USMA Admissions Interview
- Thread starter jlvk
- Start date
USMA does interviews with certain candidates. Essentially, they try to seek out candidates who they are interested in or want to know more about. You can schedule an interview with a MALO officer if you want. When you do that, it shows that you're truly interested in the academy and want to learn more about it.
Yes, but depends on
Interviews are conducted at SLS or by local MALOs. Some areas there are no MALO coverage. I like helping deserving kids getting into West Point, but have my limit on how many times I will drive 50 miles on way for an interivew. I also don't like asking candidates to drive 50 miles or more to my location for an interview. MD has limited number of active MALO/FFRs so candidates from certain areas rarely get interviewed. Somewhere in the candidate portal there is a contact information for your state coordinator (since I became the state coordinator, I get emails from candidates asking for interviews) that you can contact to ask for an interview.
At this point in the admissions cycle, the interview will be only useful if you are a borderline candidate or interested in the prep school option. A good interview will help, but not get you in. Many candidates get accepted without interviews. A side purpose of the interviews is to assist candidates with compelting their applications, so by now most serious applicants should have completed their applicaitons.
It certainly is. I'm not going to worry too much about West Point until around March, or what they call "mass mailing."
shock-n-awe
5-Year Member
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Grave digger!
Yes, an interview is a good thing. It gives you the opportunity to ask serious questions you may have about the Academy or any other related questions. Just be sure they aren’t trivial questions that are easily answered by a quick google search.
Practice interviewing with an adult. You will be doing many, and they are all important.
The interview also gives you the opportunity to put a face with a name. Show and tell the interviewer things about you that can’t be shown in the application.
Make a great impression and it will be remembered. The same goes for bad impressions….
Yes, an interview is a good thing. It gives you the opportunity to ask serious questions you may have about the Academy or any other related questions. Just be sure they aren’t trivial questions that are easily answered by a quick google search.
Practice interviewing with an adult. You will be doing many, and they are all important.
The interview also gives you the opportunity to put a face with a name. Show and tell the interviewer things about you that can’t be shown in the application.
Make a great impression and it will be remembered. The same goes for bad impressions….
Michael_T
NU '26
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- 692
I have a practice interview with my school counselor, in an hour....
FrauTeufelshund
Member
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With Admissions directly? Or with your Field Force Rep? DS only had one with his FFR. This thread is really old so I don't know if having an interview with admissions is common or not. Either way, be prepared for all interviews! There are a ton coming down the pipe!
If I recall correctly, you had trouble with a few classes early in hs and therefore your GPA isn't as high as it could be. Be ready to address the why's of that. (And not, I hated biology and had an awful teacher.)
And have a really interesting story that sets you apart, something that will stick with the person who is interviewing you.
Good luck to you! Rooting for you!
If I recall correctly, you had trouble with a few classes early in hs and therefore your GPA isn't as high as it could be. Be ready to address the why's of that. (And not, I hated biology and had an awful teacher.)
And have a really interesting story that sets you apart, something that will stick with the person who is interviewing you.
Good luck to you! Rooting for you!
Michael_T
NU '26
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Yes!! It is with my FFR!!
Heatherg21
USNA '24 Mom BGO Bacon Lover Dog Lover
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Arrive early, dressed sharply-- don't forget the little things like deodorant, freshly brushed teeth and a lint roller. Be confident, not cocky and jot down serious questions you may have so you don't forget when nerves kick in.
Soldiergriz
Husband, Dad, Soldier
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Dress up...regardless of the location. Wear a suit...at a minimum wear a tie. It is far better to be overdressed than under.
Michael_T
NU '26
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That is what I was aiming for... I don't think I was expecting a suit, but something similar.
shock-n-awe
5-Year Member
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- May 12, 2015
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Suit and tie
Fresh haircut
Shined/clean shoes
All sprinkled with just the right amount of confidence
Fresh haircut
Shined/clean shoes
All sprinkled with just the right amount of confidence
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2008
- Messages
- 20,520
No heavy body spray or fragrance.
Everything pressed and well-fitting, even if it’s a navy blazer over a pair of khakis. Pro tip: hang the jacket on a shaped suit hanger in the car, don’t sit on it on the way. Slip it on all fresh and unwrinkled when you get out of the car. Have that lint brush handy.
Breath mint in the car.
Fingernails clean and groomed.
For men, a good shave, or any facial hair meticulously groomed.
There are several threads across all SA forums here with interview how-to discussions.
Everything pressed and well-fitting, even if it’s a navy blazer over a pair of khakis. Pro tip: hang the jacket on a shaped suit hanger in the car, don’t sit on it on the way. Slip it on all fresh and unwrinkled when you get out of the car. Have that lint brush handy.
Breath mint in the car.
Fingernails clean and groomed.
For men, a good shave, or any facial hair meticulously groomed.
There are several threads across all SA forums here with interview how-to discussions.
FrauTeufelshund
Member
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- Nov 12, 2020
- Messages
- 288
Invest in a nice suit and get it altered if it doesn't fit perfectly. We got DS a nice one during his junior year with different shirts and ties. He has worn it for all kind of events... FFR/BGO interviews, SEN/MOC nomination interviews, NHS ceremonies, and for his hockey games where they had to dress up during the day. He even bought a vest for it and just wore it to prom, (he said refuses to rent a tux for a $140 that twenty other people have worn) when he already has a great suit. Look sharp, first impressions are important!
Heatherg21
USNA '24 Mom BGO Bacon Lover Dog Lover
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Believe it or not our DS bought his three piece suit on Amazon. Size chart was right on. It fit as though it had been custom tailored for him. He got more compliments on it than any thing else he has ever owned. He wore it to every interview and competition.
I believe it was $110. I will see if I can find the link. Super nice and budget friendly.
I believe it was $110. I will see if I can find the link. Super nice and budget friendly.
Heatherg21
USNA '24 Mom BGO Bacon Lover Dog Lover
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- Jun 26, 2019
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NSBS Mens 3 Piece Classic Tweed Herringbone Check Tan, Blue, Size US M=Tag 52 at Amazon Men’s Clothing store
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