<p>Kathie;</p>
<p>I believe that you are mistaken regarding the placement of a candidate in the national pool. It has been my understanding that only candidates who have nominations will make it to the national pool.</p>
<p>There was a parent this past cycle who shared the disappointment with this forum when her son who had received a LOA (and was medically qualified), did not receive a nomination and therefore no appointment. </p>
<p>I would urge a candidate who has a LOA to take the nomination interview very seriously.
Best of Luck to all.
CM</p>