My Story

Colleges & Universities A-Z Military Academy - West Point
1

<p>Alright here it goes. I am a freshmen in college as a math major. Growing up I always wanted to attend West Point for many reasons, but someone I got caught on the path to civilian college. I promised my parents I would try it out first before transfering and needless to say I opened a file with West Point about a week ago. If I get accepted I will be a part of Class of 2013.</p>

<p>Here is my wrap sheet.</p>

<p>High School:
GPA: 3.71
ACT: 25
Class Rank 86 out of 721
Graduated with honors
Lettered in academics
Key Club Member and Scholarship Winner
Over 100 hours of Community Service
Member of Technology Student Association
President of Robitics Club
Captain of BEST Robotics Team (placed 5th out of 40 high school teams)
Sports: Track and Field
Varsity for 3 years
Lettered 3 times
Numerous wins in big meets
Placed in Regional 2 Years
Football
Varsity 2 Years
Lettered
Basketball:
2 Years JV and Freshmen
Jiu Jitsu:
1 year</p>

<p>College:
GPA: 3.5 Math Major
Member of Honors Program (Less Than 10%)
Community Service
Dean's List
Intramural sports</p>

<p>Should I retake the ACT and what should I improve on over the next year? Also what are the medical requirements to get into West Point? Thanks and I appreciate all the help I can get.</p>

<p>Right now my physically:( still training)
65 pushups
75 sit-ups
10 push ups
6:15 mile
13:50 2 mile</p>

2

<p>Wow i definately did not mean to put that face in there</p>

3

<p>Wow, you look like you have a good quality amount of activities. Using the information i have recieved from my admissions officer I was told that admissions likes seeing that you are constantly trying to improve yourself. On that note, I don't think it would hurt if you retake the ACT. I took the SATs though, so I don't know what is considered a good score on the ACTs. They also like seeing what leadership positions you hold since leadership is huge at west point.
The worst part I think of the whole application process is DoDMERB which is the process you go to become medically qualified. One of my biggest recommendations is once you recieve the paperwork from DoDMERB get it done ASAP. There is a lot of tedious stuff and it takes a bit of time. So you want it done early in case anything comes up.<br>
But otherwise good luck! I am in civil prep next year so if all goes well maybe will be seeing each other in class of 2013</p>

4

<p>This is a link to a recent class profile:
United</a> States Military Academy at West Point</p>

<p>cory_tripp: My advice is to call your Regional Commander in admissions and ask for advice. They are very helpful and will give you all of the pointers your need specific to your college course load etc.<br>
Taking the ACT again and improving your score can only help you.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>PS. You do understand that you cannot "transfer" your college credits to West Point?</p>

5

<p>Thanks for both of replies and yes I do understand that I would start as plebe.</p>

6

<p>Anymore advice would be greatly appreciated...</p>

7

<p>No we understand that you know you will start as a plebe; Ann was simply saying you can't transfer ANY credits over just to clarify that.</p>

8

<p>Definately re-take the ACT. A 25 composite is above the minimum... by a point. It would be a good idea to take it as often as possible to boost the individual subscores, and they will reconfigure a composite for you. Definately to your benefit. A 3.5 in college is gonna look good, especially if you take a plebe schedule. I would think you have a good shot.</p>

9

<p>Yes i understand none of my credits will transfer. I just figure my plebe year will be a little easier considering I already have the knowledge of calculus 1 2 and 3 plus physic 1 and physics 2. I know I will have to retake those classes but it should be easier the 2nd time around. A question about the ACT. Since I scored above the cut off when I retake it should i just focus on the math portion?</p>

10

<p>Cory_tripp:
The cutoff is just that - the score below which you are deemed to be an academic risk. Admission to WP is a competitive process for the most part and so the higher your score relative to your competition the better your chances will be. You did not provide the breakdown of your scores, but the information from the class profile should give you an idea of what you are shooting for. What you need for an appointment will often depend on how competitive your district is, and also the strength of the rest of your file. Your Regional Commander will give you good advice.</p>

<p>American College Testing (ACT) Assessment Program Scores*
Range Eng Math Sci Reas Read
31-36 27% 24% 23% 44%
26-30 47% 56% 42% 42%
21-25 25% 19% 34% 13%
16-20 1% 1% 1% 1%
11-15 0% 0% 0% 0%
Mean 28 28 27 30</p>

<p>Your college math and physics classes will definitely help you. You will likely be able to validate the lower level classes.</p>

11

<p>So I am planning on retaking the ACT in the summer so this time I better study and take it seriously. Anybody know what they deem a failure for the medical examination?</p>

12

<p>


</p>

<p>There are over 400 Disqualification Codes at DODMERB.</p>

<p>You can check them out here: DODMERB Disqualification Codes</p>

13

<p>thank you so much that helped alot...</p>

14

<p>Is the DODMERB absolute or can you get a waiver?</p>

15

<p>DODMERB deals in "black & white" when it comes to DQ's. If you have one of the conditions you will get a DQ.</p>

<p>Each Academy's waiver authority, however, deals in many shades of gray. ;)</p>

<p>(In other words, every disqualifying condition can be waiverable - some are more common then others)</p>

16

<p>Thats good to hear because that list was insane. I only have one condition which is the vericos ceal, but I have been to the doctor for it and they said it was no issue. Everything else I seem clear on. Would it help it a brought a doctors note when I got my physical (if I make it that far)?</p>

17

<p>You'll receive all the instructions and forms to complete. DoDMERB will tell you which conditions will need back up info from your docs via remedials and disqualifications. However, you may want to begin collecting medical records from various providers. The form will want to know about any broken bones or medical conditions that have 'ever' been part of your history. If you have the records, you'll then have the correct dates and diagnoses for any conditions. It will make completing the form that much easier.</p>

18

<p>
[quote]
Would it help it a brought a doctors note when I got my physical (if I make it that far)?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>That's not how it works.</p>

<p>As you progress through your academy application, the admissions department will submit your name to Concorde, a contractor that handles scheduling for physical exams. </p>

<p>Concorde will then notify you to set up an appointment at a nearby doctor that is under contract to them, or at a nearby military facility.</p>

<p>You will fill out a detailed (and I mean detailed!) medical history form where you must list EVERYTHING - leave nothing out, it could come back to haunt you! (If you had tubes put in your ears at the age of 3, put it down!) </p>

<p>You will take this form to the examination, and then submit to a THOROUGH physical exam, top to bottom and everything in between. :eek:</p>

<p>You will also go to a Concorde-selected eye doctor to have your eye examination.</p>

<p>Concorde will then have these results forwarded to the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board, located in Colorado Springs. DODMERB will examine the doctor's report(s) and will then issue one of three possible findings:</p>

<p>1 - qualified (hooray!)</p>

<p>2 - disqualified (not the end of the world!)</p>

<p>3 - remedial</p>

<p>Qualified is self-explanatory. You passed the medical requirements at THAT particular academy. (Note - it is possible to be qualified at one academy and disqualified at another for the same condition!)</p>

<p>A remedial means that they need a little more info before they can make a decision (it may be a simple form to be filled out or it may require another medical test at the doctors office). After you submit the remedial information, you will then fall into either qualified or disqualified.</p>

<p>If you are disqualified, you begin the waiver process. Each academy handles it differently. At some (USMMA and USAFA) you must request a waiver review. AT USCGA, USNA, and USMA, the waiver review is automatic for everyone who is competitive for an appointment. (This is where the note from your doctor comes in).</p>

<p>Any additional information you have concerning your "condition" (notes from doctors, coaches, and a note from yourself that states how you are affected by the "condition") including new test results or x-rays should be sent to them for the waiver review.</p>

<p>Be persistent, stay on top of these waiver reviews, there are many horror stories out there about dq's and the waiver process falling through the cracks if not for a persistent candidate or parent keeping a close watch on the process (If the candidate is under 18 a parent's involvement is almost a necessity due to legal requirements.)</p>

<p>Good luck to you.</p>

<p>:cool:</p>

19

<p>Wow I appreciate it. Seems like this is one long stressfull process but it will be worth it. Just signed up to retake the ACT. I think if I do well on that I will have a lot better chance at getting in. Appreciate the help from everyone.</p>

20

<p>cory,</p>

<p>Keep us posted on your progress. There are other future cadets who will spend a year or two in college and will find your experience helpful.</p>

<p>Best of luck with both the ACT and the application process.</p>