One of my biggest goals in life has always been to join West Point. The issue was, I was never exactly told HOW.
Let me explain: I wasn’t really much exposed to the limelight of college and the importance of ECs until very recently. As a Junior who has just, well, come into Junior Year 5 days ago, I’ve been scrambling to do all that I can. I’ve been applying to all ECs I can, I want to take track and field, and I want to join Debate and some other assorted clubs if possible.
The issue is, I’m doing this all in the course of a single year…
Aside from a 3.8 GPA, Model United Nations, and some assorted community service, I almost, unfortunately, have very little to show of my academic career.
I’m thinking of applying this year, as a Junior. But I’m afraid that I might not show that I have enough to offer. Everyone at West Point has varsity letters or Gold Awards as Eagle Scouts. Sure, I’d love to do well on the ACT I’m taking in December, and I plan to work hard. But I’m afraid I won’t have enough in the “other” department. The leadership, the athleticism.
I actually AM fit. I just don’t have the time. I have a hectic home life (as some of you who are willing can go back and check in some of my threads) and until recently, that hectic life wasn’t alleviated.
So, what should I do? Apply Junior Year? Or apply Senior Year?
@DoctorShrinker: Please review the timeline link I posted in your previous thread. You will start the application in the spring of your junior year and continue to build your file until all appointments have been awarded. You cannot wait until your senior year because you will have had to do a ton of work to secure a nomination prior to that. Again, review the timeline WP suggests very carefully; they’ve been in this business a while and that timeline is what works best. Your first focus will be securing a nomination, so you should be scouring the websites of your congressperson and both senators for their nomination requirements and timeline NOW. If you don’t secure a nomination, the academy will close your application file. Focus on the nomination first as it’s a dealbreaker.
Remember, you can continue to add to your application file as your circumstances change – do not wait until you think you look the best you can look or it will be too late. You can add awards, update grade reports, etc. as this process unfolds.
Please do not load up on meaningless ECs, especially to the detriment of academics and standardized test prep/scores as academics is 60% of the WCS. The academy is looking for quality over quantity which is why Eagle Scout and Gold Award count for so much; both accomplishments represent years of work and dedication. Our son had only two ECs and no community service outside of Scouts. I would recommend that you spend your junior year, summer, and early senior year getting the best grades you can in the most rigorous courses your school offers with an emphasis on calculus, chemistry, and physics, and choose one or two ECs where you can demonstrate dedication and leadership over the next year and a half. Take both the ACT and SAT to determine which test is best for you, then repeat that one as often as necessary to get the best scores you can. Last, participate in a team sport that will help keep you in top shape. Do not worry about what you can’t control (the past), but work like heck to present your best self going forward.
@ChoatieMom
Thanks again. I’m sorry, I remember your advice on my last thread, and how enthusiastic I was after it. It’s just that, unlike with colleges where you have so many options, West Point is ONLY West Point. It just stresses me out so much.
Once more, your expertise in this field has come to my rescue. I came home from class and I began shelling out my thoughts on the keyboard. Thank you for calming me down by explaining it more. I’m going to be definitively on board for applying to West Point by the winter. My mother knows the Travis Manion Foundation’s owner (Col. Thomas Manion) and I’m meeting him in 2 weeks. He was USMC, but he may know some stuff. Another is a close family member.
P.S. 2 Questions: Since you’re so knowledgeable, I have another question that my guidance counselor essentially couldn’t tell me: Through the admissions process, how does your “profile” work? Is it essentially a bracketed/sectioned list of categories that you can add/remove accomplishments from or…? I’ve never applied for college, so I apologize if I seem unclear. Second, how would one go about contacting cadets and the like?
P.P.S Joke question: Do you patrol these forums 24/7? You seem to always be the first to jump on and answer any significant thread of questions. 
@DoctorShrinker: I am on CC almost daily (bad habit I need to break) and try to remember to check this forum at lest once a day as the service academy forums here are not very active. I believe the main reason for this is due to serviceacademyforums.com which is the go-to site for help with academy applications and admissions questions. That site is moderated by current and former military members who can give you the expert advice you seek. If you don’t have an account there, I would encourage you to check it out. Also, you will be able to talk to current cadets there as many start and maintain Q&A threads for new applicants.
West Point has a candidate portal that you will use to submit all portions of your application; refer to the timeline to see when you will be able to access and complete the Candidate Questionnaire which creates a profile for you and gives you access to the portal. Again, all of this is shown on the timeline. Also carefully read the USMA Application Tips on the WP website. The application is designed so that you should be able to understand and complete it by yourself with no outside help other than the assistance of your FFR (also explained on the website). You do not need any help from Col. Manion, but I’m sure he’s an interesting person to talk to. Remember, the Federal service academy application process must be equally available to all no matter how rich or poor, connected or unconnected, etc. You do not need any special help beyond good time management skills and the ability to read and follow directions. 
Remember, although there is only one West Point (there is only one University of Michigan, too), there are five service academies that can help you toward the goal of becoming an officer in the military. I would discourage you from putting all your eggs into one basket.
@DoctorShrinker: Glad to see you on the WP forum on the service academies board.
@ChoatieMom Ha! Well, I took your advice. Better there with those more devoted solely to that, then, eh?