<p>I am really sorry, because I know everyone here must hate these posts but I think you are an educated audience and can help me out. Right now I am a Junior at a competitive HS in a comp. district. I am in the top 20% of my class with about a 93 average. My SATs are 650cr. 630m. I am taking the June SATS and I have been studying a lot. I hope to raise them both to a 700. My extracurriculars:
- Co-founder of charity
-Captain Mock Trial Team
-Editor of Yearbook
- Treasurer of Band
-Principal clarinet
- Secretary of CARE
- Eucharistic minister
-School's leadership Team
-NHS - other school Honor societies
-Girl's State
- Varsity Tennis Letter
-JV Crew (Fresh year)
- Black belt in martial arts
- Lots of community service </p>
<p>Due to an injury I was not able to play sports this year. Will this hurt? Any recommendations. I appreciate all constuctive criticism. Thanks so much everyone!</p>
<p>You look very competitive on paper (or on a computer screen). Will your injury be something you can easily obtain a waiver for through the DoDMerb process? You should open your file ASAP if you have not already, so you have plenty of time to jump through the hoops for the medical portion.</p>
<p>I don't have any particular insight into how USMA would view your particular situation, but you are absolutely correct that there are many knowledgeable people in this forum who can give you some guidance ... on this, and many other topics relating to USMA admission.</p>
<p>To me, your credentials look terrific, and if an injury prevented you from playing sports this year, from the advice I've seen, you will have an opportunity during the admissions process to explain what happened, then move on from there. </p>
<p>From my experience on this forum, I don't think anyone "hates these kinds of posts" -- everyone can learn from the various questions that are asked, and this community is so supportive of all sincere, motivated candidates that I would not be afraid in the least to pose any question at all.</p>
<p>I think you can look forward to lots of good advice. I would also recommend that you explore threads on this USMA site from previous years. I have found a lot of pertinent information from older posts.</p>
<p>An injury that keeps you from playing sports for an entire year will be looked at closely by DODMERB. Many outstanding candidates have been knocked out by medical conditions beyond their control. </p>
<p>The medical waiver process can be an excruciating 8 months long, or it can be a breezy 2-3 weeks. The sooner you get you application started, the sooner you will be notified to take your DODMERB physical exam. If you do receive a DQ and need a waiver, the more time you have, the better..</p>
<p>From what you stated in your post, you are well rounded student and it seems like you will be competitive.
I applied this year, didn't get in, but got AOG scholarship. So I am reapplying again next year. Honestly, the whole application process to west point has been a real learning experience for me. At the times it could be frustrating, (especially with DODMERB) but looking back upon it, it taught me so much.
In regard to DODMERB I know that from experience recent injuries are looked more closely at by DODMERB, so they are probably going to require you provide more medical information about the injury. To echo what everyone else says get all your medical stuff as soon as possible! The process can be long if you need to obtain a waiver. Other than that good luck!</p>
<p>"I know everyone here must hate these posts :
No we don't hate them, but they are difficult to answer because there are so many variables with academy appointments.</p>
<p>One thing to understand as a candidate is that you need to be qualified: medically, physically and academically. being qualified means you meet the minimum requirements. In addition you need a nomination.<br>
What stats a candidate needs for an appointment can depends on the strength of his/her competition. What is "good enough" in one geographic region may not make the grade in another.
friartown09, that being said your stats look good. Your injury is a concern and you will need to show that you have fully recovered with no residual deficit to become medically qualified. Good luck!</p>
<p>DODMERB required us to obtain medical records from an injury my son had when he was 7 years old! He was hit in the head with a bat and required stitches. It took a couple weeks just to get that info from the hospital. Start early with your DODMERB stuff ... you never know what you might run into. Good Luck</p>
<p>To all - thank you very much for all of your responses. I too, am a little worried about the DODMERB process. </p>
<p>My doctor, a former Air Force doctor, said that my injury should not be a problem. Just for a little background info, I broke my ankle and needed to have 2 screws put in. I will be getting them out next week. I have not lost any motion in my ankle and the healing is going well so far. I will be able to do demanding physical activity by September. Does anyone have any experiences with an injury like this?</p>
<p>Once again, thank you for all of your input!</p>
<p>Yes, I might have to take it easy with martial arts just to be safe but I will definitely be participating in both. Thank you all very much for your input!</p>
<p>Everyone, Thanks for all of you DODMERb suggestions! I will definitely get started ASAP. For the time being is there anything else that I should improve on? Am I missing anything that I should have to be as competetive as possible?</p>
<p>Make sure academically you are taking challenging courses, and I would work on the SATs. (My SATs were on the weaker side and I took it four times to get my scores higher.) Also, if you haven't done it already, this summer you need to contact your senators and congressman to tell them you are seeking a congressional nomination.</p>