Recommendation letters

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Texas2023

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How do letters of recommendation work? Do they have any value during the application process? If so who would be the best to ask to write one for me? Thanks guys!
 
Texas2023 said:
How do letters of recommendation work? Do they have any value during the application process? If so who would be the best to ask to write one for me? Thanks guys!
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You're required to submit four letters: math, physics/chemistry, PE, and English. You'll be able to submit these starting August 1st. I couldn't tell you how important they are, but I'm sure four great letters would add some points to your WCS. Just be aware, the PE letter has to be from a certified physical education instructor, not just a coach. Luckily, the PE teacher who administered my CFA was willing to do it for me, so just make sure you have a PE teacher who could do it for you.
 
I believe we can't even access the School Official Evaluation part of the application until the summer. I am curious about when previous candidates requested those letters from their teachers. Is it better to request school official letters of recommendation early in the application process (Junior year)? Or do most people do it during their Senior year?
 
Ask your teachers before summer ends. The official portal opens up in August and my field force officer said that if you complete the portal within in August, you get a slight higher chance. Not official, no actual boost to the WCS but it places the application in front of admissions earlier.
 
The teachers do not submit actual letters. They are sent an email with an evaluation included. They complete the "evaluation" on line and it electronically goes back to West Point. You never see it.

You can talk to your teachers that you want to complete these later in the spring and explain the process.

You will enter their email address into the portal and you are hands off after that.
 
USMA 1994 said:
The teachers do not submit actual letters. They are sent an email with an evaluation included. They complete the "evaluation" on line and it electronically goes back to West Point. You never see it.

You can talk to your teachers that you want to complete these later in the spring and explain the process.

You will enter their email address into the portal and you are hands off after that.
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Exactly. This being said, ask your teachers for permission early and record their emails on something you will keep safe. I kept everything on a flash drive. You will choose one science teacher who has taught you Physics or Chem during your high school career, one of your high school English teachers, a high school Math teacher, and, finally, a high school PE or health teacher. When you ask them for a recommendation, don’t forget to record their emails!!
 
My DD had to have 3 letters of recommendation for her Congressional Nomination. She had her varsity softball coach, her junior high history teacher (who helped develop her love of WP), and the person who runs the autistic program my daughter has volunteered for every summer since she was 7. As for the teacher letters, ask them soon and often. The can get busy and forget.

Good Luck!
 
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