LOA Questions

Just completed everything except the transcripts last night. Leaving today for the next month so I wanted it done. Transcripts come out next week so my mom will get them sent to the academy and to our senators and congressman. Hooray!
 
LOA - What levels are expected for the Class of 2016?

2 Questions?

How often is the USMA admissions team evaluating LOA recipients? Monthly,weekly,beginning when?What levels of criteria do you think will spur LOA letter?

I'm first in my class of 473 & 2210 SAT,National Merit Semi-finalist ,

I don't have all of my teacher SOE in yet,but delicately pushing them.

I appreciate the experienced team comments when time permits.
 
1017225 said:
Just completed everything except the transcripts last night. Leaving today for the next month so I wanted it done. Transcripts come out next week so my mom will get them sent to the academy and to our senators and congressman. Hooray!
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ummm.....why is your mom sending them in to the academy and to your senators and congressman??? IMHO, that is YOUR job.
 
momof2015appointee said:
ummm.....why is your mom sending them in to the academy and to your senators and congressman??? IMHO, that is YOUR job.
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I'm going to assume it's because he just said that his transcripts won't be out until next week. And tomorrow he is going away for a month. So, in order to finish his application as quickly as possible he is having his mom send in his transcripts so that it is not delayed a month.
 
What part of the app must you get done to be eligible for an LOA?

My teachers agreed to do my SOE's, but since it's summer, they probably forgot and won't respond to their emails. I also need my counselor to fill out my academic information form.

Everything else, including my SAT scores and 6th semester transcript, will be in.
 
They use your SAT and transcripts to decide of you will receive an LOA or not.
 
br1ankim24 said:
What part of the app must you get done to be eligible for an LOA?

My teachers agreed to do my SOE's, but since it's summer, they probably forgot and won't respond to their emails. I also need my counselor to fill out my academic information form.

Everything else, including my SAT scores and 6th semester transcript, will be in.
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Please refer to page 2 where buff81 already stated the minimum requirements for an LOA:

buff81 said:
Yes.
The minimum requirements for a LOA are:
-SAT/ACT scores and
-official transcripts through the end of Jr. year




...

True - Appointment is the goal
True - LOAs are rare and will probably be even more rare this year.

LOA consideration is not the only reason to strive for early file completion. Completing your file during the summer speaks volumes about your drive and motivation to your RC and FFR.
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Longhorn said:
B)What levels of criteria do you think will spur LOA letter?

I'm first in my class of 473 & 2210 SAT,National Merit Semi-finalist ,
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B) is almost an unanswerable question. And really not the best way to look at it.

Just a dad with a son who just went through this... but my suggestion would be:

1) With a 2200+ SAT that's in the range for academic type LOA's based on briefings last year at SLS and info sessions. (really 700+/700+ reading/math) But you'll either need athletic experience or submit a strong CFA so it's clear you'll be able to compete physically. And matching leadership experience. So in your shoes I'd hit the CFA hard, and work on getting a solid one in ASAP. (note: it might be to your disadvantage to turn in a weak one early)

2) Get your medical clear as soon as you can to remove that as a possible question. (and you need to do it anyway)

3) Meet with your MALO or similar to review your EC's, athletics, etc to look for holes/gaps/opportunities.

As one helpful field person put it: "You want to make it easy for them to assign you points". That means removing any unknowns (CFA performance, etc). Some of this is mitigating potential stereotypes that might go with strong academics.

4) Work on completing your file..... don't wait to see how LOA's play out

5) Get ahead of your nom process. This means downloading the forms, talking to the staffers, see what they look for. In very competitive states they have their own scoring process.

And as several have said, and will say again, LOA's are the exception rather than the rule. What applied last year may not apply this year. You cannot and should not count on them. (though you can hope and try!):smile:

Given the above, the best way to improve your LOA chances is to improve your competitiveness overall. And keep trying to improve!
 
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LOA Feedback

Thanks Hawk,

I have a classified CFA in from the summer leadership session at West Point?

It is registered as a "NO RISK" and a green light in the portal. How hard do I work that end of the criteria. I have lettered in two varsity sports.

Just wondering how much realistic assistance to the overal score does an improved CFA,vs a pretty good passing registered CFA mean in the overall candidate evaluation.:confused:
 
I am a re-app from last year. I received an email from my regional admissions liaison informing me that I had an LOA if I completed my file by October. Is the liaison able to make this guarantee? I've asked for something in writing, but he was a bit vague.
 
I would take his/her word for it. I feel like West Point is big on not getting candidates hopes up over nothing.
 
jlyons_2016 -
You won't have a guarantee of a LOA until you receive a letter from the Director of Admissions stating as such.
Now - your MALO/FFR based on their past experience may strongly feel that you are a great candidate for a LOA but no one can assure you of that. The guidelines for LOAs for this cycle have not even come out yet. He/she knows your file better than any of us on here and obviously, for whatever reasons, they think you are a strong candidate. Are you a recruited athlete? Are you an under-represented minority? These may play into their feelings about your chances for a LOA.
 
Buff, it wasn't my FFR that first informed me, but rather the Southwest Regional Commander. I'm not a recruited athlete nor am I a minority, but I suppose that this being my third attempt has some influence (maybe they pity me?). Both my FFR and the chief of my congressman's academy nomination staff say this is the first time they have heard of anyone being offered a LOA this early, thus my skepticism.
 
@NYC Dad - that's the week we've seen them go out first for the last two years, but the guidance we're getting as Field Force from the RC this year is that none will go out before August 1. Subject to change of course! :wink:

@jlyons - I would tend to believe your RC as well. We've received a list of Hi-Q's (High Qualifiers) from our RC and have been told that probably half of those top candidates will receive LOA's. Undoubtedly he knows (or has a feel for) which of them it's likely to be, so I can't imagine him telling you so if it wasn't the case. Congrats!
 
My DS got his LOA dated July 16 last year but each year is different. He was not a recruited ath. or minority.
 
LOA

Each year can be different. My son (currently in the Class of 2015) got his LOA in July and his final Acceptance letter in Augest. He had a Presidential Appointment
 
@marciemi - What region is that list from? If it is the Great Lakes area, can I PM you my name to have you see if I am on that Hi-Q list?
 
@MGH - I would assume if WP wanted to inform cadets they are on a "Hi-Q" list then they would simply send you and email or letter. Assume you are not on it and instead devote your attention to bolstering your application as much as possible.
 
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