<p>Firstly, I want to wish the best of luck to anyone who hasn't heard anything back from the academy. I have been where you have: I waited for a few months, but I got my CVW last week, and I just received an assurance in the mail today. </p>
<p>My question is specifically about how my letter of assurance will help my selection for nomination. I was told that I would be guaranteed nomination, or in the least that the congressman or woman could not deny me a nomination if I had been assured appointment. I'm a little skeptical because this ideal situation doesn't really seem to have much oversight. </p>
<p>I feel that if the USNA admissions board is tougher than the nomination committee, than I should have a pretty good chance. I applied to my congresswoman and one senator, I used my other senator for Westpoint (received assurance from them a few weeks before Navy) and I am leaving the VP open for the next week or so, until I know what my chances are of receiving a nomination for Navy in Florida are. </p>
<p>My state is competitive but does anyone know just how many LOA's are issued and if this truly does effect my nomination status?</p>
<p>Apply to all of your options for nomination. The VP is the easiest to apply to. A LOA is not a guarantee for a nomination and a nomination is required for appointment. Good luck.</p>
<p>Agreeing w/ usna2012mom; that being said, the MOC's want their candidates at the academies. Therefore, when it's time to put the slate together it makes sense to put kids on it w/ LOAs. For example, my son's nominating senator had 9/10 from his slate get the appt. (for USMA; not sure the USNA numbers). One just could not get waivered. If you have a good application, good interview, etc...why would he choose someone else over an LOA candidate? They want bragging rights when they get back to Washington. Best wishes to you...please be sure to visit both academies and make the choice that is right for you.</p>
<p>Apply for the VP now. You can do it for both SAs so it doesn't matter.</p>
<p>MOCs do play games. What if the LOA is the only competitive candidate on his list of 10. Putting the LOA anywhere on the list, even ranked 10th mayl result in the LOA getting the only appointment. By leaving the LOA off the list, he will ensure another minimally qualified candidate from his district. Happens all the time. Happens every year. This very situation accounts for many of the VP nominations. With that said, I have never heard of an LOA not getting an appointment. The Admissions Office just has to scramble a little more. It happened to one of my LOAs just last year. And a WP grad on the Nom Board was the one who hatched the scheme. It did not help that he blew off the VP, contrary to my advice. However, he is a plebe this year.</p>
<p>I was unaware that you could use the Vice President as a nominating source for both Academies. Although, USNA is my first choice however, I took some elementary precautions applying to West Point and using Senator Martinez (FL-R) as my USMA nomination. I wasn't intending to blow off the VP since my nomination is my only priority right now. I have been medically qualified and have finished my applications for both academies. </p>
<p>Once again, I really appreciate the extra assurances and I hope everything will work out for the best.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the help everybody. I found out that I can apply to both west point and the naval academy with my Representative nomination. I used the VP for both nominations as well. </p>