<p>Im going to be a Junior, and I've been looking for information on admissions to west point. The site doesnt tell much of what kinda grades they expect. But i have a lot of leadership behind me but my grades are only like a 3.8. Im a varsity wrestler and an eagle scout. But I would like to know what it takes to get into the seminar they have, and if i have any chance on getting in? I havent taken SATs yet but whats a good way to boost those up. And lastly is West Point the best of the service academys?</p>
<p>Your GPA is fine, the SAT/ACT scores will be of more importance. Taking a course like Kaplan will boost your SAT scores, if needed. The SLS is a fine exposure to USMA, but don't sweat it if you don't get in. Most of the cadets did NOT attend the seminar. </p>
<p>Your last question is a loaded one. Of course, West Point is the "best" of the service academies, if you want to be in the Army. However Annapolis is a much better choice if you desire to be in the Navy. Likewise, the Air Force Academy is jim-dandy for those who wish to fly. The Merchant Marine Academy is the perfect place to be if you want options and wouldn't mind sailing around the world during your four years. On the other hand, the Coast Guard Academy might just be the ticket for your life's calling. Do you get the picture? They're ALL quite different in their focus, but in many ways, they are very, very similar. So the more important question than asking about which one is best is to ask yourself, "What do I want to do with my life?". Know thyself.</p>
<p>Mini,
The West Point Admissions website will answer a lot of your basic questions. </p>
<p><a href="http://admissions.usma.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://admissions.usma.edu/</a></p>
<p>Also, Absolutely American and The Long Gray Line will give you a better perspective on West Point.</p>
<p>And here's the link to request information from Admissions. That will get you on the mailing list for the Summer Leaders Seminar. Applications will be open shortly after the beginning of the year.</p>
<p>The little information you gave us shows that you are on the right track. Here's a link to the profile of the new class. <a href="http://www.usma.edu/Class/2011/profile.asp%5B/url%5D">http://www.usma.edu/Class/2011/profile.asp</a> You can compare your own profile to these. If you're looking at ways to boost your SAT/ACT scores, you'll need a baseline. Try a couple practice tests so that you'll know where to spend the most study time. Also, juniors can take the PSAT this fall. It will be good practice. Here's another link from a highly respected college confidential SAT expert. <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=68210%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=68210</a> You'll find some fabulous study techniques here.</p>
<p>Something to keep in mind is the competitive nature of some states. Virginia is one of the more competitive states. By reaching out especially to your MALO and even to the Service Academy Liaisons of your congressman and senators you can help them to become aware of you and your interests. The college counselor at your school should be able to help you connect with your MALO. </p>
<p>Finally, majmattmason offered a critical ingredient to this process. If you know what you'd like to do after graduating from a service academy, you can choose the right academy. If not, you may want to consider researching other service academies while you have the time. You may also want to consider ROTC. Life at a service academy is not easy. You'll want to know that you have made the right decision. </p>
<p>Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.</p>
<p>Go Army!</p>
<p>thank you all of you guys, especially momoftwins with the profile of the classes. I am actually reading absolutely american right now and its telling me alot about west point.</p>
<p>"The site doesnt tell much of what kinda grades they expect."</p>
<p>If you look at the profile you will see that class rank is really important to USMA. They do look at grades and the difficulty of the classes you have taken, but class rank (together with ACT/SAT scores) is relied on heavily as a predictor of academic success at the academy.</p>
<p>Since you are going to be a junior in h.s., it is a great time to look into the Academies and further understand what they involve. Would be great if you can arrange to visit as many of the Academies as possible to get a sense of what they are like. Talk to as many current and former students as you can in order to appreciate their point of view. </p>
<p>There is no such thing as a 'best' Academy. However, there is probably one that is best suited to your interests, skills and abilities. Read and learn all you can from forums such as these as well as the official Academy websites. </p>
<p>Many have programs where you can attend a sports camp or spend a weekend shadowing a current student. There are also programs you can try to get selected for (between Junior & Senior year) where you spend a week at the Academy with other potential students. All of these can provide you a better sense of what they have to offer and help you to understand if you are prepared to make that kind of commitment. </p>
<p>Good to understand the various career options that exist. If your dream is to fly, for example, the Air Force isn't the only place to accomplish that. However, recognize that whatever field you specialize in, you will be competing against many other talented students who also have the same dream. How well you perform Academically as well as several other measures best described on the official websites, will ultimately determine if you actually get your first choice of career upon graduation. </p>
<p>If you understand the commitment necessary and are prepared to devote yourself to this, you are far more likely to be successful. Hope that helps to give you someplace to start.</p>