Areas of Improvement

[CTX34]

Hello I am a current Junior and hope to gain admission to USMA. Here is my "resume", I'm asking for advice on areas that need to be improved to look better for the admissions team. All comments will be helpful thanks!

Academics:
-3rd in class out of 203
-GPA: 4.15 weighted and 4.0 unweighted
-ACT: 32 composite; 30 English, 32 Math, 32 Reading, 34 Science
- Just got scores back from first time taking and have not taken SAT yet
-Take the toughest schedule possible at my school with multiple Dual Credit, AP, and Honors classes
-Compete in UIL events for my school
-Many academic awards from first two years(not sure if matter but will put them on here anyway):
- Freshman: A Honor Roll, Department Award-Spanish 1, Top Honors Department Award- World Geography
-Sophomore: A Honor Roll, Top Honors Department Award- Chemistry and U.S. History

Leadership:
-Junior Class President
-Student Council(Only Seniors are Officers)
-Selected Student Ambassador
-Club Officer for Future Business Professionals of America
-Lead in the Student Worship Band at my Church (play bass)
-Coached a Youth Upward Basketball Team at Church
- Multiple Community Service Events

Athletics:
I am kind of lacking in athletics.
-3rd year of football, all 3 on JV but will be on varsity next year for Senior Year
-3rd year of JV basketball, again will be on varsity next year
- This spring will be my 2 year of Varsity Golf
- The last two years have been on JV Track
- 6'1 and 155 ibs


I may be missing a few things but this is it for the most part. I know no one here can chance me and am just asking for areas that need to be improved.

Thank you!

 

[tug_boat]

6'1" at 155 lbs!! You better put rocks in your pockets to keep you from blowing away in the wind!! Haha

I have no idea how well you're are doing, or any of us, since no one here is on the WP admissions board and we can only speculate.

You're standardized tests scores look great. But I don't see any of your classes or how competitive your district may be? Here is a guide from USMA.edu for high school juniors.

http://www.usma.edu/admissions/SitePages/Pros_Cadets_Juniors.aspx

I know you're looking for a definitive answer, but there are so many variables to consider. WP does look for the well rounded candidate who is strong in academics, leadership and athletics. The Three Pillars. Please take a look at the stickies above for guidance. Don't let me scare you away, continue to look and ask for answers to your questions. I do know you'll need four years of math, science and english. Two years of a foreign language.

And as always work on a Plan B and C.

Push Hard, Press Forward

 

[tug_boat]

Do look at attending SLE and/or Boys-Girls State Programs between your junior and senior years.

Push Hard, Press Forward

 

[CTX34]

To answer your questions,
My Class Schedule this year is
Dual Credit U.S. History
Dual Credit College Pre-Cal
AP English 3
Honors Accounting
Honors Physics
Honors Spanish 3
Business and Management 2

I am in John Ratcliffe's district in the North Texas area

And yes I do need to put on some weight and am about to start

I do plan for applying to SLE and Boys State as well
Thank you for your comment!

 

[tug_boat]

North Texas area is one of the top three most competitive areas in the country. So California and the North East. I do know there are some very big WP, very active WP parent clubs in that area you could probably find by doing a search. Make contact and ask for advise. This will be a huge cornucopia of help. These parents would love to help you. You may also want to reach out to you FFR and introduce yourself to him or her and develop a conversation with. The course work you have for this year will establish a great foundation for Plan A, B and C, keep up the good work.

I would emphasis Boys State over SLE, but certainly apply to both.

Push Hard, Press Forward

 

[fencersmother]

Are your dual-enrollment courses taken at a college? Online?

I see you don't have your SAT scores yet; I would strongly encourage you to keep taking the standardized tests until you can get those ACT results >= 34. Yes, it would be "above average" but you are gonna have a heap of competition and do you really want to be "average?"

 

[CTX34]

My dual credit classes are taken at the community college in my county. And I am scheduled to take the SAT in January and will take both many more times before my high school career is over. I will try to become very above average like you said thank you!

 

[CTX34]

I forgot to add that I was inducted into National Honors Society.

 

[CTX34]

Will my inability to gain varsity letters besides 3 letters in Golf effect my chances drastically? Will they care that I spent 3 years on JV for football and Basketball? Any other constructive criticism, and identifying strengths and weaknesses from someone else will be greatly appreciated. Thank You!

 

[ca2midwestmom]

When the time comes make sure you apply to all nomination sources (3 MOC & VP at the very least; any others that you are eligible for). Practice interviewing so that you are confident in speaking. Apply for the Army ROTC scholarship as Plan B. It may just come down to numbers and your competition in North Texas after you've done everything you can. Stay positive!