<p>I'm a very motivated individual ever since 9th grade, which set a tone for the rest of my high school career. I will do my best to convince admissions in college essay and interview to convince admissions that I am a strong applicant that has the potential to succeed. This is all in despite of the somewhat low GPA because of freshman year (due to depression, etc.). As for the SAT/ACT scores, I'm waiting for my ACT score and afterwards, I'll be taking the test again. The next time I do take the test, I'll actually have done preparation, which I will be begin by using Barrons and/or Princeton Reviews ACT preparation books. Every other day or so, I'll be going to the local library (to block out distractions) after school and study there for a couple of hours. </p>
<p>All in all, I'm eager to learn more and willing to work diligently to reach that goal. What are you thoughts on my chances?</p>
<p>I see that USMA is in your "runner up" category. It is an unusual choice for a "backup" school....</p>
<p>You need to be fit and healthy to attend USMA. You will be required to take a medical exam. If you choose to apply make sure to disclose your history of depression. USMA is a very stressful environment.</p>
<p>Well, it isn't a "backup" school. They are schools that I am considering over the others. I'm still researching the schools and I'll dictate from there.</p>
<p>You may want to consider what your life goals are and how they relate to your college choices because going to a service academy and the service requirements that come with it can have a huge impact on where your life goes from there. Consider why you want to go to USMA (or USNA as I also see.) Is it simply a college you want to attend, a means to an ends for service the country or what? Your chances depend a lot on how committed you are to attending USMA, on top of your usual self motivation. </p>
<p>But like Ann said, you need to be in good physical shape and of good physiological health to get in. You'll need to take a physical fitness test and go through a medical exam in order to be accepted. If you're serious about the service academies, is a regular workout part of your daily life?</p>
<p>soltaricynic, what are the minimum of each section of the physical examination test (or in other words, how many pull ups do pass, what is the right shuttle run, and so on)?</p>
<p>Cast, there are army standards, and then there are West Point standards. My Plebe can tell you that the expectations for the APFT are much higher for USMA cadets than the published minimums on the army site. He found that out from experience! :)</p>
<p>USMA will not tell you minimums for the CFA because they do not want cadets who strive to achieve minimums... Frustrating for students looking for this answer, I know, but that truly is the attitude of WP admissions.</p>
<p>Not to sound condescending, but Cast, you need to do a lot more research on West Point and the Naval Academy before you think about applying there. If the minimum is what you're aiming for, then you're already starting out on the wrong foot. Military Officers should set the example for their men, and having a high PT score is one example that their leader is excelling, and not slacking off. </p>
<p>"take comfort knowing that the CFA only contributes to 15% of your application."</p>
<p>The CFA makes up 10% of the whole candidate score . The difference between just passing the test and obtaining a maximum score is substantial, and can make a real difference. It is worth the effort for candidates to practice for the test and do the best they can.</p>
<p>"I'm not applying as of yet, but will be planning on attending the USMA summer program."</p>
<p>Cast, application to any of the SA summer programs (SLS for USMA, NASS for USNA, etc) is a preliminary application for that particular SA. Does your comment mean that you have been accepted to attend SLS? If so, congratulations! Or does your comment mean that you haven't applied at all? If that's true, you have only about 2-3 weeks in which to apply.</p>
<p>You have four years to improve yourself while at West Point. Even if your scores are just average, don't let these other people scare ya. It's called an 'Average' for a reason...not everybody excels at everything.</p>
<p>"don't let these other people scare ya. It's called an 'Average' for a reason..."
I'm not trying to scare anyone. Aiming for the highest CFA score possible is always good advice. If a candidate is prepared to put in some practice time, it is the one area where they can make a real difference in their whole candidate score.
However if the aim is to merely pass the test, "average" would be fine.</p>
<p>“Aiming for the highest CFA score possible is always good advice.”</p>
<p>Good Evening Folks,</p>
<p>I’ll take Ann’s sage advice above and raise you one. </p>
<p>You’re not applying to the United States Military Academy because you aspire to be “average” in anything you do. Yes, you may receive an average score on your CFA, but hopefully only after you’ve busted your butt to obtain the absolute best score possible. And if you don’t pass it the first time around, you go back at it again until you do pass it. That ladies and gentlemen should be your goal.</p>