LOA Period

[2026Cadet]

Is there a time where LOA's are given out the most? I heard a rep say something about an LOA period and I was just wondering if that was over.

 

[txfwindian]

From what I have heard, seen and experienced with DD, there is no set time frame when LOA are given. It is at the sole discretion of the admissions to decide who and when to give an LOA. To some candidates that could be early in the cycle as schools would like to kind of 'lockin' a stellar candidate and to others it could be little late as well.

Most folks here advise that one should focus on submitting the best application and focusing on the ultimate appointment. Hope that helps.

 

[MidCakePa]

DD received one LOA in January, one in February, one in April. Each one from a different SA. Each one for a different reason. There’s no point in trying to decipher this enigma. As @txfwindian says, better to focus on offer of appointment. The LOA is nice, but it doesn’t guarantee an offer of appointment.

 

[prospective2019]

I got one in early August back in my application cycle, and reported the following July, almost a year later. I don't really think there's a process for this. It's just at the discretion of the Regional Commander. I never was "aiming" for one but rather was pursuing the appointment (and pursue I did). Almost five years later it is entertaining to reflect on how much I sweated the small stuff like this.

 

[Old Enlisted Marine]

My son did not receive an LOA or LOE but received one of his appointments as early as December. I don't think there is a templet to follow to receive one. Put together your best package as soon as possible for the academy, nomination and medical and hopefully an appointment follows shortly thereafter.

 

[jl123]

With the exception of recruited athletes and possibly diversity candidates, LOA's are issued by the RC. Some use them more than others, so distribution will vary by region.

LOA's are used strategically and do not always go to an outstanding candidate. For example, a good candidate may have no competition in a district and the RC simply wants to try to lock in that candidate.

 

[brewmeist]

My advice is to not even be concerned about an LOA. You should be putting your best efforts in getting the appointment, LOA or no LOA. If you do happen to get an LOA, that is great, but no guarantee of an appointment. The vast majority appointed to an SA did not receive an LOA.

 

[JCSDVM1]

My son did not receive an LOA or LOE but received one of his appointments as early as December. I don't think there is a templet to follow to receive one. Put together your best package as soon as possible for the academy, nomination and medical and hopefully an appointment follows shortly thereafter.

Same here. DS never received an LOE or LOA but was appointed in early December.