LOAs and Admission

<p>I had a question about West Point's admission process regarding myself. As I've been told by most prospective candidates, one usually receives their LOA prior to them getting a nomination from a congressman, senator, etc. However, this series of events was different for me. I just received my LOA (the board approved me because of improved SAT scores) not more than four days ago, but I had gotten my congressional nomination back in December (things were quick this year in Cali). I wanted to know how the admission process would work for because the process was backwards. Will I even still get the LOA in the mail? Or will I just be waiting for the envelope from West Point regarding admission/rejection? Thank you.</p>

<p>SkyeUSMA,</p>

<p>The process is simple:

  1. Earn a Nomination (legal requirement)
  2. Be fully Qualified (Academic, Medical, Physical (CFA))
    You must have these two be considered for an Appointment. This year, West Point has decided to send ALL Appointments (BFE - big fat envelope ususally USP Priority envelope) on Feb. 28th - so you may not receive it in CA by March 8-12. Also, keep in mind, just b/c you earn a Nom and are fully Qualified, does not mean you will automatically be offered an Appointment. </p>

<p>When you state “I just received my LOA” – is that the letter indicating that you are fully qualified? …OR is it an LOE - Letter of Encouragement that allows you to visit. I am asking b/c West POint is only sending a “Letter of Assurance” to athletes and diversity candidates. This LOA means they hold a Cadetship for you. if that language is not in your letter, then it is NOT an LOA. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Thank you for the information. And to answer your question, yes it is an LOA (I was notified via phone call, I visited WP back in November); I am an athlete and a minority. I actually just emailed my ALO asking if my LOA was to be mailed to me still, or if I just wait for the good or bad news regarding acceptance. Thank you again!</p>

<p>SkyeUSMA: If you are sure you have an LOA…Congratulations! LOA+Nom+Passed DODMERB= Appointment. Whether you receive a LOA first or the BFE is just a matter of timing for the USMA. Either way you WILL eventually receive an Appointment and that is the ultimate goal. Keep in mind that you will still need to supply your senior year classes and grades to USMA. </p>

<p>Congrats again and good luck!</p>

<p>SkyeUSMA - Congrats on your LOA!! It sounds like you will recieve your official Appointment when they start sending them out on Feb. 28th via USPS Priority Mail (at least that’s what they used to deliver them last year).</p>

<p>Good luck and start getting ready for Cadet Basic Training!</p>

wait, so will like a 2200+ on the SAT almost guarantee you a LOA?

No. The SAs evaluate the “whole person”. A high SAT/ACT will help…but will not “almost” guarantee a LOA.

Does anyone know how LOAs will work this year? As in what sort of candidates they’ll hand them out to and when.

My DS will be going to USMA this year. He did not get an LOA from them, but did from USNA. He was told that USMA gives very few LOAs anymore. They would give them to recruited athletes, very high caliber candidates who also meet one of their diversity goals, and all-around candidates who would appear to have the top CWS with at least a 33 ACT/SAT equivalent (according to the regional rep). Who knows if they will do the same this year, though.

Diversity goals?

This is a great read: http://www.snavelyassociates.com/client_files/WPAOG/web/cmsdocuments/Admissions.pdf

That was pretty good. Thanks.

So what groups exactly are considered as meeting their “diversity goals?”

African Americans, American Indians and Hispanics.