LOA & West Point Admissions Question...

<p>Good Morning,</p>

<p>I’m the proud parent of an applicant to the USMA Class of 2013. This is my first post on this forum. I’ve learned a great deal from those of you that have shepherded your kids through the arduous application process and I thank all of you very much for the many informative posts you’ve provided. Our son has never worked harder on any project, including his Eagle Scout project. He truly wants this!</p>

<p>Our son received a Letter of Assurance (LOA) in mid-July from the USMA Director of Admissions. He was provided a two-month window in which to complete all the application requirements, or the LOA will be withdrawn.</p>

<p>He received a Presidential Nomination for West Point last spring, and has also applied for a Vice Presidential and three Congressional Nominations as a back-up. He attended the West Point Summer Leaders Seminar (SLS) in June and absolutely loved it. While there he passed the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA). He’s taken the SAT and ACT exams and submitted his scores, and passed his DODMERB physical. </p>

<p>He completed his West Point candidate application on-line this week. As he said with great glee, “all my icons are finally green!” He applied to Army and Navy ROTC late last spring as a back-up, and is awaiting the results of their first review boards. Frankly, I think he’s just happy to have all his West Point and ROTC applications complete so he can concentrate on the task at hand as he enters his senior year in high school.</p>

<p>My question is this: given the above, will our son’s now completed application package be sent before the West Point Admissions Committee later this fall, or is there a different process as a result of his LOA? When and how often does the West Points Admissions Committee meet? </p>

<p>Thank You All Very Much Again!</p>

<p>OK3-WIRE</p>

<p>I apologize for my error. Our son's LOA provided a 90-day vice 60-day window to complete the application requirements or his letter will be withdrawn.</p>

<p>Thanks Again,
OK3-Wire</p>

<p>Given our experience last year, your file will soon go before the board. Our son did not have a presidential, so he had to wait until he had a nom from an MOC. The appointment came a few weeks after the MOC contacted him about receiving the nom. I would think your son should have his by Thanksgiving (strictly my opinion). I had hoped to get it from the mailman so I could put it under the tree; however, it came much sooner than I had anticipated. He actually opened the door, then did the happy dance and shout!
Congrats to your son!!!</p>

<p>mom3boys,</p>

<p>Thank you for your response. </p>

<p>Do you have any idea regarding when the Committee will first meet for the Class of 2013 and how frequently they meet thereafter to review applications?</p>

<p>Best Regards,
OK3-Wire</p>

<p>I do not know that, but if you call admissions, they are very helpful. They meet monthly at first, I think...then weekly as it gets closer. At this point, none of the MOCs have done their slates...so I do not know if offers are going out yet. You can ask admissions; they really don't mind. I'm sure several here are interested in knowing what you find out.</p>

<p>mom3boys,</p>

<p>As I understand it, our son was going to e-mail his USMA Admissions Representative to confirm his candidate file is showing complete on their end too, as it's now showing on our son's on-line candidate portal. </p>

<p>I'll see if I can convince him to ask about the Admissions Committee schedule. He doesn't want to make any waves to jeopardize his chances so he's maintaining a very low profile!</p>

<p>OK3-Wire</p>

<p>Per someone I know in admissions: Admissions committee meets once a week beginning sometime in October.</p>

<p>Excellent! You have been very helpful.</p>

<p>Thanks Again,</p>

<p>OK3-Wire</p>

<p>
[quote]
He doesn't want to make any waves to jeopardize his chances so he's maintaining a very low profile!

[/quote]

He need not worry. Please encourage him to ask questions. Being a candidate is not like being a plebe - he certainly doesn't have to maintain a low profile. Believe me - West Point wants him - he is being recruited, hence the LOA.</p>

<p>The Regional admissions officers are there to answer questions - believe me they would rather have candidates ask questions than just sit at home and wonder. They really want them to arrive informed.
If at all possible, have your son schedule an overnight visit. This is a fantastic opportunity to visit West Point, up close and personal.</p>

<p>I believe he will receive his appointment shortly. Congratulations and good luck!</p>

<p>Thanks again. Our son is planning his overnight visit for next month. He's really looking forward to seeing the "non-SLS" version of West Point.</p>

<p>Is there a better day to conduct the visit during the week...say Tuesday over Thursday, etc., given the cadet's daily routine?</p>

<p>Congratulations to your son OK3-Wire! </p>

<p>"He doesn't want to make any waves to jeopardize his chances so he's maintaining a very low profile!"
This is definitely not the time to hide his enthusiasm about attending WP - a phone call or e-mail will not cause any harm :). I'm sure an appointment will follow shortly...</p>

<p>
[quote]
Is there a better day to conduct the visit during the week...say Tuesday over Thursday, etc., given the cadet's daily routine?

[/quote]

Don't think so - any day is good. Your son will basically shadow a plebe.</p>

<p>You as parents will be treated to an information session by an admissions officer and one by an upper class cadet as well as a nifty tour by a cadet. I hope you can go as well.</p>