apply ASAP

[Dadandgrad]

Unlike USNA and USAFA, the MALO (Field Force Rep) interview is not required for USMA. However, a strong, positive interview with a MALO should help strengthen a candidate's file and I'd recommend it. It's also a great venue for the candidate and parents to ask questions. Finally, I commend your efforts to get your applications started and completed quickly. Also ensure you complete the CFA and most importantly the DoDMERB physical as soon as you can so you allow time for any waiver activity. Good luck!

 

[JFM2016]

So I am understanding that you can not have your biology teacher? That stinks because we have a way closer relationship than my chemistry teacher.

 

[buff81]

I homeschool, and therefore have the same math, English and science teacher (mom). I do take some classes at the local hs though. Am I allowed to get recommendations from them and/or Girl Scouts, Civil Air Patrol and other extracurriculars?

For homeschooled students - a parent can do one of the SOEs but another academic teacher or tutor must do the other two.

So I am understanding that you can not have your biology teacher? That stinks because we have a way closer relationship than my chemistry teacher.

You understand correctly!
Chemistry or Physics teacher - NOT Biology.
Is is not a written rec like you might typically think. It consists of 12 questions where the teacher ranks their answer from 1-10. There is a space where they can add comments - if they wish.

 

[NamD]

It is supposed to be a Chemistry or Physics Teacher. Cadets don't have to take biology. They have to take chemistry and physics. From the FAQ:

q: What courses should I take?
a: To prepare yourself for the academic curriculum at West Point, you should complete four years of English with a strong emphasis on composition, grammar, literature and speech; four years of college preparatory mathematics, to include algebra, geometry, intermediate algebra, and trigonometry as a minimum; two years of a foreign language; two years of a laboratory science such as chemistry and physics, and one year of U.S. history, including courses in geography, government and economics. If your school includes a course in precalculus and calculus in its curriculum, and a basic computing course, these courses will be helpful in preparing you for your first year at West Point.

Ah i see. But isnt this is a recommendation for candidates who want to be competitive for USMA? since they're saying "two years of a laboratory science", doesnt that leave room for other laboratory science classes as well? they did not state "you must take 2 years of laboratory science by only taking chemistry and physics".
I spoke to my FFR a few days ago and he said that any laboratory science teacher will do fine as long as he/she was your teacher in high school. He did recommend, however, that a candidate receive an evaluation letter from his current science teacher (which usually is a chemistry or physics teacher at this point). My dilemma is that I started off on the wrong foot with my current chemistry teacher and fear that his evaluation of me might ruin my chances of getting an appointment at USMA.

 

[GoArmyBeatNavy]

Ah i see. But isnt this is a recommendation for candidates who want to be competitive for USMA? since they're saying "two years of a laboratory science", doesnt that leave room for other laboratory science classes as well? they did not state "you must take 2 years of laboratory science by only taking chemistry and physics".
I spoke to my FFR a few days ago and he said that any laboratory science teacher will do fine as long as he/she was your teacher in high school. He did recommend, however, that a candidate receive an evaluation letter from his current science teacher (which usually is a chemistry or physics teacher at this point). My dilemma is that I started off on the wrong foot with my current chemistry teacher and fear that his evaluation of me might ruin my chances of getting an appointment at USMA.

I recommend that you contact your Admissions Officer. He/she might be able to guide you correctly. They mention Chemistry and Physics a good bit on the website.

Maybe you should try a college course this summer?

 

[buff81]

Ah i see. But isnt this is a recommendation for candidates who want to be competitive for USMA? since they're saying "two years of a laboratory science", doesnt that leave room for other laboratory science classes as well? they did not state "you must take 2 years of laboratory science by only taking chemistry and physics".
I spoke to my FFR a few days ago and he said that any laboratory science teacher will do fine as long as he/she was your teacher in high school. He did recommend, however, that a candidate receive an evaluation letter from his current science teacher (which usually is a chemistry or physics teacher at this point). My dilemma is that I started off on the wrong foot with my current chemistry teacher and fear that his evaluation of me might ruin my chances of getting an appointment at USMA.

West Point is VERY specific on which teachers you need to request SOEs from:

According to the 'Instructions for Applicants':

School Official Evaluations
There are three School Official’s Evaluation forms that must be
submitted online. Enter the required contact information for an
English instructor, a math instructor, and a lab science instructor
(physics or chemistry). If you have college experience, we would
like to have evaluations from your college English, mathematics,
and science professors, and the Professor of Military Science, if
applicable.

Also-
on your candidate portal, there is a section concerning the SOEs. I couldn't copy it but it says:
Enter information for your Physics/Chemistry SOE official.

You are certainly more than welcome to submit additional letters of recommendation but realize that they don't carry a lot of weight.
You do not get any WCS points for extra recommendations.