<p>Hey all,
I'm concerned about my chances for an appointment (I'm a junior) at USMA because my achievements in the classroom greatly outweigh my achievements outside the classroom. I'm in the top 4 of my 300+ class with a gpa above 4.6 (weighted of course) and an SAT above 2200. However, my only extras are two sports one JV and one Varsity, with no leadership positions, and about 70 hrs of community service. Will the lack of leadership experience greatly hinder my chances? Or do I still have a shot?</p>
<p>I hope I've been clear enough, since this is my first post.
Thanks for any help</p>
<p>West Point aims to have a brigade mix of scholars, athletes, leaders and soldiers. You certainly are a scholar.<br>
Is it enough? That is for admissions to decide.</p>
<p>Maybe you have more leadership than you give yourself credit for - what kinds of community service do you have? have you ever organized and or led a project?
Are you involved in your sport of choice? Team captain?
What do you do every day after school? weekends?
Did you apply for the Summer Leadership Seminar?</p>
<p>The good news is that you are only a junior - it is January and you won't be completing your application until the fall. You have 9 months.</p>
<p>Do you have a shot - yep you have a shot.</p>
<p>You have plenty of time to get yourself elected president of something!</p>
<p>Sports are great EC's and you have two. Since you are still in your junior year, you still have time to add some leadership experience:</p>
<p>-run for a Student Council position
-join the National Honor Society - you have the academics to qualify
-join a club that interests you and run for one of the officer positions
-apply for the Summer Leaders Seminar at West Point - USMA</a> Admissions: Home
-Ask your guidance counselor about the Boys State program
-Assume a leadership role in the community service program you are already participating in</p>
<p>West Point is looking for well rounded candidates. Participate fully in a few EC's and try for leadership positions in the ones you enjoy. Participating responsibly in a few EC's is better than joining EC's just to pad your resume. </p>
<p>Here is quote from West Point's Prospectus at USMA</a> Admissions: Apply to USMA: Prospectus: Steps to West Point: 1: Basic Requirements</p>
<p>"Leadership Qualifications
You should strive to develop the personal traits that will allow you to be an effective leader in school, church and community activities. Participation in secondary school extracurricular activities, both athletic and non-athletic, and the attainment of responsible positions in those activities, provide valuable leadership experience. You should try to make significant contributions in leadership positions on athletic teams, in club and class activities, and in church, scout, civic and community activities. Working to provide family financial support may limit participation in extracurricular activities at school. If so, that should be noted in your application."</p>
<p>Pay attention to everything West Point advises in the Prospectus. It is a good guide.</p>
<p>You have a great start!</p>
<p>Thank you for all the encouragement!
I certainly appreciate it. </p>
<p>As long as I have a thread open, I may as well also ask...
Is it common for parents to object to West Point as a place for their sons/daughters? I think its certainly understandable, considering the implications for parents, but I am very determined to apply. Does anyone have any advice for persuading parents? And what role do parents play in the application process?</p>
<p>Thanks again, you guys (and girls) are great.</p>
<p>My parents were a bit hesitant at first, not knowing much about the academies so I can understand how you feel. You need to sit down with them and have a serious discussion. Tell them why you truly want to do this - what it means to you to go to a service academy.</p>
<p>It has been really hard for my mom ( I will be attending USNA next year) and she still seems determined to "show me what else is out there". She even offered to pay for any civilian school I wanted (this was not something she was offering before I wanted to go to Navy)-her bribes have not worked however.<br>
Something that has helped us is having her talk to a lot of people that have been in the services or attended an academy. Granted, she has heard some bad experiences, but I think she has also come to realize just how great of an opportunity the service academies can be. In the end, you also have to realize that you need to be doing this for yourself. My mom will never be "happy" that I will be in the Navy, however she will be proud and we have both come to the understanding that this is something that I want to do more than anything.
As for the role parents play in the application process: mine was that my parents drove me to the interviews and helped calm my nerves. They also paid for plane tickets :) That's about it. Of course, their support has been important as well.</p>
<p>A lot of the people here are telling you ways to hook you with a definite appointment. IMO, with your academic credentials (Which FAR outweigh all the other aspects) you WILL most likely get an appointment, and receive an LOA before December this year. A 2200 SAT score will do it especially if you scored 700+ in both math and critical reading. Do good on the CFA, and you will have a solid record, .. your sports will do it, it would be nice to have one leadership position though.. beginning senior year, but I would fear not.. you got it. Good luck.</p>
<p>I agree with Mister Sinister here. A 2200 is very hard to turn down at West Point, but it has happened before. You might have more leadership than you give yourself credit for as well. The fact that you're a junior is very telling... you still have another 8 or so months to build a strong resume. You are well on your way, so stick with it and you should have a LOA and appointment before you know it!</p>
<p>As far as your parents go, West Point speaks for itself. Convincing them sure is nice, but this is your coming of age and time to make your own decisions. An appointment from West Point is a hard thing to turn down yourself, unless you want to go to Navy instead :)</p>