College Springboards

Colleges and Universities A-Z Military Academy - West Point
1

<p>I have a question. The way things are shaping-up right now, I may well not get into West Point this time around (reminder: I'm a HS junior- homeschooled- MN). That being said and supposing those fears come true and I'm not going to the academy next summer, what schools could I go to that would help me get into the academy?</p>

<p>I have looked at VMI and Citadel, but they are expensive, distant, and unimpressive on some levels. I really want to go to WP, and I will re-apply if I don't get accepted, and then I'll re-apply again. I am going to go to West Point if it takes me all four or five tries. But I would of course like to get in sooner rather than later, and I have to be in some kind of college in between those yearly tries to show WP that I am still busy and doing well.
Now there are some options locally. I could go to the University of Minnesota and get some education there. Then there are denominational colleges like Bethel, Concordia, and Crown. I don't think any of these are great choices. I think going to some place LIKE Citadel or VMI would help. I have heard schools in Georgia and other places mentioned before, but I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to colleges in the States. I also don't know what major I should work towards when I get to a college. Any thoughts are well-appreciated.</p>

2

<p>why do you think you cant get in on your first try?</p>

<p>I'd go somewhere were they offer ROTC, it may look better on your next application.</p>

3

<p>I would have the attitude that you will get into West Point. Positive thinking can make a difference.In case you don't make it in, make sure that you research your options and apply to schools that have strong ROTC Programs. Virginia Tech, Texas A&M and several other colleges have very strong programs.</p>

4

<p>what part of mn are you from?</p>

5

<p>YOu might consider the military JCs that west point preps at --even if you dont get a sponsored spot -- but don't assume you won't</p>

<p>New Mexico Military Academy (nmmi.edu), marion military academy in alabama (marionmilitary.edu) ....one in missouri, georgia military and possibly valley forge ..</p>

<p>if your goal is truly WP ... these would be some good options ... NMMI would probably be high on the list both for cost/self prep program/ transferablity of any classes .... check it out</p>

6

<p>you're only a junior; what are you talking about ?</p>

7

<p>I must agree with previous posters: if you have the attitude that you won't get into West Point then you probably won't.</p>

<p>At least for me, I didn't think I had much of a chance because I'm not super athletic. However, I got involved in track and XC and it looks like I'm a prime candidate for an LOA. Do what you can, keep your grades up, stay involved and you have a decent shot. Show them how much you want it.</p>

<p>And like dbulecap said... you're a junior! Take a breath. There's still plenty of time to worry about that later. For now just focus on prepping for WP admissions. Best of luck to you.</p>

8

<p>I think I have a good chance at getting in because I'm what they want and need. But as a homeschooler, it is very difficult to have that reflected in statistical terms. I am what they need; the question is when and how are they going to see that.</p>

<p>There isn't a back-up plan at all right now. The plan up to now has been to apply to the academy and get accepted, and if I don't get accepted, re-apply. My query surrounds that period of time (year) between applications. If I do not get accepted, what options are there? That is my question- for clarification's sake.</p>

9

<p>"what part of mn are you from?"</p>

<p>A city called Elk River, NW of minneapolis.</p>

10

<p>"...apply to schools that have strong ROTC Programs. Virginia Tech, Texas A&M and several other colleges have very strong programs."</p>

<p>What would qualify as a "strong" ROTC program? And are you saying that I should go to a school with ROTC, or actually go into an ROTC program?</p>

11

<p>Clongbeard,</p>

<p>First, you should make contact with your local Admissions rep from WP. You can then find out just what you have to do to make yourself a compelling candidate. You're fortunate that you have close to a year, but Admissions is likely already focusing on this year's h.s. juniors.</p>

<p>Secondly, look at the list of ROTC programs and find a few schools that are of interest to you. You can apply to those schools also and apply for the ROTC scholarships that are available.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

12

<p>I believe the Army ranks all the ROTC programs in the country. I know Dickinson College in Pennsylvania has the 8th best (I almost went there). I was medically DQed the first time I applied to West Point, but I went to Washington and Lee University and did ROTC nextdoor at VMI and now I'm going to West Point next year. I believe that if you are truly interested in West Point, either go to VMI or The Citadel, or go to a school with a strong ROTC program. Best of luck to you.</p>

13

<p>I don't know a lot about all ROTC programs, but I'm from Texas so I know a good deal about the A&M ROTC program and highly reccomend it. The A&M ROTC experience is very different and in some ways more intense than most other ROTC programs. If you're interested, they offer high school students the opportunity to "spend the night with the corps" so you can get a feel for the program. I did this my senior year of high school. You stay in the same room as current cadets, eat with them, and go to various activities with them - basically experience a day as you would should you end up joining. If it is within your means, definitely look into doing this.</p>

14

<p>How much do you want? That much? Enlist, if your cut out for WP they'll send you in a couple months. Besides, from what I understand you will be better prepared. If you really want West Point, nothing shows it like enlisting. However, there are other good ways if you feel that option will box you in. ROTC, Prep Programs...besides don't be so dimmissive, you will might be a prime shape candidate and don't even realize it.</p>

<p>HEY BTW! Don't badmouth VMI and the Citadel!! Those are both excellent institutions. (Besides the fact they are always at each others throats). Both schools are rich in tradition, have excellent corps of cadets, and a dedicated, faculty with a well designed program. The Citadel is the last of the military schools to have a real 4th class system (I don't know if this is such a good thing, but it definitely is very hardcore. When I went up there, saw knobs getting beat with brooms at 4 in the morning. Having all of there gear being thrown all over the room; Air chairs; invasion of personal belongins; pullups; pushups; this thing were they whack you in a certain area with the broom --you know where--; the whole outdated 'brace' attention; I even heard a story about--didnt meet him--about a story who kneck was cut with a saber when part of the cadre was screwing with--this may NOT be true though--// oh and blitzing....i hope we don't do that at West Point! Seems VERY redundent--its where you sand metal down by hand on different parts of your uniform) Just a word of advice, don't go there unless your looking for some real hazing. I think it may depend on where they put you as well, different battalions are. (I was with Second Battalion, Golf company if anyones interested) And....DON'T JOIN the Regimental Band. They really HATE them. (Unless you want to have garbage thrown on you early in the morning when some idiot decides its time to play in the middle of the barracks....yeah the whole band got pelted with trash from the entire second battalion...it was brutal) Did I mention the dumpster fire behind the building...lol...It would be one heck of a trip. I hope West Point is as interesting with a little less violence and animosity between different clicks among the cadets. (I think the only group respected by all were the Summerall Guard. The smart kids shunned the corps squad, the slackers the smart kids, the corps squad, the slackers, the...you get the picture)</p>

<p>Enough said, the Citadel is awesome. VMI probably more prestigious. But, as the cadets themselves said at both schools, "So your checking out the West Point rejects." But don't get me wrong they have pride, but its hard when they don't get the respect they most certainly deserve. I would gladly attend either of those institutions.</p>

<p>--wow.. I wrote alot, sorry.</p>

15

<p>Isn't there a military university by the name of Norwich? I'm not even sure if that's the right name, but I remember getting some mailings from them a while back. Thought I'd throw it out there, since you want to look at all of your options.</p>

16

<p>Don't enlist, what a stupid move. Then you're stuck for a contract period if you don't make it. Also, then it's up to your CO, etc. as to whether you'll get to go.</p>

<p>Look, go to whatever college you want, get awesome grades in a tough program, work your butt off, get involved, and re-apply. I got into USAFA after 2 years of college (and have no doubt the other Academies would've taken me). I wasn't at the Citadel, I wasn't in ROTC, I wasn't in military activities period. I worked my butt off in an engineering program, jumping into college as a sophomore, getting a good GPA, and re-applied.</p>

<p>I understand that my example is USAFA, but the same principles apply.</p>

<p>Look, if you really want to go to the Academy, then re-apply IF you don't get in the first time. Don't assume you need ROTC, don't assume you have to be at a prep school, just perform in college better than you did in high school. They'll take you if you do well.</p>

<p>Now, if you want a commission no matter what, then go through ROTC and re-apply while in it. That way you're not behind if you don't get in and decide the ROTC route is for you.</p>

<p>Please, for the sake of all that is good in this world, DO NOT enlist. Sure, they have some slots every year, but honestly even if you get it arranged beforehand (doubtful) they still own you. Keep that in mind. They have no reason to send you to WP, because the Army will own you.</p>

17

<p>Lol, thats a risk you take, I guess. Even after I was accepted to West Point, I still considered enlisted for reasons of my own. Its really up to you what you want to do. YES, you don't need to do anything else, but I gurantee you they want to see you are dedicated to a career in the armed forces. Enrollment in ROTC will show that. I personally suggest (if your not quite sure you want a military career yet--why would you want to go to WP then??) you enroll in the best program you can and take ROTC. But there is a flipside. Someone from admissions, dont remember who or from where, told me that being JROTC in high school actually may lower your chances since they feel there is a high chance you will enlist or go into ROTC if you dont get into West Point, so they might be more willing to go with a non-JROTC candidate. Don't know if theres any fact to that, but you never know.</p>

<p>What are your SATs?</p>

18

<p>dont take enlisting so lightly... it's not a ****in walk in the park, but it's also been very rewarding. A life altering experience</p>

19

<p>Look at USMMA as well. Kings Point graduates have the option of taking an active duty commission in any of the services. So if you want to go green you can.</p>

20

<p>Thanks, TacticalNuke. I think that was great advice. I always did like Airforce officers, lol (I lived near the Airforce Academy once upon a time). You do make a great point. I want to thank everyone else who posted, it'll help me out a lot. </p>

<p>And as a side note, I'm not enlisting because A: they don't need me desperately yet and B: I can do a lot more good as an officer. If China, Iran, or someplace attacks tommorrow, I'll rethink it.</p>

<p>A question for TacticalNuke- What college were you going to while you waited to re-apply to AFA?</p>

<p>For everyone- How important is the school reputation (ie reputation for turning out top-grade students, reputation for being more or less liberal,etc.)?
-Is there a college major that will help me more than others?</p>

<p>Thanks again everyone!</p>