LOA

If you pass the medical and CFA, it will be an appointment. Congrats.
 
emberglow said:
No, I haven't yet. I did have an interview with my squad leader during SLE so I'm not sure if I'll need to interview with my FFR.
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I am in the same boat as you and received the LOA but I remember my squad leader saying that the interview at SLE counted as my interview but my FFR said he had to conduct one so I think that we may have to do both.
 
A1Janitor said:
LOL forgot that one. ;)
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Is it easier to get a nomination with an LOA because I have read how sometimes it is not always a guarantee and I am in a really hard district to get a nomination even though I got an LOA so I am worried about that.
 
Dream On said:
Is it easier to get a nomination with an LOA because I have read how sometimes it is not always a guarantee and I am in a really hard district to get a nomination even though I got an LOA so I am worried about that.
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I can’t answer this. How many other candidates in your district got LOAs? How do you compare to the other candidates? How well does your MOC interview go?

My son got an LOA in an uncompetitive district.

Sometimes they can find nominations for candidates without them - you can read this site about that. You’ll stumble upon the rare LOA that doesn’t get appointment.

Continue to work hard and control what you can. I’d rather be in your position with an LOA than not having one.
 
Dream On said:
Is it easier to get a nomination with an LOA because I have read how sometimes it is not always a guarantee and I am in a really hard district to get a nomination even though I got an LOA so I am worried about that.
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Worry about what you can control and just do your best.

Anecdotal reports here have gone in many directions, either the LOA is seen as a strong positive, or the nom panel may say “he/she’s got an LOA, and the Academy will find a nom for them, so we won’t spend one of ours.” Every year we see applicants who receive LOAs but do not receive a nom, and while most do eventually get a nom, I believe, some do not, and do not get an offer of appointment.

Additionally, your elected officials may collaborate to “spread the wealth,” by not duplicating names across their slates or only giving 1 nom to 1 SA, regardless of how many the applicant applies to or how they ranked them.

There is much about all of this you cannot control, and there is no point in investing energy in worry. Invest that energy into everything you can control. And if the worry is really getting to you (I call them brain hamsters, endlessly cycling in your mind, no place to go), go PT hard and long.
 
Because each MOC has his/her own rules, there is no one-size-fits-all for obatining a nomination. I remember my son being torn with his LOA. He wanted to be sure his MOCs were aware, but he was also concerned it could backfire if it came across the wrong way. He ended up sending an email to each MOC letting them know that he received an LOA (with an attachment), and if they could update his file. He kept it simple and low-key.
 
Be prepared to hear from some on this forum how an LOA is nice, but really doesn't matter. I disagree, and encourage you to stay the course, take care of your business, and finish your physical, medical and nomination items (without them you don't get in) but be proud of yourself for being attractive enough to the Academy to secure on LOA. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, it is an accomplishment in itself!!! Now finish this thing!!!
 
Goat 965 said:
Be prepared to hear from some on this forum how an LOA is nice, but really doesn't matter. I disagree, and encourage you to stay the course, take care of your business, and finish your physical, medical and nomination items (without them you don't get in) but be proud of yourself for being attractive enough to the Academy to secure on LOA. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, it is an accomplishment in itself!!! Now finish this thing!!!
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I agree, LOAs are significant. Without knowing why some candidates get one, the significance is real. Something with the recipient is important and impressive enough to warrant issuing an LOA . Congratulations to all current and future recipients! Stay the course, complete ALL requirements stated in the LOA, and you will receive an offer of appointment.
There are people on here (myself included) who will tell candidates who inquire as to “when they should expect to receive one” that the LOA is not the prize they seek. The appointment is what they need to stay focused on. LOAs are rare. Candidates should not even waste energy considering their chances of receiving one. Take that energy and go after an appointment!
Again, if you received an LOA, congratulations, celebrate a little. Then go finish all of your requirements and get the main prize, the appointment!
 
Goat 965 said:
Be prepared to hear from some on this forum how an LOA is nice, but really doesn't matter.
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With respect, I don’t believe this is what the “tap the breaks” crowd actually means. The consensus among them — and I include myself — is that an LOA is awesome but not the “end all, be all.” We say this because too many candidates fixate on an LOA rather than the offer of appointment. They try to decipher the math and logic behind it, and we merely clarify that few, if anyone, on SAF really know.

Yes, an LOA is absolutely awesome. It’s a kick in the pants to deliver on whatever conditions have been placed. And it’s a simple reminder to not take the process for granted, because unfortunately there are numerous LOA recipients each year who don’t, in fact, receive an offer of appointment.

An LOA does matter. It should be celebrated. But it should be seen as a simple and elusive milestone in the application marathon. Like crossing the 20-mile mark, but knowing there’s still a ways to go.
 
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emberglow said:
I just recieved a LOA in my candidate portal! I know that this doesn't necessarily mean that I will receive and appointment, but this was definitely an accomplishment!
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Congratulations! So great to have an LOA early! Keep everything moving forward for all applications. We received great advice when my ds received his LOA- pretend it does not exist and go after plan b,c,d,and e. Take each path to the end hopefully having lots of options in the spring!
 
emberglow said:
I just recieved a LOA in my candidate portal! I know that this doesn't necessarily mean that I will receive and appointment, but this was definitely an accomplishment!
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I'm curious- do you receive an accelerated/earlier deadline for materials that are yet to be received by West Point after obtaining an LOA?
 
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