<p>Mellonmellow:</p>
<p>The information in cadet sargeant's guide is pretty much on target but a little dated.</p>
<p>The biggest misunderstanding that most people, including myself, had about the USMA application process is the role of the congressional nomination. While the nomination is required and takes some effort to obtain, it is less difficult to obtain than the acceptance offered by the USMA Admissions office. There are over 4000 nominations given each year but only about 1200 candidates accepted by the USMA Admissions Office. What I mean to convey is that getting an acceptance from the admissions office is more difficult than getting a nomination. I suggest you make sure you direct your resources accordingly.</p>
<p>The summer program is now called the Summer Leadership Seminar. It's intended for candidates who have just completed their junior years. I believe you can begin applying for the SLS around January. It's a great program and should be attended by all candidates if possible.</p>
<p>There is no longer an official early acceptance program program at USMA. I think the class of 2008 was the last class offered that option. However, the academy does offer letters of assurance to highly qualified candidates. These LOA's are equivalent to an early acceptance and are offered as early as July before your senior year. My unscientific survey of candidates receiving LOA's is that the "highly qualified candidate " has SAT scores of 1400+, top 10% class ranking, several varsity letters and some demonstrated school, sport or civic leadership experience. There are probably 200 or less LOA's offered each year, excluding recruited athletes.</p>
<p>Major points to remember.</p>
<p>1.Apply early. This applies for SLS as well as the official application. The "early bird" may not always get the worm but it certainly has a better chance than the late bird. </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Put a high priority of your SAT/ACT test scores. While your GPA is important, my personal opinion is that the SAT/ACT scores are of even greater importance. Target a minimum of 1200 but it's best if you can score 1300 and above.</p></li>
<li><p>Make sure you can medically qualify. The academies have strict medical requirements and will only give a limited number and scope of formal waivers. Find out early if you have a medical condition that will disqualify you or require a formal waiver. No point getting your hopes up for an appointment only to find out in your senior year that you can't qualify medically. Also if you need a waiver, you want to have as much lead time as possible to obtain it.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>4.Keep physically active and fit. While USMA likes to see participation and excellence in team sports, it's not mandatory. However, being physically fit is mandatory. The requirements aren't complex. You must be proficient in running, situps and pushups. Begin now to build up your capabilities in those areas.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Keep your paperwork organized and follow up on outstanding items. There're a lot of pieces to the USMA application and nomination process. Since virtually everyone is doing it for the first time, it's easy to miss or forget a piece. I recommend making a timeline chart for all the steps along with the various paperwork associated with each step. My son (now a yearling), used an Excel spreadsheet to record and track all the paperwork. It was a lifesaver for him since he could, at a glance, identify if he was current with his paperwork. Equally important it allowed him to politely remind his teachers/school officials that certain recommendations had not yet been sent to USMA or the senators/congress member. </p></li>
<li><p>Find someone that has gone through the application process recently and talk with them. Check to see if there is a local USMA parents club. Why reinvent the wheel if you can benefit from the experience of someone who had done it already. Ideally, someone who has done it successfully.</p></li>
<li><p>Read the USMA website often, especially the admissions site. It's incredible how many candidates ask questions that are already answered in the USMA admissions website. More and more of the application process is being done on the internet so keep current with the website.</p></li>
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<p>Hope this is helpful.
Thanks for considering a career as a leader in our Armed Forces.</p>