Let's Face Facts.

<p>I'm going to be completely honest with you guys here. No bull-crap, no clutter. </p>

<p>I am a senior in high school, who is trying to get admitted into the United States Military Academy; like most of us reading these threads and spending some time reading other entries.</p>

<p>Here's a bit of background info:</p>

<p>SAT: 1960 -- CR: 630, M: 640, W: 690
GPA: 3.347
RANK: 170/299
ACTIVITIES: Varsity Wrestling (4 years)
Spring Track (2 years)
Boys Lacrosse (2 years)
Marching Band (2 years)
School Band (3 years)
Internship for State Senator Gerald Cardinale [NJ]
Community Service (50+ hours)
Church Worship Leader</p>

<p>CFA:Basketball throw: 87 feet.
Pull-ups: 9
Sit-ups: 66
Push-ups: 62
Shuttle-run: 9:23
Mile-run: 8:34 </p>

<p>[i'm authorized to re-take the CFA because i need to hit the mile under 8 minutes. i'm a pretty heavy guy - as you can see i did well in upperbody testing but not too well in cardiovascular levels]</p>

<p>That should give you guys a somewhat clear enough picture of what I am as a candidate.
Now before we go off saying "you're not competitive, you wont get admitted," I just want to make it clear that I AM aware of my credentials and the many candidates who have excelled in the aforemention categories. As of right now, my file is completed and I have yet to finish playing the waiting game. </p>

<p>I have completed my ARMY ROTC scholarship application nearly 2 months ago, and have applied to schools like Rutgers NB, Syracuse, GWU, Binghamton, Villanova, RIT, and Northeastern. These schools are decent, but my dream is to enter West Point as a lump of clay and come out as a strong, determined leader and soldier for the U.S. Army. Again, no BS, no empty words.</p>

<p>I am aware that MY district is the most competitive out of NJ; the 5th district. Well isn't that a misfortune. Anyways, I've decided that if I do not receive my appointment, I will suck it up for ONE year, doing well in one of the colleges I have mentioned AS an ROTC student and apply to West Point once more. This is going to be a long, difficult journey. But like I said - this is my dream. Our dream. I believe its worth each day that passes by in a year.</p>

<p>I need some insight (as the name suggests). First off, am I competitive enough for USMAPS, the prep school for West Point? I would like to know a bit more about this path, cause I don't want to get my hopes up prematurely. Who makes this decision? How many can get in?</p>

<p>Secondly, is there a way that I may receive a nomination/appointment? Any of you out there who know anyone that has similar ranges to my credentials?</p>

<p>Third, ROTC is a great way to serve my country and gain that valuable experience as a leader. West Point is my ultimate goal; however. Is it truly worth the year? I need some motivation - some will for me to go through with this. Each day that passes, I get just a bit more nervous and anxious to hear back.</p>

<p>Thank you, your input is greatly appreciated, along with constructive criticism / comments.</p>

<p>I believe I was in a very similar position you’re in now when I first applied. I had a fairly good file at west point despite my lower act scores. Like you, I was hopeful in getting into USMAPS, but that did not work out because USMAPS is a school typically set aside for enlisted soldiers and strong recruited athletes. In the end, I was not directly admitted or offered an USMAPS slot. However, I did not let that discourage me from going after my dream. I applied again as an Army ROTC cadet and successful college student and again was not given a spot. Throughout the two years I have thought long and hard about my future as an ROTC cadet and as a cadet at WP. I have, for a third time, applied to WP. I believe my file is stronger than ever. I received a principle nom and believe I will be getting that special letter soon.</p>

<p>My point is, if you want WP enough than everything will work out in the end. Don’t give up and keep pushing through. I wish you the best of luck with your application. </p>

<p>Go Army!!!</p>

<p>I too am anxiously awaiting a reply from West Point. Being from the 12th District, another very competitive district in New Jersey, I did not receive a nomination from my representative. At first i was greatly disappointed but looked at it on the plus side, there is still a chance to get in with a good WCS (Whole Candidate Score) and I will have another year to improve my credentials by enrolling in an Army ROTC Program. I have learned that there is a way to gain admission without a nomination. Every year there are congressmen and women that do not use their slots, West Point will give a strong candidate without a nomination that slot.</p>

<p>I believe that we are very similar candidates just opposite. My grades are better than yours but you surpass me in the sports category. That is what makes me think that you will be likely to get a spot at USMAPS. USMAPS is meant to prepare candidates academically for West Point. I have been told by my district coordinator that 120 enlisted soldiers are selected for USMAPS and 120 high school students. Also, by enrolling at USMAPS, you would be enlisting in the Army. If your goal is to be an officer in the army, this may not be the route for you, you may be better off going to ROTC, that way you would be an officer.</p>

<p>My goal has been to become an officer because I feel that I can do more good leading men and women in the Army than being an enlisted personnel. That is why I have applied to a couple of colleges that have great ROTC Programs such as Ohio State, University of Illinois, Purdue, and Virginia Tech. If you want to serve this country any way possible then you should do what ever it takes to do just that. If you would prefer to be an officer but are okay with being enlisted, then jump at the opportunity to go to USMAPS.</p>

<p>My district coordinator answered every question I had regarding nominations, USMAPS, and WCS. the best answers will come from your district coordinator. I advice emailing him or her any questions you have.</p>

<p>I will leave you with one last piece of advice, follow your heart, if you know that you are meant to go to West Point, then do everything in your power to get in. I believe that I am meant to be at West Point and therefore I will apply as many times as possible.</p>

<p>This is a link to USMAPS: [Welcome</a> to The United States Military Academy Prep School - Home Page](<a href=“http://www.usma.edu/USMAPS/]Welcome”>http://www.usma.edu/USMAPS/) </p>

<p>This program is generally for candidates who have strong leadership skills but are not academically qualified for direct admission to West Point. The program prepares candidates for admission to West Point.</p>

<p>Civil Prep opportunities are offered to candidates who are fully qualified for West Point but are not selected for an appointment. Most are chosen from the National Waiting List.</p>

<p>This a link to a Civil Prep program [USMA</a> Prep](<a href=“http://www.nmmi.edu/prep/usma.htm]USMA”>http://www.nmmi.edu/prep/usma.htm)</p>

<p>Thank you all for the input / help. It’s greatly apperciated.
As for USMAPS, its a chance, but I’m not going to get my hopes up for that. Like you said, only a small number of those physically capable students get in, and I’m sure there are MANY who are physically capable - I don’t think it means a couple years on a couple of sports and Varsity wrestling - Who knows.</p>

<p>I’m most likely going to re-apply as a ROTC cadet in a college nearby, so I will have to wait a year. Does anyone know if I have to take standardized tests again? (SAT, ACT)</p>

<p>Yourinsight:
I’m confused - what are you giving up so soon. Have you been told you have not been given a nomination? Have you been told you will not receive an appointment?</p>

<p>You say you have been authorized to retake the CFA. That means that West Point sees potential in you and has given you a second chance. Your priority should be getting the best scores you can - asap. Instead you seem to have given up on this year…</p>

<p>If you are academically qualified (and your SAT scores suggest you are) USMAPs is unlikely to be an option.</p>

<p>Ann
I am considered as “risk” by my MALO because my academics are not as high as the other candidates in my district.
I am not giving up this year, I just want to prepare myself for the following year because it is possible, but unlikely…</p>

<p>YourInsight,</p>

<p>You have a nice background, but I see your biggest challenge being class rank. Since there isn’t too much you can do about it at this stage, consider retaking the SAT or even taking the ACT the next time they are offered.</p>

<p>You really don’t fit academically as a USMAPS candidate. However, you should let your MALO know that you’d be interested in civil prep. Finally, if you do not receive an appointment but attend one of your selected colleges, make sure you excel academically as well as in ROTC.</p>

<p>Best of luck to you.</p>

<p>Your insight: Thanks for the additional info. Are you referring to the classes you have taken and grades you have received?</p>

<p>I would still encourage you to work on your CFA. Passing the CFA is not an optional extra it is required, and not every candidate is given a second chance. Showing admissions that you are willing to put the effort in to improve your score will be evidence of your determination to attend West Point.</p>

<p>momoftwins - thank you for the advice; i’m most likely going to work hard as an rotc cadet for a year depending on whther I do not get admitted / nominated</p>

<p>ann - my MALO has said that my grades are not up to par with the high ones in my district. I’m considered at “risk” by west point but they have not “screened” me out, so to speak because I’m assuming they feel I have some of the qualities they like in cadets. I’m hoping by some miracle I get a nomination - but it is unlikely. That is why my MALO insists I work on my file next year as a cadet. However, who knows. Is it possible for someone like my credentials?</p>

<p>YourInsight - keep in touch with admissions and your MALO. Perhaps you might want to ask about an AOG scholarship.<br>
This is a scholarship to Marion Military Institute for one year. You go there, work on your academics and join ROTC. If you do well, you are all but guaranteed an appointment for the following year. It is the “5-year plan” but a good one for the right candidate.</p>