familiar with typical State U application processes and will need to understand the differences and significance with your application. Following through with school officials in a professional, persistent, and polite manner is key. Being proactive falls on the applicant.
For detailed answers to specific questions, always consult with your official source.

Also be certain to use the same diligence with MOC applications as they all differ.
 
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