Nomination/LOA

[jlwilkes101]

I've read posts alluding to this before, but I feel like I should just ask it outright if I want a completely straight answer. On a MOC's unranked slate of nominees, can the vacancy winner be one with an LOA? Or do nominees with an LOA not recieve the vacancy, because all they need is a nomination in order to be admitted?

 

[BigNick]

I asked our Congressman (MOC)this question. First, the MOC can at any time designate one of his ten nominees as the Principle (vacancy winner) at any time for any reason. The MOC can play it any way they want. Some might say that they will make the LOA person the Principle because WP has declared them to be a superior candidate. However, my MOC says that he would give his vacancy to another person since he believes that WP will find a spot for the LOA winner without his (the MOC's) vacancy. That way he gets an additional person from his District in WP.
However, the real answer to your question is that it is COMPLETELY up to the individual MOC. As with many issues on this FORUM, there are usually no answers that are true 100% of the time in all cases.

 

[USMA2016]

Admissions is aware of who has and does not have an LOA. So when an unranked nomination slate goes before the board, they'll give the congressman's vacancy to a non-LOA so when those on the slate with an LOA go to the NWL they will also get their appointments. Everyone wins.

 

[BigNick]

I agree with USMA2016 that this will happen the majority of the time. However, in the admissions process there few answers that are true 100% of the time. I have seen dozens and dozens of decisions made that did not conform to the "normal" rules. There are many "moving parts" in the process. All of us on this forum are giving you straight answers, but exceptions are made to the majority of rules except the ones dictated by law. The very best source of information for any question is your Regional Admissions Officer. He is your official contact and has all of the latest information in an ever-changing process. Do not hesitate to call him directly.

 

[jlwilkes101]

Ok thanks. I don't think BigNick's first answer applies to my situation though, because my MOC doesn't declare a principle nominee, so the admissions office decides who gets the vacancy. As far as I know at least.

 

[buff81]

With an unranked (Competitive) slate, West Point will choose the vacancy winner once all those on the slate have completed their files or until the application deadline (Feb 28) - whichever comes first.
Then they will list the qualified candidates top to bottom according to their WCS - with the candidate with the highest WCS getting the vacancy.
So - yes - a LOA could receive the vacancy.
A MOC who uses a ranked slate can put LOAs at the bottom of the slate knowing they will get the appointment (if all they need is a nom) and therefore awarding the vacancy to another qualified candidate that does not have a LOA.