Competitiveness for USMA

smhr21

New Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2015
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Hi everyone I know I am not the first person to post a question about application competitiveness and I certainly won't be the last. I will thank you in advance for the long post because I want to provide as much information as possible so I know if I am just wasting my time by applying to West Point. I have looked at class profiles for past years and think meet the qualifications academically but am unsure about the rest. I have also seen many other people who are way more qualified than me posting here which makes me believe I may not have a chance. I am also in what I believe is a fairly competitive district.

Academics
4.3 weighted GPA, ranked 10 out of 360
SAT-640 Critical Reading, 730 Math, 620 Writing
ACT-33 Reading, 33 Math, 31 English, 35 Science, 31 Writing
one of 2 school nominees to apply to this summer math and science thing, I didn't get in but was told by my guidance counselor that by being nominated by my school to apply it looks really good

Sports
Not much, I have 3 years of lacrosse and 2 years of cross country, no letters
I work out every day at a gym and have practiced the CFA and know I can max in three exercises for sure and should be able to place above average in the other three

Extracurricular
Most of my activities that would show leadership are outside of school so I feel like that may hurt my application. I am a volunteer handyman for a couple of my neighbors, I work about 20 hours a week and my employer is filling out the evaluation form and should get a good review, I'm a member of a gun range and I teach guests firearm safety, I'm a volunteer tutor for whoever needs help and I teach my one class when the teacher isn't there, I was a group leader for this litter cleanup thing, I do Relay for Life, I gave some speeches to the Board of Ed., I'm in the school band, and I sometimes train some other kids at my gym

Again, sorry for the long post. I was just wondering if I have what they're looking for with the leadership roles even though I don't have any traditional leadership positions like class president, vp, etc. I also don't have any varsity letters but participated, wasn't sure if that would look bad or if a good CFA score would compensate. Please let me know if I am competitive for a USMA admission or if I am wasting my time. Thank you everyone and good luck to anyone else seeking admission to USMA.
 
This is one of the stickies at the top of the USMA page: http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/what-are-my-chances.14787/ It is the class profiles of the recent classes. Take a look at the kinds of extracurricular activities cadets did in high school.

West Point wants to see that you play a sport and they like varsity letters. Your leadership needs a boost---run for office or find other leadership opportunities at school. You need to demonstrate leadership abilities.
 
Ok that's what I was worried about that i lacked in leadership. Thanks.
 
You have good grades and test scores. Sports are good but I would still compete this year to have 4/3 respectfully. Definitely let the admissions board know of all your extra-curricular activities.

Don't spend too much time worrying that your activities are not in school, the board looks at the whole person concept.

Good luck though and remember if you don't get in, ROTC is a great option.
 
You must have documentation for all these "I teach the class when the teacher isn't there" or "I tutor kids" or "I.... "

Any of these can (and do) show leadership, but if you are just filling in some spare time and don't have these activities down as "official", well, that's the part that is not so good. Your leadership, your sport, even your education, do not have to be "in school," but you can't just willy-nilly say how great these things are without some accompanying paperwork. Make sure you have that.

And, please, not just to you but to all of those inquiring, please, read the stickies. You will glean tons of info and then you will save yourself and all here a considerable amount of time.

One thing is certain: you have 100% chance of NOT getting in if you do not apply.
 
wait, not trying to digress from the post but how come 2 people who posted on this forum was banned? never seen 2 people banned on a single forum post. just wondering btw.
 
wait, not trying to digress from the post but how come 2 people who posted on this forum was banned? never seen 2 people banned on a single forum post. just wondering btw.

I too am extremely curious about the bans, btw your math SAT score is very good, but I would send them your ACT score instead because it is better overall.
 
If someone is "banned", perhaps one should not count too much on that person's advice to you.
 
Thank you for your help. I read the stickies but I wasn't sure if what I had for leadership would be sufficient. I do have documentation for most of these and can easily acquire it from teachers or someone else if I don't.
 
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