West point- what to improve?

M

Minsauce

5-Year Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2012
Messages
12
Hey all,

So I'm currently a junior and i've been wondering what I should be improving on in my resume. My GPA is my weakness at this point; right now it is a 3.47.

- SAT's: no official score is available right now but it is around the 1900-2150 range because I've taken many practice SAT's.
-I'm a worship leader at my church. (i guess this could be considered part of a musical aspect as well, more of a leadership position though)
-DECA (business) club, qualified for the state level for the past two years.
-I'm a certified Lifeguard
-Varsity swimmer for two years (1 year letterman)
-(potentially) captain of the swim team
-Participated in the American Red Cross Club
-Spent my summers (since the 7th grade) in missions with my church to various countries in S.America
-Class council freshman and sophomore year

I've also been contemplating on whether or not I should volunteer at a hospital, as a firefighter, or an EMT.

This year, I'm taking all honors and AP classes.
Last year, I took all honors and AP classes but one CP chem
Freshman year, all CP classes except Spanish 2 enriched (which is like honors. highest level of spanish 2 at my school)

I also don't think my school has a class rank system, because it's pretty competitive.
 
in total, 3 year letterman on the swim team.
and I might do track spring of junior year.
 
If you can get your guidance counselor or a representative from the local American Legion to sponsor you to attend the American Legion Boys State within your state, that is looked upon favorably by the admissions process.
Check out this website. http://www.usma.edu/classes/SitePages/Home.aspx
Look at the current and past class profiles. It will give you an idea of what West Point has accepted for that particular graduating class. If you cannot get the link to work, just do a google search West Point Class Profiles. Good luck. Keep working hard.
 
GPA and leadership, you need to bring those two up to speed. Try going for DECA prezi, sounds like you have a good standing in the club
 
I would focus on one or two extra activities, and excel within them. why? USMA isn't looking for the kid who can participate in 25 clubs, 4 sports, and have 3 jobs..they stress dedication and loyalty. So if there is something, a club, music, community service.. that you really enjoy..do it. Get into it, and put in your effort. Become a leader, and expand and grow from it. Now keep in mind the "well rounded" perspective. they also don't want someone with a 5.0 gpa and no athletics or activities because they are too busy.

Obtain a balance. For me, it was

Cross country
Community service
School

each of those three things were equally important to me. I know it's not the answer you are looking for, but some questions you'll be asked will be:
" What has developed your leadership?"
" What are your weaknesses?"
"What are your strengths?"
From those questions..you will reference your activities. Focus on those 3 pillars.. Academic, Community, Athletic. Here at the academy, our GPA is calculated from 3 pillars...academic, military (like community) and athletic..sound familiar?

Look up the class profile for 2016, strive to meet or exceed the averages posted.

And finally, don't do an activity because "it will get me into the academy". Do it because you genuinely care. Going to boys state for admissions, or adding on that extra club you don't like because it looks good..takes away someone elses shot to do it because they truely care. Just remember that.

Anyways, I hope this helped. PM me or ask here if I can answer anything else!
 
robinhood17 said:
I would focus on one or two extra activities, and excel within them. why? USMA isn't looking for the kid who can participate in 25 clubs, 4 sports, and have 3 jobs..they stress dedication and loyalty. So if there is something, a club, music, community service.. that you really enjoy..do it. Get into it, and put in your effort. Become a leader, and expand and grow from it. Now keep in mind the "well rounded" perspective. they also don't want someone with a 5.0 gpa and no athletics or activities because they are too busy.

Obtain a balance. For me, it was

Cross country
Community service
School

each of those three things were equally important to me. I know it's not the answer you are looking for, but some questions you'll be asked will be:
" What has developed your leadership?"
" What are your weaknesses?"
"What are your strengths?"
From those questions..you will reference your activities. Focus on those 3 pillars.. Academic, Community, Athletic. Here at the academy, our GPA is calculated from 3 pillars...academic, military (like community) and athletic..sound familiar?

Look up the class profile for 2016, strive to meet or exceed the averages posted.

And finally, don't do an activity because "it will get me into the academy". Do it because you genuinely care. Going to boys state for admissions, or adding on that extra club you don't like because it looks good..takes away someone elses shot to do it because they truely care. Just remember that.

Anyways, I hope this helped. PM me or ask here if I can answer anything else!
Click to expand...

Great post! :thumb:
 
robinhood17 said:
I would focus on one or two extra activities, and excel within them. why? USMA isn't looking for the kid who can participate in 25 clubs, 4 sports, and have 3 jobs..they stress dedication and loyalty. So if there is something, a club, music, community service.. that you really enjoy..do it. Get into it, and put in your effort. Become a leader, and expand and grow from it. Now keep in mind the "well rounded" perspective. they also don't want someone with a 5.0 gpa and no athletics or activities because they are too busy.

Obtain a balance. For me, it was

Cross country
Community service
School

each of those three things were equally important to me. I know it's not the answer you are looking for, but some questions you'll be asked will be:
" What has developed your leadership?"
" What are your weaknesses?"
"What are your strengths?"
From those questions..you will reference your activities. Focus on those 3 pillars.. Academic, Community, Athletic. Here at the academy, our GPA is calculated from 3 pillars...academic, military (like community) and athletic..sound familiar?

Look up the class profile for 2016, strive to meet or exceed the averages posted.

And finally, don't do an activity because "it will get me into the academy". Do it because you genuinely care. Going to boys state for admissions, or adding on that extra club you don't like because it looks good..takes away someone elses shot to do it because they truely care. Just remember that.

Anyways, I hope this helped. PM me or ask here if I can answer anything else!
Click to expand...

Thanks for your thoughts and input! I've known about Boys State for a while I do want to go to Boys State because I want to lol. I do think it's a great opportunity for me to experience new things with the statewide level. But I do completely understand your point and I've been trying to look for things that interest ME more than anyone else. Thanks once again! :biggrin:
 
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