Transferring From Civilian College

Odawg27

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Mar 5, 2015
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Hey everyone, I am a current HS senior, did not receive a nomination this year, but am still definitely interested in USMA. I plan on attending a civilian college my freshman year, and reapplying to USMA. My Field Force Officer, people I met with at USMA, and my Congressman's service academy coordinator told me I would be very competitive, leaving me surprised not to receive a nomination. My stats were on par for the most part with West Point and I had taken leadership roles in high school. In simplified terms, I think I can still be a competitive candidate for next year. That is a little background on my process.

I am posting here to seek advice from anyone who is familiar with the process of transferring from a civilian college, or is knowledgeable about the Academy about what I can do in college to bolster my chances the second time around. I was thinking that joining an ROTC unit at the college I attend is a good idea, doing well in all of my classes, trying to attain leadership role(s), and retaking ACT/SAT.

That all being said, if anyone who has taken this path can weigh in on what they think I can do to better my chances the second time around and share their experience (or their child's if a parent) it would be much appreciated.
 
Not sure why it won't let me PM you either. Maybe there's a post limit on here before I am allowed to access that feature.
 
Not sure why it won't let me PM you either. Maybe there's a post limit on here before I am allowed to access that feature.

In order to prevent spammers using PM's, we have a 5 post limit to PM.

-TN
 
I highly suggest going to a prep school and joining their SAP(service academy prep) program. There's are places like Georgia Military College, New Mexico Military Institute, Marion Military Institute and I think there might be a couple more.
 
I know plenty of current cadets as well as grads who attended college first. One cadet I know reapplied every year in college until he was appointed during his 3rd year. Hopefully you won't have to wait that long, but if you really want it, that shows that it can be done with enough time.

As you probably know, no matter what you will have to start on R-Day just the same as everyone else. If appointed during college, you will be older than most plebes, but there will be plenty more plebes your age, whether coming in from college, USMAPS, or prior enlisted. You will certainly not be alone.

Of the people I know who have been accepted during their college years, they all think it was for the better. Yes, it may set you back a year or two, but that time is crucial in preparing you. Admissions didn't think you were prepared enough just yet, but as you said, you are a strong candidate, and another year of preparation and development may very well make your 4 years at the Academy much more fruitful.

Stay motivated, definately join ROTC, take challenging courses (which may help you place into higher level courses plebe year) and retake the SAT/ACT because higher numbers bring your file higher to the top. Remember, most of the people you will be competing with won't even have a high school degree yet. You will.

Good luck.
 
My son recently received an appointment as a reapplicant. We knew his chances last year were not the greatest--he had decided late junior year to apply. Prior to that, he followed after what he loved doing: band. So, he took up 2 sports senior year and lettered in one. He practiced for CFA and started running often. Still, he got a TWE. He wrote his RC and asked what to do to improve for next year. He enrolled in a senior military college (UNG), known for an outstanding ROTC program (the #1 ranked ROTC cadet in the nation is from there this year). He immersed himself in school, living like it was where he'd be, as opposed to a place to hang out til West Point decided. However, he took more credits than recommended by his adviser to show West Point he could handle a full load. He tried to mirror a plebe schedule as much as possible. He was selected to interview with both senators and his congressman. However, he only received a nomination from his congressman. BUT he was able to apply for the ROTC nom...that was by far the toughest interview (i.e. Why do you want to leave OUR school???). Son had solid first semester grades (Dean's list, but not president's list), solid SAT (>700 math, >600 CR). He wasn't president of anything (VP of a couple) and was an Eagle Scout. So, that all said, here's my advise:
  • If/when you get the TWE, contact your RC and say, "what can I do to best position myself for admission next year?" When you get the answer, DO EVERYTHING HE/SHE SAYS.
  • Find a plan B that you can be happy at for 4 years and make it a place you love.
  • Do everything EARLY for application (i.e. son was done w/ everything by Oct. (except 1st sem grades)
  • Go after this with everything that is in you, if it's your dream.
 
I highly suggest going to a prep school and joining their SAP(service academy prep) program. There's are places like Georgia Military College, New Mexico Military Institute, Marion Military Institute and I think there might be a couple more.

I am not a big fan of reapplicants attending a prep school. It might provide some advantages, but what happens if you don't get into a service academy? Whereas if you are attending a regular college and don't get in, you will just stay there.
 
I highly suggest going to a prep school and joining their SAP(service academy prep) program. There's are places like Georgia Military College, New Mexico Military Institute, Marion Military Institute and I think there might be a couple more.

I am not a big fan of reapplicants attending a prep school. It might provide some advantages, but what happens if you don't get into a service academy? Whereas if you are attending a regular college and don't get in, you will just stay there.
Well you would just transfer. The positive about prep school is you have so much communication with the academies. Your advisors likely went to the academy, people come down from the academy to talk to you, and they have specific courses to help you improve. (Ie: sat prep class, pt every morning). But it's ultimately your decision. I would look into your options and weigh pros and cons
 
Well you would just transfer. The positive about prep school is you have so much communication with the academies. Your advisors likely went to the academy, people come down from the academy to talk to you, and they have specific courses to help you improve. (Ie: sat prep class, pt every morning). But it's ultimately your decision. I would look into your options and weigh pros and cons

I don't recall any forum discussion on how regular colleges look at applicants from a prep school.

I disagree with what you posted as advantages

A good FFR can easily be better than an advisor at a prep school.

One can attend local information session or visit West Point to make a connection with the Regional commander.

One can take a SAT/ACT prep course and do PT on your own. If someone is not motivated to theses things on their own, do they really want to attend a SA?
 
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