<p>I just received a letter from admissions inviting me to an information seminar coming up on Friday the 16th. They select "top level" students who they feel have a good chance in competing for admissions at the academy. I'm very happy to have received this and to have the opportunity to meet representatives from the academy and learn more about it. I'm currently a sophomore and I am overjoyed about this. Has anyone else been invited or has anyone else gone to one of these?</p>
<p>Go. If at all possible. Go. My best advice. Take your parents.</p>
<p>My daughter went to two of these - they have Army officers, cadets and admissions representatives.<br>
They will do a presentation then there will be time to mingle and ask questions.
Very valuable use of your time.</p>
<p>I'm definitely going, I'll be sure to ask TONS of question. :)</p>
<p>I wish I had known more about the academy... I have heard from my friends at school that they received letters from the academy urging them to apply. They dont want to go, but I really do. Why didnt I recieve any type of contact and does admissions look favorably upon those who recieve contact and then apply? Is this thier way of scouting, or just automated recruiting?</p>
<p>Inhibitor, it may have something to do with military background. I have lived in military bases for 17 years (my whole life). The mailings probably have no importance so I wouldn't worry about it. Its more automatic...</p>
<p>Inhibitor - </p>
<p>Did you take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)? It's a test some schools give to determine proficiency in the military.</p>
<p>If you haven't taken it and your classmates have, that may account for the interest. When my daughter took it as a junior (and scored pretty high), she started receiving letters from all branches of the military and even an unexpected home visit to recruit her.</p>
<p>If you haven't received any letters, it may just be that they didn't know you are interested in the military.</p>
<p>To learn more about the Academy, I'd suggest two books: Absolutely American by David Lipsky and Duty First by Ed Ruggero. These both are very good and give a good inside look at life at West Point.</p>
<p>From what I know of the admissions process, WP doesn't favor anyone. You must meet their requirements to qualify.</p>
<p>I think for the information seminars - they keep a mailing list of kids who have expressed interest at any time. My daughter filled out a post card at the Visitor's center when she was 13 and got regular mail from West Point throughout high school.
Young kids can also request information on the USMA website - they will get regular mailings as well.</p>
<p>As far as unsolicited mailings - I am not sure what lists they use - could be several. As for you - don't worry too much about it - it is just their way of marketing to top students.</p>
<p>I contacted them in September this year because I thought USMAPS was for high schoolers looking to go to the academy for college. I talked with a Major from admissions and he said it was for those who applied to the academy, but needed one more year to boost their skills in math, etc. We got talking and I told him that I was VERY interested in the academy and after doing so he gave me a few people to contact and what not to talk about West Point and the admissions process down the road. I also put my name in the data base for those not of age, but looking at the academy for the extra information packet. I guess he remembered me and where I was from and invited me to the seminar to help me out and gather more information about the academy.</p>
<p>wpmom2011- Yes, I did take the ASVAB. I happened to get a 99 AFQT, maxed it out they say. I was told that any enlisted job the army had, I was qualified for, with a GT of over 140. I cant remember the other line scores, but I have the ASVAB summary and could scan them onto the internet if you'd like. I have read "Absolutely American"-it was a wonderful book. I'm reading "The Long Grey Line" now, but after I'm done I'll check into "Duty First". I did recieve calls and interviews with my local Armed Services Recruiting Center. The Marines called me first which was followed up by an interview, then the Navy, then the Air Force, but not the Army.</p>
<pre><code>One of my friends who enlisted last year (now in Fort Hood) brought me to a Future Soldiers Program, and because of the ASVAB, I decided to talk with the Army (even though they never called me) and then was told about my scores and what they meant.
</code></pre>
<p>Some of the kids in my class who recieved the SLS brochure took the PSAT and they scored well, but there was a kid who recieved a letter (not the SLS brochure) from USMA and he did not take the ASVAB.<br>
From which source they get their names still remains hidden from me.</p>
<p>I went to Info. Seminar at Buffalo. Area admissions team were there and had lots of time to ask questions about West Point and admissions.</p>
<p>Nothing in this world is as communist as the ASVAB</p>
<p>Communist you say? How so? I'd consider it a general knowledge test. I know a kid who recieved an 11 for his AFQT. I think the minimum is 33 for the enlisted army, and you have to receive line scores high enough for your particular MOS.</p>
<p>"As far as unsolicited mailings - I am not sure what lists they use - could be several."</p>
<p>I believe they use the scores from the PSAT.</p>
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<p>Soooooo ???????????????? Did you go??</p>
<p>Sorry!!!! Yes, I went. Lots of great info and a nice presentation about the academy. They had two Majors there, one from West Point Nuchowski(sp), one from Lehigh University, a Colonel from West Point, and a retired Colonel from West Point. All had very nice and informative things to say. Got an information packet. It was mainly for Juniors and Seniors, but I got to talk with them and show that I was interested and what not. The retired Colonel is going to get me some information on Boys State, which seems like fun. I recommend if anyone gets invited to one of these that you definately attend!</p>