Chances for USMA?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Military Academy - West Point
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<p>I am posting here for my son because, so far, I've been successful in keeping him off of the time-sucking CC forums! He has been expressing an interest in the USMA lately, after many years of interest in the USNA, and more recent interest in Army ROTC. One of his friends received an appointment, and that has him wanting to look into the USMA as well. I am curious, and will share with him, what you believe his chances are as far as an appointment are concerned.</p>

<p>Thanks for any insight, as well as any pointers on how he could strengthen his application.</p>

<p>16yr old Jr in High school - will graduate May 2011
State: Tennessee
GPA - 3.80 unweighted - at graduation, will have taken 11 honors classes and 6 AP classes
He has received 21 A's, 1 B, and 2 Cs in high school. Will the Cs be an issue? Both were in non-honors math classes, but there's a story behind them...of course :o)
ACT Score - 34 (35 Math, 35 English, 34 Science, 33 Reading)
Ht - 6' 2"
Wt - 160#
2min Pushups - 70 +/- correct
2min Sit-ups - 85 correct
2 mile - 11:40-ish
1 mile (for Scholarship app?) - 5:15
Hasn't done an actual CFA, so don't know his basketball throw, etc.</p>

<p>School Stuff -
Latin Club
Beta Club
FCA
National Honor Society</p>

<p>One of about 30 students from 6 area high schools chosen for year-long student leadership program - sophomore year
One of 4 students chosen from district for conference at state capital on policies in education - junior year</p>

<p>Cross Country x3 years so far - not on varsity with an 18:30-ish 5k, but still a solid runner
Swim Team x 3 years so far - 3x state qualifier, regional champ, state finalist, most likely captain senior year. Awarded Outstanding Male Swimmer 2009 - 2010 Season. (being recruited elsewhere, but not sure about USMA).
Tennis x1
Track x1
Wendy's High School Heisman Nominee
Selected for 2010 Naval Academy Summer Seminar</p>

<p>Outside of school -
Triathlon - 5th year, nationally ranked, 2-year member of USA Triathlon SE Region Junior High Performance Team
Cycling - 3rd year, nationally ranked (top 10). State Champion x3. Sent to Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs by USA Cycling to participate in National Talent ID Camp (part of the national team selection process)</p>

<p>Coach/Mentor of middle school "Couch to Cyclocross" program to encourage kids to get involved in cycling</p>

<p>Started 1/2 marathon team in 8th grade and ran the Country Music 1/2 (time of 1:43 at 13yrs) - approx 60 kids have trained and competed in 1/2 marathons as part of the program since then, and spin-off programs have been started at area elementary schools that get kids out running and training for 5k races.</p>

<p>Assistant coach of summer swim league team.</p>

<p>Thanks for any insight. I realize no one can guarantee his chances, but I hope someone here may have a guess as to his odds. If there's some piece of info I left off, just ask.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>His stats look fine, don’t see much in the way of leadership. Other than that, everything else looks fine.</p>

3

<p>Thanks, MajMatt - other than coaching two teams and captain of the swim team, which he’s already doing, what other types of leadership opportunities should he be looking for?</p>

4

<p>Is he the captain of the swim team? It read like he wasn’t, but hoped to be next year.</p>

<p>The coaching is great, anything that would show leadership. As to his chances, he looks good on paper, as you know, nothing is guaranteed. </p>

<p>Also, I would encourage him to apply to any Academy he might have an interest and to tell his nominating sources the same. It’ll increase his odds of gaining admission.</p>

5

<p>Thanks again, Matt. He will be captain of the swim team his senior year. Unfortunately, no other leadership chances are likely to come his way, as the majority of his time (20+ hrs/wk/ 40-ish wks/yr) is spent cycling and or training/competing in triathlons. In your opinion, or anyone else who chooses to comment - will his lack of “team sport” experience be detrimental? All of his sports, with the exception of relays in swimming, are individual. He’s concerned that could be a problem.
Any opinions?
Anyone besides MajMatt have some thoughts? (although your responses are really appreciated!!)</p>

6

<p>I think his stats look great so far. I don’t think the 2 C’s will hurt him in the long run if he keeps his overall GPA up. USMA likes to look at class rank for a candidate…do you know where he is ranked? </p>

<p>As far as improving his chances, I would agree with Majmattmason, the only thing I can see to work on is his leadership. The swim team captain will help him and coaching/mentoring is great too. Since he is involved in clubs at school would there be a chance of him being a club officer next year? Or a senior class officer? Even if the answers are no I don’t want you to be discouraged by this because I think he will be competitive as is. </p>

<p>My son only played one sport in h.s. and had no chance to be a captain. His leadership came from opportunites in band and he was a class officer. I think going to Boys State also helped him but it may be too late for your son to apply for it or it may conflict with USNA’s summer seminar. In case you want to look into it here is the website: [Boys</a> State / Nation | The American Legion | Veterans Serving Veterans](<a href=“Search | The American Legion”>Boys State / Boys Nation | The American Legion).</p>

<p>I don’t think his lack of team sports will hurt him. Sounds like he is in great shape and will do well on the CFA. </p>

<p>Good luck to him!</p>

7

<p>I knew I forgot something!!! He is currently in the top 10%. Not sure about after this semester, but it should be close. We’ll know in about 10 days.</p>

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<p>You might want to fill out the recruiting page on the USMA website with swim times, and Mickey Wender will likely be in touch.</p>

9

<p>Top 10% for class rank certainly dds to his overall strong profile. I agree he should keep up the grades, enjoy the USNA summer program, and apply to each academy in which he has an interest. He should have time over the summer to do some research - reading books, talking to current cadets/mids, and current officers - to determine if he’s more interested in a career in the Army or Navy. </p>

<p>Also, I wouldn’t worry too much about the individual vs team sports. Competing on a national level as an individual is an indicator of commitment to an activity. Many cadets at the academies only participated in 1 sport that they participated in year long, such as swimming.</p>

<p>So suggestions are: close out junior year with strong grades, don’t get senioritis, get apps (academy and nomination sources) started over the summer,try to pass the CFA at summer seminar. He may be a strong athlete, but try a simulation before leaving for Annapolis. Once he gets a request to begin his DoDMERB physical, get it scheduled immediately.</p>

<p>Good luck. Let us know how he’s progressing.</p>

10

<p>Your son’s record looks very strong. Please start early (don’t learn from me, haha). The appointment process, as you may already know, can be quite lengthy. If possible, visit WP and discuss with guides there and compare with the navy. West point is so beautiful/peaceful, imo.</p>