<P> Letter jackets are almost never purchased before a student has earned a letter . In schools where only varsity letters are awarded this is usually the practice in a student's junior or senior year . Recently, however, many student athletes have been awarded letters during their sophomore and sometimes freshman year, leading to the need for a jacket much sooner . Still, the actual jacket isn't usually purchased until the sophomore year at least . In schools where junior varsity letters are awarded, the jacket may be purchased by junior varsity letter recipients, though the letter is placed just above the left pocket, leaving space for a future varsity letter . </P> <P> Some schools may award letter jackets to letter winners at the award ceremony, but more often the school only provides the letter . Some schools will have fund raising activities or other programs to provide jackets to students who cannot afford them . </P> <P> While it is commonly done, removing one's letter from the letter jacket upon graduation is not firmly held as protocol . Many graduates keep the letter on the jacket after graduation as a symbol of accomplishment and school pride and commitment, especially with college lettermen . </P>

Where do you put pins on a letterman jacket