LOA's for Class of 2015

Just_A_Mom said:
... - every summer New Cadets who won an LOA drop out of Beast. Getting an LOA is not the end, merely the beginning.
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To take that thought one step further. A LOA does not mean success/happiness/fit at West Point. I personally know a 'July LOA' cadet who left after Plebe year.
 
Much misinformation and misunderstanding on the LOA.

Of course a LOA does not guarantee success as a cadet. Cadets from all States, nomination sources, different SAT scores, grades, races, sizes, gender, etc. either quit or get seperated from West Point. The LOA, however, is a significant and important part of the admissions process.

It seems that some people on the board almost dismiss the LOA as being unimportant. Granted, most new Cadets do not ever get an LOA-it is not a necessary step in being admitted. However getting an LOA is significant because it is West Point's way of telling you that they want you if you can successfully complete your requirements (physical, nomination, PT test etc).
In many ways an LOA means that West Point is now recruiting you. The fact is that that most people with LOAs get into West Point. If you have an LOA and do not get a nomination form your MOC, West Point will make every effort to get you a nomination form another source. They will also initiate and push for a medical waiver if needed.

My advice is to seek an LOA but not be too hurt if you do not get one. However, not getting an LOA is a clear signal that you do not have the strongest file (Whole Person Score). Check with your MALO to see how you can make your file stronger and then aggressively follow-up.

As mentioned on this board several times - one key to getting into West Point is to complete your file NOW. Get all those icons on your portal Green immediately.
 
can anyone please post an image link or the text from an actual LOA? I just want to know what one says and looks like in case stuff comes in the mail. I just got my transcripts into West Point today so im watching my mail from now on! :)
 
BigNick said:
Much misinformation and misunderstanding on the LOA.

Of course a LOA does not guarantee success as a cadet. Cadets from all States, nomination sources, different SAT scores, grades, races, sizes, gender, etc. either quit or get seperated from West Point. The LOA, however, is a significant and important part of the admissions process.

It seems that some people on the board almost dismiss the LOA as being unimportant. Granted, most new Cadets do not ever get an LOA-it is not a necessary step in being admitted. However getting an LOA is significant because it is West Point's way of telling you that they want you if you can successfully complete your requirements (physical, nomination, PT test etc).
In many ways an LOA means that West Point is now recruiting you. The fact is that that most people with LOAs get into West Point. If you have an LOA and do not get a nomination form your MOC, West Point will make every effort to get you a nomination form another source. They will also initiate and push for a medical waiver if needed.

My advice is to seek an LOA but not be too hurt if you do not get one. However, not getting an LOA is a clear signal that you do not have the strongest file (Whole Person Score). Check with your MALO to see how you can make your file stronger and then aggressively follow-up.

As mentioned on this board several times - one key to getting into West Point is to complete your file NOW. Get all those icons on your portal Green immediately.
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May I ask where you got all of your LOA information from?
You're a candidate - right?
 
buff81 said:
May I ask where you got all of your LOA information from?
You're a candidate - right?
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I think this is another case of a parent and candidate using the same profile. We saw this in some of their other posts.
 
buff81 said:
May I ask where you got all of your LOA information from?
You're a candidate - right?
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I think this is another one of those screwy situations where the dad posts and then sometimes the kids posts under the same name.

@ BigNick: Also, it's a Whole Candidate Score (WCS), not Whole Person Score.
 
Peter said:
I thought the number was close to 1000...

Also, it really doesn't matter if you get an LoA or not, as long as you get an appointment. .
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The "unofficial" word, which you may see on earlier threads, was that last year they gave out almost 500 - an unusually high number - and, combined with a higher yield, at one time, had about 150 more appointments than they had expected. [On R-day, it was announced that the class of 2014 had 1386 reporting] As a result, again said unofficially, they expect to be a little more careful this year, and give out fewer. Most appointments are without LOAs.

Timing last year seemed to be at whatever point in the applications process the admissions board decided they wanted to recruit a candidate, right up until December; after that, they concentrated on completed files and appointments.
 
The LOA comes in a thin white envelope. You don't need to see a picture. If you get one, you'll recognize it. It actually uses the term "letter of assurance" and also says they are reserving a cadetship for you.
 
You are correct. Both the candidate and the dad post under this name.
The dad is a West Point grad who also taught at West Point for 4 years. He was also on the Admissions Committee for two years. The dad is also a 32 year active duty veteran. Most of the information in the post was directly from an officer in Admissions. The Admissions Officers do not want to use their names because this is an "unofficial" source.
 
hkim93 said:
LOAs go out as late as December??
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Yes. My son received his 3q letter in early December and his LOA a few days later. He was notified of 2 MOC nominations a couple of weeks later and had his appointment the end of January.
 
tallbutshort said:
The LOA comes in a thin white envelope. You don't need to see a picture. If you get one, you'll recognize it. It actually uses the term "letter of assurance" and also says they are reserving a cadetship for you.
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This isn't always the case. My son's LOA came in a priority mail envelope.
 
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