SOEs

smokey%

smokey%

USNA '28 ⚓ | USMA & USAFA ‘28 Appointee
Joined
Mar 30, 2023
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600
I plan on applying to USMA, USNA, and USAFA. From what I understand, USMA requires the most SOEs (one from my Math, English, PE, and Chem teacher). I just asked my English, Math, and Chem teachers for a LOR (for my service academy application and for my congressional/senator nomination application). Should I ask them for an SOE now or this September when my portals open up? Additionally, when my portal opens up (from what I understand this will be either this May or June), can I see what the SOE guidelines are so I can tell my teachers what to include in their SOE?
 
You will not be able to see the SOE, but there may be a description in the application instructions. It is a quick questionnaire and much easier than writing an LOR. Also, you do not have to use a chem teacher. You can also have a physics teacher fill it out.
 
The SOE's are sent directly from the SA. You just plug in an email and let them know it's coming. Most Nomination processes open up in August and you'll be doing yourself a favor to have those in. By the way, hand-deliver your nominations, don't mail them. Chances are high that you'll be handing them in to the staffer who is coordinating the effort and seeing a candidate show up in person to deliver their nomination in a suit will do you good! Even if it's a few hours drive to that office, it's just another little thing that can elevate you in a potentially crowded field.

The only other advice I would give you is to think about your choices for your LOR. Do you have anyone who can attest to your leadership skills? Where have your volunteered, led a group a people, etc? Your faith leader, team coach, student advisor for a club that you're in leadership? Remember, this is about the Whole candidate and your LOR's need to help attest what an SAT or ACT can't demonstrate. Good luck!
 
99Gold said:
You will not be able to see the SOE, but there may be a description in the application instructions. It is a quick questionnaire and much easier than writing an LOR. Also, you do not have to use a chem teacher. You can also have a physics teacher fill it out.
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Oh alright, thank you! I thought the SOE was a whole different letter that my teachers would have to write. I suppose I'll tell them this fall when I get back from summer break about the SOE.
 
Get their email addresses--that they will be on during the summer. They will be triggered to complete the SOE process when you hit that stage in the application.
Also, pursue their willingness to write supporting letters for your nominations.
 
DrMom said:
Get their email addresses--that they will be on during the summer. They will be triggered to complete the SOE process when you hit that stage in the application.
Also, pursue their willingness to write supporting letters for your nominations.
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Aren't the supporting letters the same as LORs? I asked for my LORs because I needed them for my nominations. I plan on reusing them as LORs during my academy applications.
 
My son's chemistry teacher is no longer at the school and is not available for a Student Academic Evaluation. He will not have taken physics. Any thoughts on how we can satisfy the "science with lab" requirement for an academic evaluation?
 
Your son should reach out to his USMA REgional Admissions officer. He should explain the situation and ask if he can use his biology teacher. If he is starting Physics in the Fall, he should wait for his Physics teacher to complete the SoE...in October or November...it is not a rush if everything else is moving along.
 
DrMom said:
Your son should reach out to his USMA REgional Admissions officer. He should explain the situation and ask if he can use his biology teacher. If he is starting Physics in the Fall, he should wait for his Physics teacher to complete the SoE...in October or November...it is not a rush if everything else is moving along.
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Thank you, very helpful to know we can wait until the Fall if need be.
 
The application deadline is not until late January. You have a lot of time.
 
smokey% said:
Aren't the supporting letters the same as LORs? I asked for my LORs because I needed them for my nominations. I plan on reusing them as LORs during my academy applications.
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No, SOEs are not the same as LORs. An SOE is a form that will be sent directly to your teachers, they will fill it out, and send it back. They will not write a letter or use the letter they wrote for the nomination applications.
 
Just so you understand, the formal application process beyond the candidate questionnaire has not opened for any candidates for the class of 2028. Second step kits that open the portal for initially qualified candidates usually don't open for access until June 1. Then the entire application process will be laid out for you, including links to initiate SOEs from each of the required teachers. It doesn't hurt having a plan for that now, but there are clear stipulations about who those teachers specifically can be.
 
Just ask your teacher if they will do the SOE. Tell them it's a student evaluation that will be emailed directly to them. If they say yes, fill out the form on your candidate profile and USMA will send al the details straight to them.
 
JDBx3 said:
My son's chemistry teacher is no longer at the school and is not available for a Student Academic Evaluation. He will not have taken physics. Any thoughts on how we can satisfy the "science with lab" requirement for an academic evaluation?
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talk to the school counselor, he / she may be able to reach out to the teacher and explain the importance of the letter.
 
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