Leadership

jazjar

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2013
Messages
39
I think I have the kind of candidate West Point wants pretty narrowed down, but the one sector that still confuses me a lot is the Leadership/Extracurricular one. I keep seeing that they absolutely love boy scouts/eagle scouts ( I am not one ) and boys state, (Which I plan to do). What worries me is that I am in Civil Air Patrol (Will receive the Billy Mitchell in about one year) am an element leader in my squadron, yet I don't see that listed anywhere in the official West Point admissions catalog. Does it have to be listed there, or are less known extra curriculars okay? I am fine academically and physically, I am just unsure about my leadership qualifications.
 
There are a lot of types of leadership: captain of a sports team, president of your senior class, managing others at a part-time job, drum major/section leader in band, etc. The service academies (and colleges) want to see leadership and consistency -- ie doing what you enjoy and working up the ranks, rather than doing multiple things just to "check the box." They list Boy Scouts/Boys State because those are activities that are common and usually available to high schoolers. Something you are doing that isn't listed can be considered leadership -- just make sure you list it on your application (and include a description -- there's usually a space to explain).
 
I too am interested in this topic because i dont know what exactly qualifies. If i become president of some of my high school clubs does that count? Does having a lot of volunteer service fall into this criteria? I might be getting a summer job soon and plan to attend boys state.
 
Leadership....

Civil Air Patrol is a great junior leadership program and I encourage you to continue. There is great value in this program. WP is looking for involvement. What folks need to understand Civil Air, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Sports, Clubs and other programs have third party independent adults to make evaluation and advancements. Coaches, teachers and Scoutmaster are there to help you and document your progress. I encourage to go forward with Boys State and SLE.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
Thank you Tug Boat, I think CAP is a great program as well. Hopefully I will stay involved in it after I graduate high school, no matter what happens college or career wise. I attended Encampment last Summer and had a great time, and am applying for NCSAs (Flight school, engineering school, etc.) and Encampment Staff (Definitely counts as leadership by my judgement) and I hope to be on my Squadron's color guard, so hopefully that shows a lot of participation and some leadership as well.
 
I think I have the kind of candidate West Point wants pretty narrowed down, but the one sector that still confuses me a lot is the Leadership/Extracurricular one. I keep seeing that they absolutely love boy scouts/eagle scouts ( I am not one ) and boys state, (Which I plan to do). What worries me is that I am in Civil Air Patrol (Will receive the Billy Mitchell in about one year) am an element leader in my squadron, yet I don't see that listed anywhere in the official West Point admissions catalog. Does it have to be listed there, or are less known extra curriculars okay? I am fine academically and physically, I am just unsure about my leadership qualifications.

CAP, Billy Mitchell Award, and Encampment all are recognized and credited by USMA towards leadership points in the WCS. Same for anyone in JROTC. Same for any leadership in club or student activities.

The reason WP loves "captain" of a sports team is 1) it shows recognition for achievement in the sport; 2) it shows that someone sees you as a "leader"; and 3) it shows you are a "team player." In other words, a well rounded person and one activity (team captain) awards points in multiple categories. All that said, other EC opportunities where you show initiative and peer recognition/excellence are given points as WP sees fit.

List everything you have or are involved with as what you may consider insignificant, WP may consider significant.

BTW, my Plebe loved CAP but joined too late to be able to advance beyond a NCO rank.
 
Hi! Just to add, I think one of the distinguishing factors for me in getting a principal nomination was definitely having a strong resume. The committee wants to see that you are not just involved, but that you took a leadership position. Leadership suggests that you have what they want: ability to work under pressure, work with a team, lead others in completing tasks, making plans, etc,. Now if you are able to balance your ECs with a strong academic record it shows them even more that you can handle the rigors of academy life and beyond. I've been involved in CAP for two years now and it has in every way enhanced my apps and just my preparation...knowing how to shine boots, drill, wear a uniform, manage my schedule, lead flights, everything that you'll learn at the academy but that is great to know beforehand.
I highly recommend CAP and if you can, doing everything possible to become a leader at your squadron and encampment.
Other notable achievements include Boys State (I went to Girls State and it was phenomenal.) The interview committee mentioned how they value Boys/girls state over SLS. It's an amazing experience and you fall in love with America and serving even more.

Message me if you want to know anything else. Good luck!
 
They list Boy Scouts/Boys State because those are activities that are common and usually available to high schoolers.

Do they compensate WCS points for people who don't have the opportunity to do Scouts, Boys State, and CAP? I live in a very rural area and go to a tiny high school that doesn't offer much, so I try to participate in as many other extracurriculars as possible to balance it out.

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Directly from the website: http://www.usma.edu/admissions/SitePages/Class Profiles.aspx

"Please note that the extracurricular activities listed below are not an extensive list, but meant to highlight a few of the many opportunities current cadets participated in during High School."

Look at the "Highlights". These are ECs that a lot of high schoolers have access to but are not the only ECs West Point looks at.
 
CannotBeDisplayed,
I think if you are doing everything you can and enjoying what you're doing, you'll be ok. Don't worry that you haven't done Boy Scouts etc, or if CAP is not offered in your school. Show leadership in the activities that are available and that you enjoy. Varsity/team sports are always a plus.
 
Also, look at the numbers from those admitted in 2017 -- 92% played varsity sports, but only 20% attended Boys/Girls State and 34% participated in Boy/Girl Scouts.
 
Yeah that's what worries me. I will do track this spring, but it will be my first time, and I don't know if I'll have a varsity sport under my belt by the time appointments are pushed out. I do have an NCO rank in CAP right now, (Just reached Cadet Staff Sergeant) and I am an element leader in my squadron. Hopefully I will receive my Mitchell award by the time decisions are made (it may be close) but I'll get everything in really early just in case I may have a shot at an LOA. If I don't receive one, then hopefully I can still update the admissions board with my accomplishments (Is that allowed)? I also saw on the brochure that it mentioned "International" when describing ECs. Does a foreign exchange program count towards the WCS? I was under the impression that since it is not particularly a "leadership" sort of program it wouldn't count as much, but since it shows deep involvement in one of my EC "areas" (German) would it at least count for that? Thank you all for the replies.
 
CannotBeDisplayed,
I think if you are doing everything you can and enjoying what you're doing, you'll be ok. Don't worry that you haven't done Boy Scouts etc, or if CAP is not offered in your school. Show leadership in the activities that are available and that you enjoy. Varsity/team sports are always a plus.

Thank you. :smile:
 
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