LOE (Soldier Candidate Process)

[Michaelbarr1999]

Hey guys a while back I got a LOE through email, around Auvust 20th, by an official from the Soldier Candidate process saying I'm ranked this number out of this number. Saying I got a good chance and to finish up my application as soon as possible. But when I look at my portal it shows no LOE like other candidates. I'm wondering out of curiosity why it's not showing up. Regardless if its showing up or not I'm still gonna finish my application like all things.

 

[mom3boys]

Call your admissions rep.

 

[GoArmy2022]

My LOA never showed up. Idk why this happens but just understand your circumstance isn’t very rare—your admissions guy should be able to fix it.

 

[MidCakePa]

No desire to burst your bubble, @Michaelbarr1999, but the LOE is pretty meaningless. It’s encouraging you to finish your application because you appear to be competitive. So get on it. Finish your application. Seeing the LOE on the portal will change nothing and isn't worth worrying about.

 

[JCC]

No desire to burst your bubble, @Michaelbarr1999, but the LOE is pretty meaningless. It’s encouraging you to finish your application because you appear to be competitive. So get on it. Finish your application. Seeing the LOE on the portal will change nothing and isn't worth worrying about.

Disagree. While it carries no guarantee of appointment, it is not "meaningless". Few are sent and it identifies you as a highly competitive candidate

 

[logicusma2019]

I remember receiving my LOE back in 2013. I did not receive an appointment that year. I remember feeling secure about my appointment, do not let it fool you. It does not guarantee anything, just finish your packet and keep on keeping on.

I kept on and received an appointment the following year. Just my 2 (3) cents but you got this Mike, I wish you the best.

-That random Firstie

 

[Michaelbarr1999]

Thank you. It's my second time applying and I had not received this so sorta confused. I went to basic so I'm hoping that did help.

 

[USMA 1994]

I think you may have gotten an email message from your RC telling you where you rank on the overall process. I do not think you got an official LOE. The are form letters that do not mention any rankings and only authorize an overnight visit.

As others have said, it really does not matter. Your RC sees you as competitive and you have a decent chance. Complete your application and put your best self forward.

 

[logicusma2019]

Thank you. It's my second time applying and I had not received this so sorta confused. I went to basic so I'm hoping that did help.

 

[USMA 1994]

Thank you. It's my second time applying and I had not received this so sorta confused. I went to basic so I'm hoping that did help.

Do you know how the process works for active duty soldiers?

While you may apply through your MOCs, you are basically competing against all other active duty applicants in a different "bucket" There are around 100 available appointments each year for active duty soldiers. Your commander's recommendation will carry the most weight through the process.

 

[Michaelbarr1999]

I was able to get my commanders reccomendation during early September so right now I'm working on my congressmen and senator. If I domt get an appointment its my understanding that I have to go to my commander to request the predatory school. Maybe you can confirm this.

 

[Sam2018]

Older DS received an LOA in August. It never showed up on portal. DS currently applying received LOE, again nothing on portal but did receive follow up email from admissions counselor referencing LOE. For some reason not everything shows up on the portal.

 

[Sam2018]

And today he received what could best be described as a 3Q letter. Amazing how much changes in the process in two years and how different each Academy handles things.

 

[USMA 1994]

I was able to get my commanders reccomendation during early September so right now I'm working on my congressmen and senator. If I domt get an appointment its my understanding that I have to go to my commander to request the predatory school. Maybe you can confirm this.

I don’t think that is exactly right. For each nomination you receive, you compete against the others on the same nomination slate for the number of openings. Each MOC typically has one opening each year. You should apply for nominations from you Senators and Local Representative from your home of record. Since you are on active duty, you also are eligible for a Secretary of the Army nomination. Those nominations are unlimited, but there are only 100 avaliable appointments. In reality, you are competing for a service connected appointment. If you become qualified by admissions, you will most likely receive an appointment. The active duty slots are usually not all filled each year. If admissions likes your over all application but feel you are not academically ready, you may be offered a spot at the prep school. You will not have to go back to your chain of command.

 

[JCC]

I remember receiving my LOE back in 2013. I did not receive an appointment that year. I remember feeling secure about my appointment, do not let it fool you. It does not guarantee anything, just finish your packet and keep on keeping on.

I kept on and received an appointment the following year. Just my 2 (3) cents but you got this Mike, I wish you the best.

-That random Firstie

Were you in need of a medical waiver or not meet the CFA requirements? I was told most LOE holders that do not get an appointment have another issue

 

[FMHS-79]

I remember receiving my LOE back in 2013. I did not receive an appointment that year. I remember feeling secure about my appointment, do not let it fool you. It does not guarantee anything, just finish your packet and keep on keeping on.

I kept on and received an appointment the following year. Just my 2 (3) cents but you got this Mike, I wish you the best.

-That random Firstie

Were you in need of a medical waiver or not meet the CFA requirements? I was told most LOE holders that do not get an appointment have another issue

As @MidCakePa indicated above, the LOE is meant to encourage an applicant to finish their application because it appears that the applicant will be competitive. It is a good sign, but I don't think applicants should use it an indicator that their appointments are assured. It is only after your application is completed and your are given a 3Q status and you secure a nomination can a formal racking and stacking occur for the applicants from your nomination slate(s).

Focus on those things you are able to control. Good luck.

 

[Michaelbarr1999]

As of now I need a waiver for LASIK i got a while back so i knew that was bound to happen. I was also told academically I wasnt ar risk. I also was able to recieve a nomination from my commander and I should recieve a nomination from my congressmen. I was able to get a nomination last year. I understand this is no guarantee to recieve a LOE, but it was out of curiosity what it meant.

 

[logicusma2019]

I remember receiving my LOE back in 2013. I did not receive an appointment that year. I remember feeling secure about my appointment, do not let it fool you. It does not guarantee anything, just finish your packet and keep on keeping on.

I kept on and received an appointment the following year. Just my 2 (3) cents but you got this Mike, I wish you the best.

-That random Firstie

Were you in need of a medical waiver or not meet the CFA requirements? I was told most LOE holders that do not get an appointment have another issue

I was qualified in every pillar, just didn't get selected that year.

 

[UHBlackhawk]

As of now I need a waiver for LASIK i got a while back so i knew that was bound to happen. I was also told academically I wasnt ar risk. I also was able to recieve a nomination from my commander and I should recieve a nomination from my congressmen. I was able to get a nomination last year. I understand this is no guarantee to recieve a LOE, but it was out of curiosity what it meant.

As long as you are 3Q (with the medical waiver), and receive your commander's nomination you will be considered for admittance. If they feel you are deficient in an academic area (such as low ACT/SAT), they will recommend MAPS for a year. It may also depend on how long you have been out of school. My 2021 prior service DD was a direct entry (no MAPS). Struggled at first getting back into academics, but finished the year on the Dean's List.
The academies struggle to find enough prior service applicants, so they view you as someone who is potentially 3Q and are encouraging you to finish the process.

 

[JCC]

I remember receiving my LOE back in 2013. I did not receive an appointment that year. I remember feeling secure about my appointment, do not let it fool you. It does not guarantee anything, just finish your packet and keep on keeping on.

I kept on and received an appointment the following year. Just my 2 (3) cents but you got this Mike, I wish you the best.

-That random Firstie

Were you in need of a medical waiver or not meet the CFA requirements? I was told most LOE holders that do not get an appointment have another issue

I was qualified in every pillar, just didn't get selected that year.

I appreciate this info. Just curious what you improved that enabled you to get the appointment? Asking because I'm in your shoes (everything done and just waiting to hear)