LOA's

An LOA is essentially a promissory note, pending the resolution of some contingency. Because of that contingency, the LOA is not — contrary to many opinions — a guarantee of appointment.

The LOA could be contingent on, for example, securing a nomination, receiving a medical waiver, explaining an academic issue, retaking the SAT/ACT, completing the BGO interview, getting a better CFA score...frankly, any number of things.

An LOA is an academy’s way of telling you that you’ll receive offer of appointment if — and only if — the contingency is addressed to their satisfaction. So again, not a guarantee.

Finally, please note: LOAs are extremely rare. LOAs can come at any time, as late as the day before civilian colleges require a decision. And most importantly, LOAs are not the goal — an actual offer of appointment is.
 
The above is correct. To put a somewhat more positive spin on it, LOAs were designed to “combat” early decision offers by civilian colleges. Because of the more complex process for SAs, they can’t make the same offer. The LOA is as close as it gets. The LOA says that, if you are fully qualified, AND obtain a nom of any kind, you are guaranteed an appointment.

There is a discussion of LOAs in the FAQ sticky posted above.
 
In a nutshell, USAFA is telling you- We want you and we will get you in as long you satisfy XYZ requirements, whatever they might be. It's like being handed a ticket for a concert while most people are still lining up waiting for the ticket window to open. But... you have to wear a duck costume. You still have to make it through the guy checking tickets at the door and he won't let you in if you are not in that costume. Good luck.
 
Another thing: looking at the numbers of LOA’s reported on the ‘appointment thread’ could be misleading as far as the spirit of an LOA, IMO. DS technically received one, for a matter of days, until a scan of a form they needed was sent. Since the offer said LOA (even if for a few days)...it was reported as an LOA. IMO, that isn’t what most candidates are thinking an LOA is. Even though, as MidCakePa said, there was a contingency that needed clearing.

My point, to be clear, is that there are even fewer (true early holds for spots) LOA’s, pieces of papers -or tickets- of early announcements.

DS never received a piece of paper. His was an LOA in his portal for 4 days in December until they received a body fat test. While technically (and therefore reported as such, and USNA btw) an LOA, I think it’s misleading to (you) those applying and reading here. It had no meaning other than ‘send us that form please’.

Good luck!! It’s a loooooong road!!
 
Justdoit19 raises a good point to keep things in perspective: There’s no fancy letter on academy letterhead signed by the superintendent. Just an email or a portal message or a call from an admissions officer. On this forum, many folks treat the LOA as the holy grail. While very exciting, to be sure, LOAs are rare and can be for any number of hurdles that must be cleared — some major, some mundane.
 
MidCakePa said:
Justdoit19 raises a good point to keep things in perspective: There’s no fancy letter on academy letterhead signed by the superintendent. Just an email or a portal message or a call from an admissions officer. On this forum, many folks treat the LOA as the holy grail. While very exciting, to be sure, LOAs are rare and can be for any number of hurdles that must be cleared — some major, some mundane.
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But for West Point, a LOA does come in the mail on fancy letterhead and signed by the director of admissions. Or at least they did two years ago. DS got one on the first day of school, dated Aug 18th. It was a great start to his senior year :)
 
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