<p>I had a question regarding the USMA Prep School. I have a son that is a junior in high school. He is considering attending West Point when he graduates. He is a standout wrestler being one of the top kids in the country. He will graduate at 17 years old. We have been considering the prep school to gain a year of maturity for the rigorous Division 1 level. Has anyone out there attended the prep school before and if so what are your thoughts about taking that route?</p>
<p>Hello,
Just as a warning, I have not attended the prep school, but I may be able to give you some information. First off, you do not apply to the prep school. Your son would apply to West Point. If he was deemed “academically unqualified”, he may be considered for the prep school. *Only those who are NOT academically qualified are eligible to attend the prep school. If he is a stand out athlete, he would have a very good chance of being seriously considered for this. There are class profiles for West Point on their website, but mean SAT scores for West Point (not the prep school) are roughly Verbal-630 and Math-650. A large percentage of the accepted applicants are in the top 20% of their high school class, and almost none are below the middle of their class. Of course, there are many other things considered including leadership (Eagle Scout Award really helps or JROTC), but the above mentioned material along with course-load (AP’s/honor courses) are looked at for the academic portion. If it sounds like your son does not meet this criteria, still have him apply to West Point, and he will still have a chance of getting in to the prep school. Have him take the SAT’s as much as possible, and who knows, maybe he could get into West Point right off the bat. Obviously, do not have him take the SAT’s/ACT’s lightly because he feels that its okay to be disqualified academically. Remember, the prep school is very small and there is only so much room for good athletes and enlisted soldiers, etc. Have your son email the West Point wrestling coach for some advice and insight (on the WP webpage). Even though a nomination is not required for the prep school, it is required for West Point admissions, so still have him apply for that and all other venues. There is so much informatino on their web site that would really help you out. Also, if he opens a file online, he will be assigned a Field Force Officer who will help him through the process with email coorespondence, etc. I wish your son luck in getting in to West Point!</p>
<p>Sincerely,
A Candidate for the Class of 2015!</p>
<p>Thanks for the response wp2015. My son is actually a 2nd Lt. in his jrotc program and is taking all ap/ college prep cources. If he is academically elligable to go to wp but would rather start at the prep school would that be allowed?</p>
<p>^^^
No. He is not given a choice.</p>