<p>Yeah, I never received an LOA, either. I was eligible for a Presidential Nomination, but that did not seal the deal. If you can get one, great, but still go for the other sources as well. In my interviews for other nominations, the people seemed impressed with the Presidential Nomination and also saw it as being competitive and driven to still compete for more nominations to secure the Appointment. Turns out, I think my Appointment was awarded because of a nomination from either my Senator or Congressman (they both called to congratulate me the same week).</p>
<p>Good advice here all around…just be sure to finish your application as early as possible and compete for as many nominations as are available to you.</p>