Waiver Process Questions

[NavyXC939]

Hello everyone,

I am currently in the process of applying to USNA, and I have a couple questions about the waiver process. First of all, does an LOA need to be given for USNA to consider you for a waiver, or is it impossible to receive a waiver without an LOA? If so, is it likely that I would've already gotten my LOA, or could my LOA be granted later in the admissions process? Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[THParent]

A Letter of Assurance (LOA) means that the Academy will give you an Offer of Appointment, if the condition(s) of the LOA are met.
Typically if you receive an LOA, it is listed in the portal as "Conditional Offer of Appointment (LOA)". The conditions could be complete whatever is not yet complete in your application (Nomination, DoDMERB Exam, CFA, etc.).

LOAs are like Unicorns, however.
No one knows (except the people on the Admissions Board) how many are given each year, but most estimates are in the 100-125 range, or less than 10% of all Offers of Appointment. Having an LOA is very nearly a "golden ticket", but in some cases, candidates with LOAs who don't satisfy the condition of their LOA are not offered an appointment. It is best to not hope to get an LOA, as more than 90% of candidates do NOT.

A waiver is a different thing entirely. Most people who receive waivers do NOT have an LOA. Let's say that you are disqualified medically. DoDMERB will notify the academy that you are not medically qualified for this reason. The reason my be "waiverable" or "non-waiverable". Let's say the reason that you were DQ'd is considered "waiverable". Since the Academy really wants to give you that Offer, they may decide to start the waiver process from their end, and then vote amongst themselves whether or not you receive the waiver. If they decide in your favor, they communicate this decision to DoDMERB, and you are medically qualified.

Will having an LOA make your chances better to receive a waiver? Maybe, but it's not a sure thing.
If your disqualification is non-waiverable, you're out (LOA or not).

 

[Capt MJ]

Hello everyone,

I am currently in the process of applying to USNA, and I have a couple questions about the waiver process. First of all, does an LOA need to be given for USNA to consider you for a waiver, or is it impossible to receive a waiver without an LOA? If so, is it likely that I would've already gotten my LOA, or could my LOA be granted later in the admissions process? Thanks in advance for the help!

A small caveat on LOAs from USNA - they differ from in that the language applying to USNA does not require them to offer an appointment to someone with LOA and all conditions met. They usually do, though.

 

[GHTeam]

I believe you are quite early into this process. I would like to add some valuable information—once you get to a certain point in your application, you will be notified to begin the DoDMERB process. It’s best to take care of this promptly and not put it off, especially if you feel the waiver process might apply to you. And, if you are diagnosed with a condition that you don’t have, it is critical that you act quickly to get that cleared and out of DQ. Because my DS acted quickly with his misdiagnosis (which was considered non-waiverable), he was cleared, and therefore was also medically qualified for his two ROTC scholarships as well.

Best wishes!

 

[NavyXC939]

A Letter of Assurance (LOA) means that the Academy will give you an Offer of Appointment, if the condition(s) of the LOA are met.
Typically if you receive an LOA, it is listed in the portal as "Conditional Offer of Appointment (LOA)". The conditions could be complete whatever is not yet complete in your application (Nomination, DoDMERB Exam, CFA, etc.).

LOAs are like Unicorns, however.
No one knows (except the people on the Admissions Board) how many are given each year, but most estimates are in the 100-125 range, or less than 10% of all Offers of Appointment. Having an LOA is very nearly a "golden ticket", but in some cases, candidates with LOAs who don't satisfy the condition of their LOA are not offered an appointment. It is best to not hope to get an LOA, as more than 90% of candidates do NOT.

A waiver is a different thing entirely. Most people who receive waivers do NOT have an LOA. Let's say that you are disqualified medically. DoDMERB will notify the academy that you are not medically qualified for this reason. The reason my be "waiverable" or "non-waiverable". Let's say the reason that you were DQ'd is considered "waiverable". Since the Academy really wants to give you that Offer, they may decide to start the waiver process from their end, and then vote amongst themselves whether or not you receive the waiver. If they decide in your favor, they communicate this decision to DoDMERB, and you are medically qualified.

Will having an LOA make your chances better to receive a waiver? Maybe, but it's not a sure thing.
If your disqualification is non-waiverable, you're out (LOA or not).

A small caveat on LOAs from USNA - they differ from in that the language applying to USNA does not require them to offer an appointment to someone with LOA and all conditions met. They usually do, though.

I believe you are quite early into this process. I would like to add some valuable information—once you get to a certain point in your application, you will be notified to begin the DoDMERB process. It’s best to take care of this promptly and not put it off, especially if you feel the waiver process might apply to you. And, if you are diagnosed with a condition that you don’t have, it is critical that you act quickly to get that cleared and out of DQ. Because my DS acted quickly with his misdiagnosis (which was considered non-waiverable), he was cleared, and therefore was also medically qualified for his two ROTC scholarships as well.

Best wishes!

Thank all you guys for your detailed responses! They helped me greatly.