<p>My niece, whom I am guardian, was caught cheating on an exam as a sophomore. She is a highly recruited Division 1 athlete, and has received a letter of assurance to West Point. On the on-line questionnaire she fully explained that she was unprepared for the exam and wrote acronyms on her hand to jog her memory for a foreign language exam. She received 2 days of in-school suspension. I feel she has relayed her feeling of remorse for making such a bad decision and the decision not only impacted her, but her teammates, friends, and family. She stated that she has learned a life long lesson from the incident and realizes the value of the schools honor code and what adherence to the principles mean to ones trust and integrity. Her principal has personally written a detailed letter of the incident and highlighted the lesson she learned and that she has been become a leader within the school and a great asset. She is a captain of her sports team, volunteer, and serves on several clubs and as an officer in the student government. While attending this session of the summer leadership seminar, she has called home and is in fear of losing any chance of admission because of this previous major wrong decision. Does anyone have any insight on USMA admissions and if this serious transgression is an automatic denial for a West Point applicant? Thank you for your candid and open replies.</p>
<p>I think she’ll be fine. West Point realizes these are teenagers and that they could not possibly have been perfect all their lives. She made one mistake at 15/16 years of age and paid the price. She was honest about the incident, learned her lesson and clearly the principal of her school recognizes what a great asset she has become. Tell her not to worry…it won’t bite her on the posterior.</p>
<p>No, I don’t think it is an automatic denial and it sounds like she has learned from the experience. However, once at that Academy, she will be under a different standard and will be expected to abide by the Honor Code. Sounds like she’s beating herself up over it while at SLS. Has someone at USMA told her she might be in jeopardy or is she working overtime on herself?</p>
<p>Thanks for your replies. Maj Mason, no one at the USMA SLS has said one word but she is carrying the guilt of her mistake. The online app (incident description) was just submitted and we’re not sure if its been reviewed. The Staff, Cadets, and coaches have been incredible at SLS in her words… West Point is the place for her and she wants to serve so bad. She is off to the USNA for their Summer Seminar back to back. But, for numerous reasons she feels the USMA is already her choice, she’s just worried the incident will make her NOT their choice.</p>
<p>Take my comments for what they’re worth, those of a parent, not of someone in Admissions (I’m not a MAJ). Everyone has a past and “all have sinned”. The folks in Admissions are, guess what, people. People with feelings, emotions and a job to do. Like the rest of us, they take their life experiences and use them to make a judgement call as to whom they feel would make a good cadet and officer. If she was selected for SLS at both Academies, I’d say her chances of being admitted are decent, but as Admissions will tell you, being selected for SLS is no guarantee of acceptance.</p>
<p>CitizenSoldier - It is not an automatic denial, and it sounds as if your niece has done all of the right things with full disclosure. If she is stressed over losing her LOA, her best bet may be to speak to her Regional Commander in Admissions. I believe it is always best to confront these things head on.</p>
<p>I’d say she demonstrated some personal integrity by fully disclosing the incident up front. I dont think that fact will be lost on the admissions folks. Good luck to your niece!</p>