Letter of Recommendation Advice

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Apr 6, 2019
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I am hoping someone can give my son some advice on our specific situation for the letter of recommendation. USAFA recommends 2 letters other than teachers/counselors. It states the candidates can not use family, step, uncles, etc. Now, for us, my former step brother went to the naval academy. My mom and his dad divorced (over 20 years ago) before my son was even born, so technically they aren't related. But, he has been in my son's life and has been helping him through the process. He can vouch for my son's accomplishments, abilities, and achievements in detail. I advised my son that he would be considered more of a family friend to my son rather than any relation. My question to the forum is, would the academy still considered them related even though they are removed as family or can he ask him for a letter? I was hoping to get some clarification before we formally reached to him. Thanks everyone!
 
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It sounds as if he would be a very good one to write the LOR. It’s a twist, though, as you stated....the family “relationship”. I personally would think your approach makes sense. I’ll be interested in other perspectives. Also, as a USAFA graduate, what is the ‘former step uncle’s’ opinion?

Of course, as always, the only valid answer comes from admissions.
 
All I could find about letters of rec is the paragraph below from the App webpage. Where is it said it can't be from parents, etc.? I'm sure you're right about not coming from relatives, I just can't find it. I wanted to look at the specific language used in order to comment on it.
Anyway you state there is no relation, technically. I don't know legally if you situation falls into the "if there's no relation, there's no relation" bucket. This question is best left to Admissions to answer as they're the ultimate arbiter. Suggest you call them & follow up with an email so you have a record of their answer. Good Luck!

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Letters of recommendation are not required, however, we strongly encourage them. You may submit up to, but no more than, two letters from individuals who know you well and can speak about your character, integrity, leadership abilities and experiences.

These letters are in addition to the required teacher evaluations, and should therefore be from individuals different from the instructors who will complete the School Official’s Evaluation (USAFA Form 145).
 
It sounds as if he would be a very good one to write the LOR. It’s a twist, though, as you stated....the family “relationship”. I personally would think your approach makes sense. I’ll be interested in other perspectives. Also, as a USAFA graduate, what is the ‘former step uncle’s’ opinion?

Of course, as always, the only valid answer comes from admissions.

As we suspected, my step brother agreed with us. He will be writing the LOC.
 
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