What do my chances at West Point look so far?

<p>I am currently a sophomore at a top college preparatory school in my area. In my freshman year, I took two honors classes, Chemistry Honors, which is usually taken by strong juniors, and Geometry Honors, which is usually taken by strong freshman or sophomores. However, I didn't do so well in these two classes (around a C average for both Chemistry Honors and Geometry Honors). The English and History courses were the same for every freshman, but I believe I would have been in honors classes, if they were offered (around a B in English and around an A for History). I took the maximum number of courses available to a freshman, including two electives, Multimedia Design and Band. I had two unsuccessful campaigns for school vice president and school treasurer, but I was elected class representative for the ninth grade class. Over the course of my freshman year, I had over 50 community service hours, which earned me Community Service Honors. I was also a member of my church's youth group. I was cast in my school's spring drama production, and wrote and performed a play for a school drama festival. I did not participate in my school's athletic program in my freshman year, as I was focusing on my academics during the transition from a small Catholic middle school to a rigorous college preparatory school.</p>

<p>During the summer between my freshman and sophomore years was when I was inspired to attend the Academy. I don't remember what triggered this sudden desire to serving in the Army, but I felt that it was something I needed to do. Due to this increasing interest, I looked into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. After doing some research, I realized that this is somewhere I want to attend, to better myself and my country.</p>

<p>In my sophomore year, I took three honors classes, Biology Honors, Spanish II Honors, and Algebra II Honors, and an Advanced Placement course, AP World History. I am taking the maximum number of courses available to a sophomore, including Intro to Computer Science and Band. I was elected a class representative for the tenth grade class, but later resigned that position, as I was elected school secretary, the highest school government official a sophomore could be elected. I also participated in the Model Congress, Model UN, and Euro Challenge teams at my school. Over the course of my sophomore year, I had over 50 community service hours, which earned me Community Service Honors. During the summer before my sophomore year, I volunteered at the hospital where my mother works five days out of most weeks during summer. I was also a member of my church's youth group. I was cast in my school's fall drama production, and wrote and performed a play for a school drama festival. I was a member of my school's Junior Varsity Basketball team and Junior Varsity Lacrosse team. For next year, I am considering joining the Cross Country team at my school. I am also considering the U.S. Army Cadet Corps for next year.</p>

<p>Looking at this, what would you say my chances at receiving a Congressional nomination and an offer of admission into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point?</p>

<p>You look like a good candidate. Focus on leadership positions, student government is good. Keep in mind that WP would rather you excel in one club or group, instead of belonging to numerous groups. Also, keep your grades high. Look into taking the PSAT and SAT or ACT next year. It doesn’t appear that you have much math. You should definitely take as much math as possible if you are considering WP. Apply early. Find out when applications open and apply as soon as you can. Also apply for your nomination early. The congressmen and senators work on their own schedules, so your nomination is not their first priority. You should go on the WP admissions page and request information. They just send you a brochure that may contain info that you already have, but it puts your name into their system. Just look for any way to get a foot in the door. Oh, one last thing, definitely try for cross country. You will want to get into good shape. Start now, don’t wait till later. Now is the optimum time to get into shape, so that it will be easier to maintain good shape as the months go by.</p>

<p>Good luck! Hope that helped!</p>