Hi guys, so I have been thinking about going to West Point for a while for multiple reasons, but my parents recently told me that we would not be able to afford college so The Academies are one of the few choices for me (which is not so bad because I was interested already). Anyways I was looking more into what they look for in future students, and it said 70% academic success, 20% leadership, and 10% fitness (I think, I don’t remember the numbers very well). Anyways academically and leadership wise I think I might qualify, but fitness not so much.
I left my high school at 15 and started college, I never got a high school degree since I didn’t finish the high school requirements before I left for college, so while taking college courses I am also taking the college equivalent to my leftover high school requirements, so after my first two years of college I will also finish my high school requirements and will get a high school diploma for finishing the high school requirements and will have about two years credit of college courses. (Its kind of confusing sorry). I currently have a 3.99 GPA. And I’m taking an SAT soon and my PSAT score isn’t out yet so I don’t have many other numbers to give.
Anyways, leadership wise I think I’m okay. But fitness wise not so sure. I’ve recently started trying to build some muscle and stamina. I literally can’t do one push-up or sit-up, but I’m working really hard to get fit and I’m thinking of getting a personal trainer to help me. So my question is, do you guys think it’s realistic to think I can get fit enough in time, and any tips in doing it quickly? Also, if I do get average (fitness wise) and don’t reach my goal, could my academics maybe carry me through the application process?
btw I am the equivalent of a high school junior and 16
You will have completed two years of college? And your parents can’t pay for the remaining college? You may qualify for financial aid, in that case. Look into it very carefully, as going back and basically forgoing all of your college credits may not be the best idea. Unless you really, REALLY, want the military academy experience. If you are interested in serving, you can always do OCS after graduating from a civilian school.
Keep working on your fitness. There are plenty of kids who get in without being able to do a pull up. Not something to bank on, but it’s true.
Btw, you realize that the application cycle is over for the incoming class of 2020, unless you’ve already applied for a nomination from your congressmen. So, at the earliest, you’d be looking at class of 2021. By that time, with some fin aid and a bit of luck, you could be 3/4 done with your undergrad degree.
The college I go to currently is paying for my expenses fully until I finish my high school diploma, it’s really hard to explain so I’m sorry for the confusion. There are very few people that go through the kind of pathway I do, but I did talk to one that went to west point and they said that my college credits will transfer somehow and they will put me in some high level courses (I’m not so sure how accurate this info was). And I am very passionate about going to West Point and serving I’m applying for class of 2021, and I’m leaving the college I’m at now spring of 2017 (which is when I will finish my high school diploma)
I admire your dedication! I do, however, question the credits doing anything other than putting you in higher classes. You will still attend for four years. If you were my daughter, I’d seriously counsel you to apply (with fee waivers) to schools known for generous fin aid. You’d be surprised at what’s out there in terms of help. Then you’d finish your degree in 2 years, OCS for whatever branch you choose, and your career would be off and running in much less time. 2 1/2 years, vs 4 more years…just a thought.
The credit transfer isn’t very important to me, nor is the amount of time I am at college (personally the more school the better), but thanks for the good advice on alternate plans! I also wanted the experience of being at West Point with fellow peers during my undergraduate years, but thanks for letting me know that if I do not get in the first time I will have another chance after undergrad!
I would second everything @shellz said. Our 18-year-old freshman rooms with a 23-year-old Plebe. You will start over at the academy; no credits transfer for anyone from any school. The only goal for attending a service academy is to serve as an officer in one of our military branches–you are halfway through college and can do that sooner from your current path than to start all over at West Point. I say continue from where you are.
However, if you are determined to apply to West Point, note that you will be evaluated based on a Whole Candidate Score (WCS) made up of 60% academics, 30% leadership, and 10% physical. You must pass the physical (CFA) portion. Top scores in both academics and leadership will not override a failed CFA. And, even if you have top scores in all three areas, you must also have a nomination from a member of congress to even get your application into the admissions pool. So, you need to work on both your physical qualifications as well as secure a nomination.
I have posted this elsewhere, but take a look at slide 8:
Of the 1263 admitted members of the class of 2019, 867 are team captains, and this class brought 1,111 varsity letters with them. They are fit, and they are competitive. You need to get going now to catch up with the type of candidate West Point is looking for in the next cycle.
This board is not as active as serviceacademyforums.com. I would suggest you start browsing there for detailed information about the application process. Good luck to you.
Stew Smith has the best training programs – he was a former SEAL trainer, and he has written books and has online workouts you can get for free and also for a small fee. If you use his training, you definitely have time to get in shape and will be able to far exceed the minimums for admission. You can compare his approach with other training programs out there for military. (Just put his name then dot com to go to his website. Not sure if I can include a direct link here.)
Your academics will NOT carry you through to admissions without passing the fitness requirements. The academies are also so competitive (even more competitive that most Ivies) that meeting minimum fitness standards is also likely not enough, so aim to be better than that. You can’t re-do your academic situation, but you do have time to get extremely fit, and also to take on some leadership roles in the meantime and join some sports teams somehow. They will look for participation in sports teams as a sign that you can work well in a team (and all military groups are like a team). Good luck!
I’m applying for class of 2021, and I’m leaving the college I’m at now spring of 2017 (which is when I will finish my high school diploma)