<p>Hello, I'm a sophmore at a high school near Chicago in what is a very competitive district. I have dreamed forever about attending West Point and serving America in a way I see best fit. I will tell you right away that I am not a typical all-american student; </p>
<p>I have about a 3.1 GPA unweighted, 3.8 weighted (out of 4)
Projected to score around a 29-33 on the ACT (by the ACT test for sophmores)
As of now I have a JV letter in golf (I know, golf)
Thinking about quitting baseball and joining track (good idea?)
Member of a school political organization
(However good this may seem, I attend a extemely white-collar school where these achievements are expected)</p>
<p>One negative that could be a major problem is that I have what is considered a minor case of ADD. Is this a big deal?</p>
<p>One thing that I would appreciate is if you can give me any advice about what clubs to join, and what I should do outside of school for community service.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your responses</p>
<p>I think they DO ask about ADD on the physical that you have to take. Also, your GPA seems a little low - I'm not good with weighted grades, but UW....idk, I guess it totally depends on what classes you're taking. They'd "prefer to see a B in a difficult class than an easy A" according to the Naval Academy weekend visit.</p>
<p>Varsity sports are major pluses. Think you can go varsity for track? The running will end up helping you later.</p>
<p>Also, take the ACT multiple times if you need to - they will combine your scores so you get the best possible. Like if Reading and English were 29 and 31 the first time, and 33 and 30 the second time, they will take the 33 R and the 31 E.</p>
<p>And I THINK I read somewhere that they don't accept the non-standard time test. IDK if your ADD would allow you to qualify for extra time, but I don't think you want to take it because it will invalidate your scores - probably want to check on that though!</p>
<p>good luck</p>
<p>ADD can be an issue especially if you are taking any meds. I agree with marmadillo that taking the ACT and SAT multiple times can only help. In addition, you should be prepping for the exams as the scores are an important part of the admissions decision. </p>
<p>We're also from a very competitive Chicago suburb high school district. Although West Point takes this into consideration, whatever you can do to improve your gpa is a real plus. It may be helpful to know that we were told that we asked at a presentation if they consider weighted or unweighted gpa's in their decision. We were told that they look at both and use the one that helps applicants the most.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I just checked a list of disqualifying medical conditions that are detailed on page 12 of this years Candidate Fitness Assessment Instructions. The DoDMERB has stated the "Cronic history of academic skills or perceptual defects that interfere with work or school after age 12 is disqualifying. Current control and treatment with psychotropic medication (Ritalin, Adderall, ect.) is also disqualifying. A waiver may be requested one year after medication has been discontinued."
I hope this helps.
On a personal opinion, running track or cross counrty would help your overall endurance on the fitness tests.</p>
<p>I have taken medication for ADD (concerta) but it hasn't done anything for me, I found out that I have done better grade-wise without it. I have had a doctor tell me that I could have been misdiagnosed, because the only symptom I have shown is poor organization. </p>
<p>The weighted GPA I am taking all honors and AP courses and average about a B+ which is bumped up to an A (hence the 3.8). I made a mistake and my unweighted GPA is about 3.4</p>
<p>Also I have no trouble completing standardized tests on time so thats not an issue.</p>
<p>One last question I forgot to add: If you do not make WP, how good of a chance do you have at getting in if you excel in ROTC or enlist for active duty?</p>
<p>Thanks for your time</p>
<p>I am not sure, but I believe ROTC scolarship applicants still must meet the same DoDMERB.</p>
<p>why are you taking medication if it isnt helping you? ADD and ADHD are misdiagnosed quite a bit. If you don't need it, get off the meds and see someone else that will document that you were misdiagnosed. Your medical records start with the DoDMERB... whatever you put on it.</p>
<p>ROTC is stricter medically than for the Academy. The Academy personally looks at those it considers for waivers, while ROTC simply has an overhanging medical department look at those who are disqualified.</p>