Questions about West Point - applying, general life, etc...

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

<p>Alright well I have now an established interest in West Point. I've always envisioned myself serving, but not necessarily with a military career in mind. I decided that if I was to serve, I'd do so starting as an officer, which made me most interested in ROTC and West Point. This was early on in high school (Freshman year) and I've mulled it over a lot since then. I figured if I was seriously going to consider the army (never really was interested in any other branch), I should hear the worst of it, so I've read plenty of books about finding one's moral identity after serving in Iraq/Afghanistan, and all of that post traumatic stress. While I feel that it was important to read up, it hasn't discouraged me. I am still going to pursue West Point.</p>

<p>I know I'm supposed to start early, so here I am a sophomore in High School. I attend a New England Prep School. My dad was drafted for Vietnam. I have a building resume of extra curriculars that should land me in a couple of attractive positions senior year, including a page editor on my student newspaper, captain of one varsity team, a long successful history of Model UN and Debate, (eventually hopefully becoming president of both), all of the classes suggested, 4 years of wrestling, 3 years of Track and Field, and 3 years of Cross-Country running. My grades are hovering A-/B+ right now. But I'm a sophomore and I look to raise them Junior year, Senior fall. I will probably be in AP History and English and will see how I do on those exams. I got a 94th percentile PSAT.</p>

<p>So I'm getting there. Obviously I'm not asking anyone to chance me as I'm only a sophomore. I'm just here to ask some questions and for some advice from people who are familiar with the application process. So instead of boring you further I was hoping you could maybe answer some of these:</p>

<p>1) I attend Boarding School in MA but live in NY. Does that change who my congressman/senator is?
2) How do I 'open a file' at West Point? I hear people talk about how applicants tend to do that very early on, even in their early HS careers. I'd like to do that ASAP.
3) What extracurriculars tend to stand out as a West Point applicant (save Boy Scouts, etc...)
4) What is the Junior summer of HS opportunity that I hear about?
5) I know about the pay you get once you are in, but after books and uniforms, how much does that leave you with a month?</p>

<p>I hope it wasn't out of line to start my own thread. And thanks in advanced for all ya'll's help.</p>

2

<p>I have sent you a PM</p>

3

<p>theo,</p>

<p>1) Your congressional nomination sources will be from the state where you reside.
2) You’ll find answers to many of your questions here: [USMA</a> Admissions: Home](<a href=“http://admissions.usma.edu/]USMA”>http://admissions.usma.edu/). Also, you’ll be able to sign up to receive info on a regular basis at the “Start Young” page.
3) Your EC’s and anticipated EC’s look great. If your school has a National Honor Society chapter, strive for an invitation. If not, see what you can do to start one.
4) More info on the website. It’s a great opportunity to get a taste of life at WP.
5) Pay increases annually. If you manage it well, you’ll have enough to begin IRA contributions during cow year, buy your ring, take a spring break cruise, buy a car (the cow loan will help), and graduate with money in the bank as opposed to strangling student loans.</p>

4

<p>“5) Pay increases annually. If you manage it well, you’ll have enough to begin IRA contributions during cow year, buy your ring, take a spring break cruise, buy a car (the cow loan will help), and graduate with money in the bank as opposed to strangling student loans.”</p>

<p>A tip from a parent, don’t buy a new car with your loan, get a reliable used one, if that is what you need to purchase. No point in throwing away what is essentially “free” money (that is the cow loan) after bad.</p>

5

<p>Excellent point, majmattmason!</p>

<p>Another tip: you really don’t have to have a $10,000 class ring.
Yet another tip: plan to buy a matching necklace for your mom. She will deserve it. :)</p>