I have no clue, but my guess is no, unfortunately it is not a golden ticket. I also received the LOE and have everything else checked off, have 2 nominations, and everyone in my Summer Seminar text group of about 8 kids have gotten Appointments except me and 2 others. I sure hope I have good news soon because waiting is hard! I'm sure you feel the same way for your DS.
I don't think it is, I got a LOE from West Point and it only states that it encourages me to finish the rest of my application, nothing about an assured appointment like an LOA does.
Same for me. LOE, 3Q, and noms. Everyone in my SS group has been appointed except me and one other, even though I feel I am just as competitive as the rest. I have a theory that they're appointing by region (I'm VA), and they just haven't gotten here yet (I haven't heard of anyone getting in from VA but someone feel free to correct me). But overall, unfortunately LOE isn't much more than a pat on the back.
Wait so your saying people in VA have already received USAFA appointments? Are you in a competitive district if you don't mind me asking. I am in a competitive one myself in VA10.
Yeah I'm VA-2 (Virginia Beach). Super competitive here. I have my congresswoman's nom and I know someone else who does as well. I don't know anyone from VA who has been APPOINTED however.
It's not a pat on the back but a kick in the butt -- pointed encouragement to finish the application.
There is a lot you don't know about your SS mates. You may know their GPA, but have you seen their full transcript and evaluated it in the context of their school profile? Have you read their personal statements or their teachers' assessments? It's pointless to compare unless you have admissions' full view.
It only takes one candidate with credentials better than yours to be in a competitive district. Yes, your district may have a lot of highly qualified applicants. But your district also gets a disproportionate number of appointments. It has a way of balancing out.
What is a conditional appointment?
