<p>I have learned some unfortunate news regarding what happened to my application from the class of 2009.</p>
<p>After completing my Junior year of High School, I was offered a letter of assurance from my USMA. At the time, I had obtained an academic record of 3.5 GPA,(top 15% of class), and a 1550 SAT score. I had participated in a number of activities, including being elected Sophomore class president, serving as a Red Cross Volunteer, with an award from the commanding general of Ft. Stewart, GA, JROTC, and a few other hobby clubs.. My athletic involvment was limited to participating in city sports leagues (not school affiliated) during my first two years of high school. </p>
<p>However, the first semester of my Senior year was different Considering how supportive the faculty of my school had been, the reaction to my letter was distant, even hostile. As this was took place in a small town, the resistance was strongest from those who did not get along with those in my family. In particular, one of my teachers, who'se previous science class I had done fairly well in, gave me a difficult time. No matter how many hours I studied for each exam or assignment, I could not get more than a low C grade. I obtained a nomination from my Congressman. It was at this point that the first serious "danger sign" came out. Within days of the press release, a rumor started going around that I planned to kill a fellow student. Due to the fact that was fairly well known, it spread quickly, even reaching to a middle school in the area.</p>
<p>Disaster struck in Januarary. I received a letter from the admissions committee, stating that I had been disqualified from the class of 2009. My admissions director, Robert Romans, refused to give me a reason, stating only that "we determined that you are not the kind of person we want to attend West Point." I have since accepted an appointment to the Citadel, with a full academic scholarship (all fees, including food, board, and uniform, paid for). Once I accepted that scholarship, people who had previously been trying to discourage me from attending USMA due to the difficulty of it began encouraging me to enter the Citadel, telling me that "I would make it", "you'll surive", "You'll like it more than West Point". Due to the Citadel's reputation for having the toughest plebe system in the nation, however, these comments seemed ridiculous, coming from the people they did.</p>
<p>Only recently, however, have I learned exactly what happened, thanks to one of my friends on the faculty. At least one of my teachers (the science teacher) slandered me on my evaluation. Although I am aware that West Point contacts the principle in such cases, I suspect that the principle may have "condoned by oversight" what occured. </p>
<p>Is there any recourse I have in this situation?<br>
At this point, my current line of thought is that by surviving the Citadel and doing well in my college class I will disprove whatever was said about ability and motivation to attend the Point.</p>