Is this a Letter of Encouragement?

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bg4spam

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I filled out West Point's Candidate Questionnaire a while back. I didn't even log in to my portal since then, but today I got the following email:



Greetings from West Point,

Based on the information you have provided us in your Candidate Questionaire, you are a highly competitive candidate for the class of 2024 at West Point. I would like to encourage you to complete your application ASAP, and more specifically to get your official test scores (SAT/ACT), six semester transcripts, and interview completed (if you haven’t already done so). By completing these, you may be able to receive an LOA (Letter of Assurance) or basically a conditional offer of admission (as long as you are qualified medically and receive a nomination).

I would encourage you to look up your Field Force representatives in your area (look under liaisons on your portal) as they will be able to greatly assist you through the application process.

Good Luck and thank you for your desire to serve our country.

Respectfully,

Lucas J. Dahl
CPT, LG
USMA 2010
etc.


I looked this up to see if it legitimately meant anything, but to no avail. All I can find is information about "Letters of Encouragement," but this seems more... aggressive? I can't think of the exact word... than all the examples I saw (e.g. how it specifically talks about getting a LOA). So what is this, and what does it really mean for me? How many people get these?

Thank you!
 
I read this as LOE that can become an LOA if you get the remaining items completed. It’s a good sign.
 
CrewDad said:
I read this as LOE that can become an LOA if you get the remaining items completed. It’s a good sign.
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Thank you, that's what I was thinking. However, I'm not a recruited athlete, minority, or SLE attendee, and I haven't shown any particular interest in West Point besides filling out the questionnaire. I am a very good student though. So do you think I would really be given an LOA as long as I just turn in the required materials, or are they just trying to get me to complete my application?
 
They’re encouraging you to complete your application because you appear to be a promising candidate. Nothing more, nothing less. LOAs are precious few, enormously rare, and not to be counted on regardless of whatever letters USMA may send you.

If you’re interested, great. Finish the process. If you’re not, no worries. Focus on the schools you are interested in. Whatever the case, best wishes.
 
CPT, LG ? Now I know I'm an old grad. I have never seen "LG". Normally that would be the officer's branch: IN, AR, FA, etc.
 
cptenca said:
LG is a branch
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You're right. LG (Logistics) is a new branch, established 2008 (at least new for old grads). Never noticed, since it's not a branch that Cadets choose.

Interesting that initial branch choice and commissioning is still OD, QM, TC, rather than LG. 2LT's enter Ordnance, Transportation, or Quartermaster Officer branches until they complete LOG-C3 or Multifunctional Logistics Captains Career Course (CCC-RC).
 
Let me put it this way. I know persons who have received a similar letter who were not offered an appointment. You show promise, but you should not consider yourself ahead or behind anyone else.
 
It's a good sign but no guarantee. Down the road you can be 3Q with a nom and still have 50/50 odds.

Competitive schools actively recruit competitive candidates - outside the few elite Ivys most schools are motivated to attract the best candidates.

So get your stuff done and see where it takes you !!
 
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