Undergrad student interested in USMA

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

<p>I'm a sophomore at Columbia U in NYC majoring in biochemistry, and I'm considering West Point because I want to be a physician in the army medical corps. Of course, a service academy is not absolutely necessary to become a med. officer, but I believe the experience of going to West Point is extremely valuable. I haven't been personally challenged in college, and I don't feel prepared to become a leader in the US despite having participated in leadership training programs here at Columbia. You might ask why I did not apply straight out of high school, but I was naturalized as a U.S. citizen just a few months ago.</p>

<p>Because I'm already half-way done with college, I'm considering just completing undergrad as soon as possible and apply for west point in my senior year. Another reason for applying so late is that the deadline for requesting a nomination from a congressman has already passed (last spring). I wanted to hear your opinions on going through another four years of college and possibly 8 years of the service requirement (which could be postponed until after my med school graduation).</p>

2

<p>Why not just finish at Columbia, then go to Med School thru the Army, Navy or Air Force? They will pay for it, give you a stipend, and you would not have to repeat your undergraduate years.
Just a thought.</p>

3

<p>You can also try to pick up a 2-year ROTC scholarship. You’ll have to go to a six-week course called LTC (Leader’s Training Course) the summer before your junior year in order to catch up on training and knowledge you would’ve missed the first 2 years of ROTC. Although if you keep your grades up you stand a very good chance of branching Medical Service Corps and receiving an education deferment, there is no guarantee. If you get an education deferment, the Army will pay for medical school and you’ll be an LT while in school.</p>

<p>I believe for NYC-area schools the AROTC program is run out of Fordham. If you think ROTC is for you, I’d get in contact with the cadre there and say you’re interested in going to LTC.</p>