r_ryan11

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Dec 7, 2021
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Hello everyone,

I was hoping to inquire about what any experts here in these forums could tell me what they think my odds of getting into West Point are if I have already received an LOA and am currently waiting for a nomination. I received my LOA early in in September, however, when applying for a Congressional nomination through my house representative, I listed it as my second choice (preferences column). I was hoping anyone could advise me on what is the likely hold of me getting a nomination to west pointe with said info in mind (I come from a very competitive district). I have also researched that because I have an LOA, they will seemingly “try to find me a nomination” in case of my competitive district disadvantaging me. I am supposed to hear back along with other candidates of my nomination status before the end of the calendar year but if anyone who’s been through this experience before or has been in any position dealing with such matters input is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time.
 
Hey! I was actually in your position in October. I had a LOA from USNA but didn't list it as my 1st choice, and I also come from a pretty competitive district. One thing that I was asked was why my #1 was whatever it was at the time and why my #2 was still my #2. Also, bring a printed copy of your LOA to your interview. I also emailed the LOA to the head nom person so they could add it to my file. Hopefully this helps! :)
 
Your chances of getting into “west pointe”? No one here knows. Your chances of getting into West Point? No one here knows that either.

The calculus of LOAs is simple: Fulfill the conditions of the LOA and you’re in. It seems like the condition for you is a nom. No one here can predict your chances for that either, although there’s a wide belief here on SAF that notifying the nom panel (or MOC staff) of your LOA can up your chances significantly. That sounds plausible.

As for USMA “finding” you a nom: Yes, some candidates who don’t initially have a nom do get offer of appointment via a “found” nom. That’s just USMA assigning your appointment to another nom source. The operative word here is “some.” Not something I’d count on.

Bottom line: Don’t fret about what you can’t control. Meanwhile, work on Plan B, C, D and so on.
 
No one on this forum can reliably give you the odds of getting into West Point under the circumstances you describe. From where I stand, the good news for you is that the MOC you refer to asks you to list SA preferences. That seems to be a sign that at least in some circumstances she/he will offer a candidate a nomination to a SA that was not the first choice SA. I would suggest you let the MOC know that you have the LOA. I would suggest you let the MOC know whether your order of preference has changed in light of the LOA and if not that if they determined that they could only provide a single nomination what you would want. My view is that if the MOC (panel) considers you to be worthy of a nomination, they will try to make the LOA meaningful. That doesn't always happen. Indeed, in our District, I have heard of candidates who did not take the advice to list an academy as a first choice (where they had a LOA), and then they ended up shut out altogether (from appointments) because the nomination was to the school that did not appoint him/her. And, we have heard about MOCs that think the SA will find you a nomination if they gave you a LOA. But that is not something you can count on at all. Having said all that, this is NOT something you can control. There are no odds to be played. I think it is best to be very honest with the MOC about what you are hoping for, why, and what you would do if you only received an appointment to your second choice SA. Good luck!
 
If you have an LoA to USMA, send a copy of it to your Congressman and Senators offices/liaisons, so that they know you are in a strong position to be accepted.
 
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