Advice

<p>I am seeking some advice for the future. I am 14 years old, I am just about to go in high school so I still have time to prepare. My goal in life is to graduate West Point as an officer and work full time in service. I am pretty sure I am physically fit to go through the training, I am a second degree black belt in tae kwon do, and want to continue it for as long as possible. Do you think taking tae kwon do will increase my chances if I win some state championship medals? I am already 6'2 and 150 pounds, very athletic, and I am very determined. As a second choice after a very good high-school tryout, I chose JROTC, do you think that would help too? I want to do all I can to increase my chances for this amazing academy. I have even read 3 books on West Point (not to mention I don't really like to read much). So any advice if you were me and wanted to get prepared for West Point at my age, please tell me, Thanks.</p>

<p>West Point loves to see people who are dedicated to athletics. I would highly recommend you stay with martial arts and would also advise you join the JROTC unit. Of course these would increase your chances of admission. In the mean time keep your grades up, stay motivated, and hang around and read the forums for help and advise.</p>

<p>Practice the CFA (candidate fitness test), and I HIGHLY recommend studying up on the SAT's/ACT's and doing well on them as they are an essential part of your application. Gaining some leadership positions will also be essential.</p>

<p>Thank you for the advice, I just wanted to confirm that I am heading in a good direction. Also a big thanks for the motivation, now I really will work hard in high school. I am in middle school right now (3rd quarter of 8th grade) and I have around a 3.2 GPA, not too impressive and I know I can and will do better in high school. Will WP look back to 8th grade? Also wanted to add I am very mature and have a lot of self discipline with the help of martial arts.</p>

<p>9th grade on... Don't worry.. Middle school doesn't count. Just do your best...and try to survive Middle school.</p>

<p>starting in 9th grade, you should take:
"Four years of English, with a strong emphasis on composition, grammar, literature, and speech.
Four years of math: algebra, plane geometry, intermediate algebra, and trigonometry.
Two years of a foreign language.
Two years of a laboratory science such as chemistry, biology or physics.
One year of U.S. history.
Courses in geography, government, and economics will be helpful as well. If your school includes a course in precalculus and calculus in its curriculum, along with a basic computing course, we suggest you consider taking those courses because they will be helpful during your first year at West Point. " --taken from the USMA site.</p>

<p>I was in your position four years ago, with the exception that I was a terrible athlete and a real bookworm. Make yourself as well rounded as possible and really think about why you want to go to West Point. It took nearly my whole high school career to really be able to explain my motivation, since ambition can be such a complicated feeling. Also, don't forget Congressman and Senators are part of the whole admissions process! Send them letters, maybe once a year, in which you explain yourself, your goals, and your acomplishments to date. I don't know if they keep these sort of things, but maybe they'll recognize your name when senior year rolls around. </p>

<p>P.S-Stay away from the opposite sex :D (just kidding)</p>

<p>Thanks for the information. I am in the best middle school in the state of Florida and have already taken US History and 1 year of spanish, does that count toward high school too? I know I am getting high school credits in Spanish and an Algebra honors class. I will take geometry over my 8th grade summer before high school too.</p>

<p>Admissions will not look at any grades/classes earlier than 9th grade. Your HS transcript is IT.</p>

<p>With our kids, algebra I and first year of language taken in 8th grade were included in their overall GPA for high school and the courses were listed on the transcript.</p>

<p>Yes, the same was true for our kids, but it is listed as a memo only and is not calculated in the HS GPA. When filling out the application only grades/courses from 9th and up are used. An admissions officer told us the 8th grade info is not considered.</p>

<p>Yeah, our son's Algebra grade was on his HS transcript, too, since he took it in 8th but was awarded HS credit for it. The key is probably just that. If you are awarded HS credit it will appear. If not, it won't.</p>

<p>you're the man. you sound really focused - it sounds like you'll be fine physically so my advice would be to really focus on gettining involved in student government and getting your grades up as much as possible. Best of luck to you</p>

<p>yeah youre the freakin' man. </p>

<p>make sure you try out for delta force. 2 more years and maybe you can drive a car. </p>

<p>go mach 2 with your hair on fire.</p>

<p>That sounds painful.</p>

<p>Army Freak- Congrats on your determination! Keep your goal in focus with a strong emphasis on grades - grades - grades! Take AP courses your Soph/Junior years, join a few (not all) clubs and take a leadership role in them. My son found that becomeing a cross country runner was the best physical activity in preperation. Being able to run 3.1 miles in under 18 minutes consistantly will prepare you more than any other sport. Endurance both physically and academically forges Westpoint cadets.</p>

<p>Why are you so interested in WP and the Military?</p>

<p>I am interested in West Point because I am always interested into the military and its history. I also love to watch the History Channel about everything. I also have heard from a friend that graduated West Point that I am made for it. They have encouraged me and I had decided sometime in 7th grade I was going to be serious about West Point. Wow, if they look at HS credits then I got lucky. I am very good at math and got an A for the last 2 quarters and 1 B. Also I am taking US History in 8th grade. The book literally says "The American Journey" (Florida series) and the class name is US History yet I don't think I am getting HS credits for it. I want to go to West Point more then anything in the world, I mean I'm so in love with it, I am getting a bit afraid to go because when they yell at us or something, I will smile and think, "I love this life, its what I dreamed of".</p>

<p>Just my opinion but...... I would suggest finding personal reasons with a little more substance. I think you might find that the Military/History channel, and "being made" when you get out might not give you the motivation to charlie mike. The military is a lot more work and day-to-day personal sacrifice than Hollywood shows.</p>

<p>I love to do labor and love the idea of leading soldiers. I am a very hard worker and enjoy it more then sitting there and playing some video game. The movies inspire me, but I am motivated in serving my country.</p>