are candidate statements required for an LOA? I know people say that its just the test scores, transcript, etc. but in the email i recieved it made it seem like your entire admission file must be completed(all green marks) to be eligible for an LOA at this time
LOA Questions
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Correct me if I am mistaken, but... isn't an LOA based on your WCS?
Such as... if you are an athlete with a WCS > x, you get a LOA;
If you are minority with a WCS > y, you get a LOA;
If you have a WCS > z, you get a LOA.
Is that accurate at all?
Such as... if you are an athlete with a WCS > x, you get a LOA;
If you are minority with a WCS > y, you get a LOA;
If you have a WCS > z, you get a LOA.
Is that accurate at all?
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This may have changed, but I'm aware of at least two cases where LOA's were sent last year without having completed the candidate statements. They were not recruited athletes or URM, but were strong academically with respectable CFA's, testing, & transcripts. So it did happen in past years even if not recruited.
Regardless, I would not count on that. You need to do them anyway, there is no reason to delay. That does not mean to rush, just that you should not delay. You will get busier once nom apps open, and next thing you know you have multiple essays to write, and rush them.
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West Point tends to be (historically at least) more flexible with their LOA's than the other academies, which (especially AF) require you to have everything in (other than Dodmerb and the nomination) before even considering you for one. Two years ago (2014), when my oldest son was applying, he knew several people who'd gotten an "LOA of an LOA" 
- based totally on what they submitted for SLS. They received an email telling them that IF everything was as portrayed once submitted officially (ie grades, SAT scores, etc.), that they would then get an official LOA. Those seemed to be out in mid-July sometime.
Last year (2015), I didn't see any of those but still saw several that went out without the CFA considered in them - so passing that was also a requirement. I don't know what the standard is for this year, but some candidates are flagged already (at least in my region) as potentially receiving LOA's (once the guidance is official). Some of them don't have everything in yet - seems like things like SAT scores (obviously), transcripts and activity records are far more important than the one outstanding teacher recommendation. Whether something like that would keep the LOA from being issued once they do become available, I'm not certain. It really sounds like they're cutting back on the number of LOA's this year compared to last, and last year's were far lower than the previous year. Bottom line - get everything in as soon as possible to have the best possible shot at one!
- based totally on what they submitted for SLS. They received an email telling them that IF everything was as portrayed once submitted officially (ie grades, SAT scores, etc.), that they would then get an official LOA. Those seemed to be out in mid-July sometime. Last year (2015), I didn't see any of those but still saw several that went out without the CFA considered in them - so passing that was also a requirement. I don't know what the standard is for this year, but some candidates are flagged already (at least in my region) as potentially receiving LOA's (once the guidance is official). Some of them don't have everything in yet - seems like things like SAT scores (obviously), transcripts and activity records are far more important than the one outstanding teacher recommendation. Whether something like that would keep the LOA from being issued once they do become available, I'm not certain. It really sounds like they're cutting back on the number of LOA's this year compared to last, and last year's were far lower than the previous year. Bottom line - get everything in as soon as possible to have the best possible shot at one!
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When do you anticipate the first waves of LOAs to be sent out?
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I don't mean to complain but waiting is truly the worst part of this whole process! Filling out forms, contacting people, writing candidate statements: that's all not bad. But the waiting!
5 days till August? *Sigh* I hope I can last that long
5 days till August? *Sigh* I hope I can last that long
I am under the impression that this is correct, at least to some extent. While I was at the SLS, former and current admissions officers said that you are assigned a score and that LOA's are sent based on your above scenario. Also, the minimum score necessary to receive an LOA increases as more applicants complete their files.
West Point tends to be (historically at least) more flexible with their LOA's than the other academies, which (especially AF) require you to have everything in (other than Dodmerb and the nomination) before even considering you for one. Two years ago (2014), when my oldest son was applying, he knew several people who'd gotten an "LOA of an LOA"
Last year (2015), I didn't see any of those but still saw several that went out without the CFA considered in them - so passing that was also a requirement. I don't know what the standard is for this year, but some candidates are flagged already (at least in my region) as potentially receiving LOA's (once the guidance is official). Some of them don't have everything in yet - seems like things like SAT scores (obviously), transcripts and activity records are far more important than the one outstanding teacher recommendation. Whether something like that would keep the LOA from being issued once they do become available, I'm not certain. It really sounds like they're cutting back on the number of LOA's this year compared to last, and last year's were far lower than the previous year. Bottom line - get everything in as soon as possible to have the best possible shot at one!
I can tell you what happened in DS's case 2 summers ago. Looking through old emails I found that on July 21st he received an email from one of the USMA admissions officer that said "You have a very strong file and I’d like to submit your name for a potential letter of assurance. In order to do this I need a copy of your high school transcripts." At this time all USMA had was his preliminary application information and his CFA score from SLS. DS got his transcripts faxed over to USMA and about a week letter received a full fledged LOA (not an "LoA of an LoA"
) in the mail. Of course it was contingent (as are all LoA's) on getting a nomination, passing DoDMERB, continued successful progress in school, etc. As Marciemi mentioned above, every year is different, so you can't rely on what's happened historically. Work hard, present the best application you can, and get it done as soon as you can. Best of luck to everyone!
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I'm in the Far West and a few weeks ago I got a similar email from my RC, he said he was
I'm not sure if that's the same thing as mumsyto3's DS's situation, but I hope it is. Did anyone else in the Far West (or any other region) get something like that??
Guess what everyone? It's August!!
I have checked my mailbox no kidding 12 times in the past ten minutes.. I think I have a problem.
Save your energy - LOAs aren't coming out for another month.
Yeah, I just read an email from my RC who stated that the window will open September 1. But thank you for the quick reply and confirming that. Oh well, as Sun Tzu said, "He who is prudent and waits will be victorious." I just need to stop obsessing and be patient!
Yep - or it's going to be a veeeery loooong year for you!
You still have nominations, if not DoDMERB Q'd - remedials/waivers and then waiting for the appointment!
Try to enjoy your Senior year. You will never get another one!
I think what he means with that is that the prudent one will wait for the appropriate time... After all...
"Thus, though we have heard of stupid haste in war, cleverness has never been seen associated with long delays." - Sun Tzu
I couldn't agree more. And with LOA's being sent out as late as they are, now is not the appropriate time to be worrying and anxious