You all are going to give yourselves an ulcer. When an individual applies to the academy, I make it very clear: "Appointments are given out in March/April". If it happens to come earlier, congratulations. If not, then you are "NORMAL". Same with an LOA. If you happen to get an LOA prior to nominations, then that's great. Hopefully you'll get your nomination. If not; so what? You're in the 90%+ that doesn't receive an LOA. Appointments are given out in March/April. Plan accordingly. Make sure you've applied to other colleges/universities. Make sure you have your plans laid out. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Remember: MORE people WON'T get an appointment, than those who DO get an appointment. And while a nomination is required, it in no way guarantees you an appointment. Not unless your MOC gives "Principal" nominations. "Which most don't".
Anyway; don't give yourselves ulcers. Finish up applying to other schools and getting your financial aid done with them. Remember; the academies are equal to the Ivy and upper private colleges/universities in the country. If you are qualified to get into one of the military academies, you are qualified to get into Brown, Purdue, Harvard, Stanford, Michigan State, Penn, USC, W&M, Georgetown, etc.... If you aren't applying to some of the finest schools in the country, then you are cheating yourselves. If you believe that you aren't good enough to get into those schools, then you are mistaken. "If you believe you're good enough to get into a military academy". If you think that you can't "Afford" to go to these other high end schools, then you have been given some really bad information from someone. Point is: You need to cover all your options. Personally; if your choices are Military academies or Local Community College; then there's definitely something wrong with your plan. If you really, truly, want to serve in the military as a commissioned officer, then realize that the academies are only 1 of a number of ways to accomplish that. If you want to attend the academy strictly for the free/reduced education costs..... Then I can't respond to that.
Either way: I wish each of you who are waiting, the best of luck. I really do hope that it all works out for you. But there is absolutely nothing any of you can do from this day forward, to increase your chances of getting an appointment. But you can continue to apply to other schools just in case the academy doesn't come through for you. If you've already applied to other schools, "Have you been accepted"? Have you gotten the finances arranged to attend these other schools? Are they the school that you really want; should the academy fall through? If you answered no to any of these questions, then put your energy there. We all understand the frustration, anticipation, stress, etc... that waiting for an appointment does to you. But put your energy towards things that you can affect. Best of luck to all of you. Mike.....
true that. relax guys. i know it seems like everyone on this forum is in, but the fact is that they are among the only 150 LOAs given out. regular admissions starts in march, so just relax. getting an LOA is like getting a early decision acceptance to harvard.