<p>^^^^</p>
<p>Essentially correct. I can only emphasize that you should not obsess about an LOA. You apply to USNA with what you have in terms of classes taken, class rank, scores, athletics, leadership, etc. A small number of extremely highly qualified candidates may receive an LOA. </p>
<p>You also don’t “compete” for an LOA. You compete for an appointment. Getting an LOA simply means that your packet was strong enough that USNA is certain early on that it wants you. The overwhelming majority of candidates who ultimately receive appointments don’t get LOAs. I will say that getting your completed packet in early increases your chances of an LOA.</p>
<p>One of the reasons LOAs came about was to help SAs get strong candidates who were being lured by Early Action and/or Early Decision programs of civilian schools. Given that many colleges are now moving away from those plans, I’m not sure what, if any, effect that will have on the number of LOAs.</p>