Letter Of Recommendation

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af802990

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What does USAFA use the letter of recommendation for? Do they have any value on your application? Do the people who write it matter. What does admission do with LOR?
 
It is of course, part of the entire package. Whomever you choose to write it matters a great deal.
This person should be very familiar with you, over the course of many years.

Try to eschew the "family friend who happens to be a Air Force Colonel who has never met you, but he's a Colonel so that must be cool" sort of person. This guy doesn't know you and his recommendation has no more weight than the guy you order your #8 from at the sandwich shop.

The Academy wants to get a picture of you as an overall person. A snapshot of you in life right now, and where you're going in the future.
The only person to reliably supply that snapshot is someone who knows you really well, and will be honest and forthright.

I hope that helps.
 
af802990 said:
Do the people who write it matter
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Yes. The person should know you well.

A coach who has known you since childhood is far more relevant than a politician or high ranking military officer who wouldn't recognize you on the street.
 
AROTC-dad, if DS has a good letter from wrestling coach but already has two additional letters, should he mail it to USAFA, or would that be frowned upon? Thanks for your wisdom.
 
Dadx4 said:
AROTC-dad, if DS has a good letter from wrestling coach but already has two additional letters, should he mail it to USAFA, or would that be frowned upon? Thanks for your wisdom.
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Following directions precisely is greatly encouraged by the Academies.

Here are the instructions posted by USAFA with regard to LOR's:

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.
Source: https://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/the-application-process/character-assessmen/​

I would heed the instructions and submit no more than two LOR's.

Good luck!
 
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