JAM is correct, LOA is not 1/2 of the ticket. As a matter of fact the AFA is the stingiest SA when it comes to LOA's, basically out of 3000+ candidates with nom, only 5% will get an LOA.
LOA's for the AFA are RARE, RARE, RARE.
Do you know what they call a cadet with an LOA compared to a cadet without an LOA? CADET!
To me here is your 1st and 2nd half.
1st. Get a nom
2nd. Win the WCS!
Some of the very long time posters did not receive an LOA as a candidate...CC's son, Fencer's son, JAM's DD, Flieger, Hornet, BSA, etc.
If your child has an LOA, congrats, and be very happy, but that is not 50% of the appointment process.
Additionally, it is important to stress that Presidential noms are unlimited, but only 100 can be charged. Traditionally there are about 450+ that get a Presidential, so statistically it is better than the MOC slate of 1 in 10. This again is why you apply to every source, because the WCS will be a factor. If a candidate on the Presidential wins the nom for his slate, than more people come off and you move up the line. The same is if you win the Presidential, than that impacts the other 400+ candidates.
YOUR WCS is a big deal, just because you have a nom, means nothing. You need to win the appt with your WCS.
For people new to the system, here is the break down.
Approx 10K open an application.
6K clear the hurdle and become an applicant
3K+ get a nom.
@1600 get a BFE aka appointment.
In other words the acceptance rate from traditional terms is 15%.
Out of that 6K pile, who become an applicant in the AFA world numbers run 150-300 for LOA's. LOA's are the golden ticket. AGAIN, RARE, RARE, RARE! AGAIN, an LOA will not mean the AFA will be a cake walk and they will graduate at the top of their class. LOA opens the door, it doesn't guarantee anything when you walk through the door.
I just don't want people to think if they do not get an LOA the fat lady is already singing.
Good luck.