For the Letters of Recommendation (English & Math Teacher), is there a maximum length and what should they talk about (ex. character, grades, etc.)?

ABCDE_2026

Member
Joined
May 21, 2020
Messages
63
Sorry for posting a new thread right away. This question just popped into my head. Thanks everyone.
 
This year USNA app included slots for additional Letters of Rec btw, but for math and english yes it’s an evaluation like a form

Are you saying there are spots on the portal for USNA for recommendation letters? And instructions for applicants to send in LOR’s? That’s new, if so.
 
It surprised me too when DS showed me his application in progress (only after arguing with him that LORs are only for MOC nominations). I hated to admit that I was wrong, so it must be a new thing. I guess it doesn't hurt to eat a little crow every now and then.
 
It surprised me too when DS showed me his application in progress (only after arguing with him that LORs are only for MOC nominations). I hated to admit that I was wrong, so it must be a new thing. I guess it doesn't hurt to eat a little crow every now and then.

(Quickly double checking which forum I’m in...)
(Making sure it’s an N and not an M)

Wow!
 
USNA is now "openly" accepting LORs beyond the mandatory teacher and BGO evaluations. They always did, just didn't publicize it.

Consistent with what folks on this forum have been saying for years, USNA has stressed that the additional LORs should comment on something substantive that would not generally be covered by your teachers. Some examples:

Your major/primary ECA is outside of school (scouting, religious activities, community activities). A LOR from the leader of that organization.

You need to work during the school year -- usually this means you are supporting your family or otherwise are spending a lot of time at a job when you would normally be at an ECA. LOR from your employer. This would not be the case if you babysit or mow yards on WEs.

Your primary sport is outside of school and this takes up most of your time, leaving little time for ECAs. An LOR from the coach.

The key is that these people can discuss your leadership, involvement, etc. in an area that takes up a lot of your time and can comment on parts of your life that would not be known to school officials. You do NOT need to submit extra letters and should only do so if they are adding useful information for Admissions.

What is NOT helpful (per USNA)

LORs from friends, neighbors, civic leaders, military officers, etc., that essentially say the following: John/Jane is a great human being; has always expressed an interest in USNA; comes from a nice family/military family; is a great student [teachers can comment on that]; would make the best midshipman ever, etc.

Even if from an Admiral, these are not going to help. They just aren't. Don't waste your time or the recommenders' time.
 
USNA is now "openly" accepting LORs beyond the mandatory teacher and BGO evaluations. They always did, just didn't publicize it.

Consistent with what folks on this forum have been saying for years, USNA has stressed that the additional LORs should comment on something substantive that would not generally be covered by your teachers. Some examples:

Your major/primary ECA is outside of school (scouting, religious activities, community activities). A LOR from the leader of that organization.

You need to work during the school year -- usually this means you are supporting your family or otherwise are spending a lot of time at a job when you would normally be at an ECA. LOR from your employer. This would not be the case if you babysit or mow yards on WEs.

Your primary sport is outside of school and this takes up most of your time, leaving little time for ECAs. An LOR from the coach.

The key is that these people can discuss your leadership, involvement, etc. in an area that takes up a lot of your time and can comment on parts of your life that would not be known to school officials. You do NOT need to submit extra letters and should only do so if they are adding useful information for Admissions.

What is NOT helpful (per USNA)

LORs from friends, neighbors, civic leaders, military officers, etc., that essentially say the following: John/Jane is a great human being; has always expressed an interest in USNA; comes from a nice family/military family; is a great student [teachers can comment on that]; would make the best midshipman ever, etc.

Even if from an Admiral, these are not going to help. They just aren't. Don't waste your time or the recommenders' time.
So I do need letters of recommendation then? For Church leaders, Sea Cadets, and stuff, do they also fill out a form evaluation or do they actually have to write a physical letter? If so, what should they talk about in the letter?
 
I’m only wondering this: are there actual boxes on the app now, that will be checked when usna receives them? Similar to the USAFA app (the only other one I’m familiar with...also not required but there are boxes on that application portal for them if I remember correctly?)
 
So I do need letters of recommendation then? For Church leaders, Sea Cadets, and stuff, do they also fill out a form evaluation or do they actually have to write a physical letter? If so, what should they talk about in the letter?

What do the application instructions say? It should Be clear. Pretty sure you don’t instruct them what to write. They right what they want.
 
Are you saying there are spots on the portal for USNA for recommendation letters? And instructions for applicants to send in LOR’s? That’s new, if so.
yes
So I do need letters of recommendation then? For Church leaders, Sea Cadets, and stuff, do they also fill out a form evaluation or do they actually have to write a physical letter? If so, what should they talk about in the letter?
yes you will be asked in the application to add a person to do a letter of recommendation - not an evaluation - look at USNA1985 post he knows what it should say and not say........
 
What do the application instructions say? It should Be clear. Pretty sure you don’t instruct them what to write. They right what they want.
there are no instructions - it just says to list a person that you would want to submit a letter of recommendation - you put the person's name and email address that is all. USNA sends the writer something according to my daughters person she put - of course it went to junk mail first and then he found it
 
I’m only wondering this: are there actual boxes on the app now, that will be checked when usna receives them? Similar to the USAFA app (the only other one I’m familiar with...also not required but there are boxes on that application portal for them if I remember correctly?)
yes there is a list of things I think 12 that have to be completed - each has a check box - as things get completed those boxes get checked off -
 
Back
Top