Am I on the right track?

T

TheAspiringWon

Member
Joined
Oct 13, 2015
Messages
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Hey everyone,

I am very new on this forum, as I just joined a minute ago. I'm not really sure if this is the right place to ask a "Chance Me?" question, but here goes nothing. I was just wondering if I am on the right track to earning a spot in Class of 2021 (USMA).

Gender: Male
Ethnicity: Asian American
School Type: Public (not really competitive (?) usually 1 or 2 seniors get accepted to Ivy every year)
Location: Southern California

GPA: 4.0 U / 4.59 W
Class Rank: 1 of 528
ACT: C30 E28 M33 R28 S29
Taking/Expected to take a total of 7 AP classes in the course of my high school career

Extracurriculars:
- Soon to be Eagle Scout (currently a Life Scout with a Eagle Project left to go)
- Senior Patrol Leader for the past 2 years
- Varsity Tennis for the past 2 years (will be captain this year and/or next year)
- Non-school Fencing (just started because it seems fun and thought it'll help me for CFA prep)
- Interact Club
- Debate Club
- Our troop does community service every month so I have about 30-50 hours as of right now
- Looking into Boys State over the summer

From my viewpoint, I think I need to raise my ACT score by a few points and maybe get one or two more leadership positions. As far as my CFA progress goes, I am not the most athletic but I am certainly getting there. I can do about 40 pushups and 40 sit-ups (yeah, not that impressive, haha), but I am most definitely going to pass the CFA. So after reading all my "resume", do you guys think I'm on the right track? If not, what can/should I do in order to increase my chances? Thank you all so much in advance for taking time to read this. :)
 
You are on the correct path and I believe you know what you need to work on.
Tried the SAT? Perhaps worth a shot too, but your scores are at least USMA average now (above I do think?)
Dont just look into Boys' State. Commit to doing it, fund yourself if needed. Even if it doesnt help your USMA application I highly recommend it for the contacts you make and the hands on political education you receive.
Correct on the leadership positions. Make sure to secure those ones you have the chance at. You do have decent ones now though, pending the Eagle Scout.
Youve left yourself a good amount of time for the CFA. Scores can go up dramatically in PT in a few months especially if you havent worked out seriously before.
 
Your biggest hole is the lack of sports. Non-school fencing that you just started should get you some points, but possibly not enough depending on your district. Those athletics are not to measure physical fitness, but leadership - that is where varsity letters and team captains come in to play.
 
You seem to have very good potential and you have some time to beef up a few areas. Here is my 2 cents worth:
1. Retake ACT and take SAT several more times. My DS came up a little each time until he was in well above the average for admitted cadets.
2. Get in another sport. Cross Country? Track this spring?
3. Do the things on the CFA as part of your regular workout. My DS went from 3 pull ups to 8 in 3 months His mile went from 6:55 to 5:43.
4. Find as many leadership roles as you can at school and community.
Academically you look great...keep it up. Don't take a blow off senior schedule
Good Luck
 
845something said:
Your biggest hole is the lack of sports. Non-school fencing that you just started should get you some points, but possibly not enough depending on your district. Those athletics are not to measure physical fitness, but leadership - that is where varsity letters and team captains come in to play.
Click to expand...
I am in varsity tennis and I have a varsity letter. I have been a part of the team for 2 years and will be team captain this year and/or next year.
 
FENCERSmother LOVES to see kids who fence. I suggest you try some local competitions as soon as y ou are able and try to get a rating. Even a "D" rating will look good. Borrow equipment.

What weapon? Mine fenced all three, A & B ratings in all. But that might mean giving up on tennis and if you are going to be captain - stick with that and do your best. Fencing can be an additional sport for you and will hugely improve your hand/eye coordination and leg strength.
 
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