Letter of Rec

seb.g.b

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Jun 30, 2019
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Does USNA want specific letter of recs from specific teachers? Yes, I know the difference between an evaluation but im asking about a letter of rec. Im only asking this because I want to get a letter of rec from our schools custodian. Over the years, ive grown a very close bond with him and talked with him a lot about my military goals, and he highly supports me and I know his letter will be stellar. Would USNA accept a letter of rec from him or do they want it from someone such as a teacher?
 
That’s exactly who should be writing your LOR’s. But not for USNA as they don’t have them as a piece of their application process. Typically MOC’s do require them. The point is to have a letter from someone who knows you very well. He sounds perfect! But for your MOC applications. Not for USNA.
 
In your case, it's unlikely to help your USNA application. It would help if the following were true: you needed to work to help support your family and you worked closely with the custodian. He could talk about your work ethic, how you handled a challenging job, balanced working with school, etc.

It might help for MOCs, depending on what they're asking for in an LOR. Each one is different and you want to see if his rec would fit the requirements.
 
You can send in extra letters of recommendation through the mail. I sent 2 for my class of 2024 application and they were placed in my file
 
To clarify, LOR’s are not a required, or even a suggested or recommended piece of the application to USNA. They are not discussed in the instructions or on the portal. VS USAFA, where in the portal and instructions, one can provide ‘up to two letters of recommendation’.

Your statements of evaluation from your English and math teachers are a requirement. Those are very explicitly discussed and are done via an online link to the evaluator.

If letters of recommendation are sent, it’s outside the standard application process. I cant help but think, that if USNA wanted them as standard, that it wouldn’t be an actual requirement of applying. but LOR’s are not part of the official, standard USNA application process.
 
LOR's are not 'outside the process' but in the words of the Dean of Admissions "they are neither encouraged nor discouraged".

If there is a person who can provide unique information or insight into a candidate that won't otherwise be seen by Admissions, then a letter from the person may very well be valuable.

On the flip side, a letter from a 'family friend', who happens to be a Flag Officer or a Cabinet Secretary, or a Governor, who doesn't really know the candidate and can only repeat the things that are already in the record, isn't going to help at all.
 
To clarify, LOR’s are not a required, or even a suggested or recommended piece of the application to USNA.
My now-youngster DS listened to a USNA Admissions presentation on CollegeWeekLive when he was in the application process. In the presentation they encouraged LORs if the recommendation presented new and compelling information about the applicant. DS followed up with his admissions counselor and was encouraged to send the extra LORs.
 
if the recommendation presented new and compelling information about the applicant

This is the key.

Letters that say, "Johnny (or Jane) has wanted to attend USNA since he/she was a toddler. Wore a sailor suit with his/her diapers." And on and on . . . not going to help. As a general rule, letters from friends, neighbors, politicians, active or retired military or anyone else that do not add something NEW AND COMPELLING are a waste of your time and the recommender's time. May make you feel better but won't help.

So what is new and compelling? Search the old threads as there's been a lot of discussion on this topic. Basically, it's something very important about you that your teachers and your BGO can't readily comment on. Your motivation is generally not in that category since your teachers can discuss it and your BGO must discuss it. Examples are candidates who must work (LOR from employer) or those whose primary ECAs are outside of school (church, scouting, etc.) (LOR from group leader).

Finally, the fact that someone in prior years submitted extra LORs and was accepted is not necessarily (and probably is not likely) cause and effect. IOW, the candidate was likely appointed based solely on the information that USNA requires, not b/c of the extra LOR.
 
My now-youngster DS listened to a USNA Admissions presentation on CollegeWeekLive when he was in the application process. In the presentation they encouraged LORs if the recommendation presented new and compelling information about the applicant. DS followed up with his admissions counselor and was encouraged to send the extra LORs.

I am trying to clarify for OP...that LOR'S are NOT required. There will be no request for them from USNA admissions as part of the application cycle. Or box that gets checked in their portal. Or discussion in materials sent from USNA about how to fill out the application. I am clarifying that point for OP. Not debating whether they should be sent, solicited to admissions by the candidate. That's a whole other thing...and discussed other places if they want to search that out or make that inquiry. DITTO 200 pct what @usna1985 posted above :)
 
LOR's are not 'outside the process' but in the words of the Dean of Admissions "they are neither encouraged nor discouraged".

If there is a person who can provide unique information or insight into a candidate that won't otherwise be seen by Admissions, then a letter from the person may very well be valuable.

On the flip side, a letter from a 'family friend', who happens to be a Flag Officer or a Cabinet Secretary, or a Governor, who doesn't really know the candidate and can only repeat the things that are already in the record, isn't going to help at all.

Outside the standard process...as in not a requirement. Not in the portal. Not a piece required for admission. Not in the instructions. I think this is confusing personally the way this thread is going...I guess with all things, ask your admissions officer. But as a standard piece of the standard application, there is no requirement for an LOR.
 
In your case, it's unlikely to help your USNA application. It would help if the following were true: you needed to work to help support your family and you worked closely with the custodian. He could talk about your work ethic, how you handled a challenging job, balanced working with school, etc.

It might help for MOCs, depending on what they're asking for in an LOR. Each one is different and you want to see if his rec would fit the requirements.
I was thinking that with his LOR, it would show my moral character as many people don't really talk much to the school's custodians, and by getting a good letter of rec from him showing my strong bond with him I've gained over the years by talking to him a lot, it would differ me from the rest that would only get LOR's from common people such as coaches and teachers.
 
My now-youngster DS listened to a USNA Admissions presentation on CollegeWeekLive when he was in the application process. In the presentation they encouraged LORs if the recommendation presented new and compelling information about the applicant. DS followed up with his admissions counselor and was encouraged to send the extra LORs.
How many did he send? I know a good amount of people that can write me a good letter of rec. At the end of the day, I can have a letter of rec from about 7 letter of recs, but of course it is unlikely that I will send all. Is there an unwritten rule of how much they want or a good amount they are looking for? Although some would say similar stuff as two of them are club advisors, all of them are unique in their own way. I can get one from a coach showing my leadership and determination at practice and being a team player/leader, I can get 4 from teachers that show my hard work ethic (especially my club advisor) and my leadership in terms of the club, but also during class and how Im always willing to learn and participate, and one from our schools custodian that would show my moral character, and my determination and passion for my goals, which is USNA, as ive talked to him a lot about my dream of going to USNA and being a naval officer for the past few years since I've gotten to know him.
 
I was thinking that with his LOR, it would show my moral character as many people don't really talk much to the school's custodians, and by getting a good letter of rec from him showing my strong bond with him I've gained over the years by talking to him a lot, it would differ me from the rest that would only get LOR's from common people such as coaches and teachers.

First off, if it makes you happy to get a letter from him, then do it -- don't want to discourage you. However, if you're asking for advice regarding whether it will help . . . extremely unlikely to do so. Your teachers can write about your passion. Your BGO can write about your passion. And, more importantly, your actions to date say a lot about your passion. IOW, ask yourself what he can say in a LOR that no one else could say.

I get the impression (and could be way off base) that you think your cause will somehow be advanced because the LOR is from a "custodian" -- as in USNA will be impressed that you are friends with a custodian. Disabuse yourself of that notion. There are kids at USNA whose parents are custodians and probably some who have worked as custodians. In the end, it's not about who writes the rec but rather what they write.
 
"If there is a person who can provide unique information or insight into a candidate"

We heard from two Vice Admirals who had taught at USNA that LOR should NOT be someone who knows you through family connections. The impression that it could be a favor to another family member is just too hard to overcome.
 
I'd say for other schools, have the custodian write yours for the outside recommender (not teacher, not counselor), and his recommendation would stand out as something very special and unique to you. for USNA though, there isn't really a place for it, unfortunately. I think they believe that they can judge if you are of good moral character based upon your essays, your activities, your interview, and teacher recommendations (who speak about your abilities as a student, your ability to potentially succeed at USNA, and your moral character).
 
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