<p>I would really appreciate some honest advice on this issue. I am about to start my senior year at a top-20 university in the United States. I am in the honors program and have maintained a 3.90 GPA for my undergraduate career. However, through my studies, as well as life experiences, I have determined the best way to achieve my career goals and attain self-fulfillment is to graduate from USMA (or USNA).</p>
<p>I am seeking relevant input/advice on my situation. From an academic standpoint, I believe I have demonstrated my aptitude sufficiently for either institution, assuming they weigh my college record similarly to how they view a traditional applicant's high school record. I have a lot of extracurriculars, but very little which demonstrate a commitment to the military (this is a concern for me). How do I go about establishing such an activity? ROTC is out of the question, I assume... what can I do to strengthen my profile?</p>
<p>Also, will these institutions be leery of my situation, which could be perceived as indecisiveness? I would hope not, but I am inexperienced with service academy admissions committees. </p>
<p>Please ask me anything you may need to know to give more accurate advice. I am passionate about serving our country, especially in times where leadership and conviction are in need. Thanks in advance for any and all help!</p>
<p>During R day (what seems like many moons ago now!) we attended a briefing in which one of the cadet speakers was a cow (junior). He mentioned that he had already graduated a civilian college with a 4 year degree, then applied to and was accepted to West Point–so while I could say its pretty unusual, if you can still get under the max age your Plebe year, it can be (and has been) done.</p>
<p>majmattmason, I am really interested in a particular program offered at USMA, so I would prefer to enhance my education while also preparing for service. What are the pros and cons of each approach (USMA v. OCS), in your opinion?</p>
<p>shogun, good to hear that it has been done before.</p>
<p>Well, going to USMA entails a lot more time requirement for starters. If your goal is to become an officer, not sure how going to USMA at this point will be a greater benefit to you versus just finishing this year and going OCS. Seems like you’re going the long way around. But, if there is something at West Point that is unique, then more power to ya’.</p>
<p>One of my goals is to become an officer, but that is not my only goal. I hope to enhance my formal education too, in the hopes that I will improve my future employment opportunities (if I choose to reenter civilian life). Also, USMA offers a perfect major for me: American Legal Studies. I hope to become involved in international law on behalf of the United States; what’s a better way to begin this path than starting out at West Point?</p>
<p>I am not fazed about starting over at USMA. I’ll be 26 at graduation, 31 after the service requirement is over. I would MUCH rather be a little older than average than regret my life’s path. This is something I’ve thought about for some time, but it’s now do-or-die time.</p>
<p>Any more thoughts or advice? I appreciate every so far.</p>
<p>Sounds like you’ve given it some thought, so go for it. It’s your life and your goals and that’s the only person you have to prove anything to. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>jjay1 - Are you sure you don’t want to be a professional student? What is your current major in college?
Why USMA now? Why did you not think of it 2-3 years ago?</p>
<p>One option for you is ROTC in graduate school. Just think in two years you can be commissioned AND have a Master’s degree!
Seriously, by taking 4 more years to earn yet another bachelor degree you will be moving latterally, educationally.
Consider the lifelong cost to you for putting your career on hold for 4 more years. You will be spending your early-mid 20’s living a lifestyle that will prevent you from living socially amongst your age group peers. Yes, some have done it but they are few.</p>