LOA data

[Huursoldaat]

I've been lurking for a while, and I've read several places that LOAs are not given out much (described as "unicorns" ). I went back and looked at the c/o 2025 self maintained appt thread and of the 165 appointments, 75 had LOAs. Assuming that data is representative of the full picture, that is a 45% LOA rate.

I was just wondering how that data adds up with the comments I have read. I suppose it is possible that people on SAF are superstars and they get LOAs at a higher rate than "average" candidates? Not sure, was just curious what others thought.

 

[Capt MJ]

I've been lurking for a while, and I've read several places that LOAs are not given out much (described as "unicorns" ). I went back and looked at the c/o 2025 self maintained appt thread and of the 165 appointments, 75 had LOAs. Assuming that data is representative of the full picture, that is a 45% LOA rate.

I was just wondering how that data adds up with the comments I have read. I suppose it is possible that people on SAF are superstars and they get LOAs at a higher rate than "average" candidates? Not sure, was just curious what others thought.

Start with the assumption you made about the appointment lists. Those lists generally show about 10% of the class size, and we know more appointments are offered. It’s a tiny data sliver. Add in the proactive types of high-performing applicants and parents who are likely to find Service Academy Forums, and you have your answer why LOAs seem to be proportionately high in the appointment lists.

 

[dddad]

I've been lurking for a while, and I've read several places that LOAs are not given out much (described as "unicorns" ). I went back and looked at the c/o 2025 self maintained appt thread and of the 165 appointments, 75 had LOAs. Assuming that data is representative of the full picture, that is a 45% LOA rate.

I was just wondering how that data adds up with the comments I have read. I suppose it is possible that people on SAF are superstars and they get LOAs at a higher rate than "average" candidates? Not sure, was just curious what others thought.

I've always assumed this is an anomaly that is explained by the fact that people with LOAs want to tell someone (who understands what it means), but they also know that once they get to USNA or their SA of choice nobody will want to hear about it (or care about it). So, they post in disproportionate numbers so they get the chance to tell someone about the LOA.