<p>I received an LOA in early november. After that, three other guys from my school received LOAs. One is a legacy. His dad graduated from the academy but was killed in service, so he received a nomination from that. He is now waiting for a waiver for vision but besides that he is fine. The other two guys are in the same boat as I am except one of those is waiting for a medical waiver. I am medically qualified and all I need is a nomination. We all received LOA's and a nomination from our local congressman, but he has only one open spot at the academy. Is it likely that all four of us will get in? </p>
<p>Me- LOA+ Congressional Nomination
Guy 1- LOA + Congressional Nomination
Guy 2- LOA + Congressional Nomination; Needs Med. Waiver
Guy 3- LOA + Child of Deceased Service Member Nomination;Needs EyeWaiver</p>
<p>One of the LOA's Appointments "may" be charges to a congressman - the rest of the appointments will be charges elsewhere. - that is the big secret. Read your LOA closely - it says you are guaranteed of an appointment provided that you complete/meet the 4 requirements - BGO interview, CFA, Medical and nomination. You and guy's 1 and 3 meet all four items therefore by the words of the LOA you are GUARANTEED an APPOINTMENT. - how they are charged is not for you to worry about. </p>
<p>To answer your question you should be in the class of 2012 with at least 2 of your HS classmates (provided you know for sure that they have LOA's) and possible a 3rd classmate provided he gets waived and really does have an LOA.</p>
<p>yeah we all do have LOA's, I am sure of that. Is it likely though that we will all get nominations though our congressman only has that one open slot? our senators haven't sent out any nominations yet so that is possible. What about the "national pool"? I have heard about it, but no one seems to know much about it. How hard is it to get one from there? Would the school be likely to admit four people from one high school?</p>
<p>My son is guy #3. By the way, I believe I know of another LOA in the state who is being recruited for lacrosse, you know of him scubaguy, so that could make five in our state. I do not know where his nomination is from. As far as Alabama being a minority and the reference to taking the TOEFL I think we should all look past the ignorance. The boys at this school are all outstanding young men that any service academy or college would be proud to have. There are many amazing schools in this state mom3boys.</p>
<p>Scubaguy17 you don't have too much to worry about. Keep up the hard work and make wise decisions. You have an impressive set of qualifications. From my experience, my husband was an alumni, potentially all four could go. There is the national pool. Although, without a waiver Guy 2 and 3 are not guaranteed an appointment. They must be granted a waiver. (Cross fingers, say prayers!) </p>
<p>Please correct me if I am wrong as that I am no expert in this matter. Only a concerned Mother, proud member of our state and prior Navy wife.</p>
<p>mom ... lighten up. I'm joking. I'm sure there are many bright students and fine schools in that state. Huntsville is a great place that I'd go to in a minute. And Birmingham is known as the Pittsburgh of the South.</p>
<p>But I also must say, Pittsburgh's not known as the Birmingham of the North. ;)</p>
<p>actually no none of us are from vestavia hills. none of their applicants have received LOA's yet, and I do not no of any that have received nominations from our congressman. and if you are jacob's mom, he and I have definitely been talking about this a lot in class and outside of school. so with that said, I wish you the best of luck with his waiver, and I am sure he will be fine. I am absolutely clueless though with the whole "congressman's slate" and "nomination" thing so I guess I will just have to leave it up to the academy now to work things out</p>
<p>Momfor3: I meant no offense; I graduated from Vestavia Hills many moons ago....just a little school pride coming out!
I am well aware of how wonderful so many schools are in Alabama. I am sad that I could not raise my children there. Alabama is a well-kept secret. I am not surprised in the least to hear of a school there having 4 LOA candidates. I hope things work out for all the candidates and they can follow their dreams to the academy.</p>
<p>WhistlePig: I don't know if comparing Birmingham to Pittsburg is a compliment. I lived in B'ham for 22 years. I'd go back in a heart beat...but I'd have to think long and hard about going to Pittsburg. ;)</p>
<p>Haha!! That explains the bristling when I mentioned VHHS!! I went to Hoover for two years in the old days when it was called Berry High!! You are in my old stomping grounds! No wonder you guys are proud...that's a great place!</p>
<p>haha yeah i guess that explains "the bristing". it is an intense rivalry. but yeah i am very anxious to hear the final word from the academy for me n my friends. we all just want to know if we got in or not</p>
<p>Just to give you an idea how long ago this was: your stadium is called Findlay. Coach Findlay was alive when my brother and I attended. One of your former track stars (2006) lived next to us in Alabaster for years...his mom and I were pregnant together w/ our first kiddos. His little sister is your age or a year younger. Small, small world. Haha...and you might just meet my son in June! Time will tell...best wishes for an early appointment for you and your 3 Buccaneer friends!</p>
<p>mom3boys great to hear from another alabamian. Vestavia is a big rival but a great school. It would be great to meet you at the academy. I married an alabamian but understand share the sentimental feelings towards the hometown.</p>
<p>Scubaguy the bgo is great to answer these questions. So is the Congressman's representative, (DW), and USNA admissions. Don't be afraid to call. I have heard that they actually encourage it. I wish I could explain it further but because of the numbers I am afraid it will have to be left up to the Academy. I do think it would be outstanding if all 4 were appointed. :) </p>
<p>My son is sharing your frustration as you stated. Hang in there. Others may post that can clarify things for you and guy3.</p>
<p>Assuming all 4 candidates with LOA's become, and stay, fully qualified, they should all get USMA appointments. The fact that they are in the same congressional district should not be a problem.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that the 1300 or so spots are allocated roughly as shown below ( the total adds up to more than 1300 since not all categories are filled to capacity each year):</p>
<p>541 to congressional districts/senate
100 Presidential (sons/daughters of career military)
85 enlisted, regular army
85 enlisted, reserve army
20 ROTC
65 Son/daughter of disabled veterans
150 Based on order of merit (Whole Candidate Score)
300 Remaining spots at USMA discretion (athletes, target groups)</p>
<p>Unlike the 541 spots that must be allocated according to congressional and senate districts if qualified candidates are available in those districts, my understanding is that there is no mandated geographic distribution of the 150 order of merit and 300 spots for athletes and target groups.</p>
<p>Ideally, all 4 of your group will obtain either congressional or senate nominations. If not, there are other sources for nominations including the vice presidental nominations.</p>
<p>Hope this information helps. </p>
<p>Thank you and your friends for deciding to pursue a military career in service to our country.</p>