Do I even have a shot? If not how can I improve.

Jonathan Brumfield

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Aug 27, 2015
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There are so many high school students who wish to get acceptance into West Point and I am no exception, but following the tips and reviews of so many other competitors I think my chances are too slim to even get into a normal college. First off I am a junior in high school and I started thinking of the military since I was born. I began trying my hardest to do my best near the end of my middle school. I began thinking of colleges and academies when I became a freshman, but unlike other people out there my story is very complex. So before I begin about what scores or accommodations I have I'll say none. I started thinking about my future when I began as a freshman. I played football and was so pityful that there was such thing as a C team which is worse than the JV. I had average grades, A's, B's and C's, no Honors, AP or any other extracurricular/clubs after football season. I was just average. When I became a sophomore I moved during fall season so no sports. I joined wrestling and got into varsity only because no one else was in my weight class which is 113. I broke my collarbone on my second match (first year wrestling). I doubt I would get a varsity letter. Well I dedicated my time to academics. Since I just got their I couldn't join clubs or any activities, but I did make A's and B's and from the exams and state tests, I made some of the highest grades of my classes. I had English 10, World History, Chemistry, Geometry, Spanish 2, Weightlifting/Physical Fitness and Study Skills (I joined schoo late so all classes were filled). I did not take any Honors or Ap because they didn't have advanced or honor courses. The AP classes are only taken by the so called "smart" people. Because in elementary school I took a test which would tell me what level I am, and I was placed in the low even my potential is higher. So I didn't take PSAT and didn't do sports or clubs because, before, my collarbone broke and I was in rehabilitation and no clubs were open. I only exceeded with the top grades or my sophomore classes. (80% in all subjects while other people scored 50-70%). As a junior I am moving again. From Ft Lewis WA to Ft Gordon GA to Camp Humphreys SK. This time I get the option to do AP and clubs/sports. Will I be better sought with AP classes? I started my junior year at GA with AP Lang, APUSH, AP Physics C, AP CS, JROTC I, Spanish 3, and Algebra 2 (joined JROTC late because they didn't have it freshman year at my old school and couldn't join sophmore year because I enrolled into school too late). At my new school I will have the option of AP Lang, APUSH, AP Physics B (online), Algebra 2, College Prep, JROTC and many others. I am thinking of getting out of JROTC since I won't be eligible for leadership positions and they don't have AP CS, just Java programming I/II. I want to do some sports and clubs but don't know yet since I have to wait to get there but will getting internship, jobs or volunteering help my chances? I forgot to mention I have not yet taken the SAT, ACT or know my current GPA. Before, it was 3.2-3.4. But adding my sophomore year it should be a 3.4-3.5. I am very challenged in the opportunities I have because of me moving around too much during my high school years (my dad is in the military). So I am asking if I have a chance, if I take AP courses and do good in them unless I can take regular courses and use the extra time to do community/job services. I am time efficient but have other goals also. I want a job so I can make money to study abroad/ volunteer work. I am also thinking of joining wrestling in winter and doing a paid internship in spring. In the summer after junior year I want an job to pay for my needs because my parents do not have the money for me since I have 3 other siblings they need to think on which makes it most challenging for me since I am the one that gets the least attention, help and respect in the household. I want to do do cross country, wrestling and get a job my senior year. I havent been on cross country but my best mile is 5:47 (that was when I was active). My best 5k (self time) was somewhere less than 18 minutes. In wrestling I know I can do better if I practice harder, longer and get stronger. Eating better is not for the faint of looking better but staying healthier which is what I will do. My push ups in 1 minute is 60-70. Sit ups are 50-60 (shoulder touching the ground then elbow past knees, unlike others who look like they're doing crunches). I am an average swimmer. You heard my mile, and shuttle run is average/below. I will definitely work on my ball throw. So from my planning and previous state will I have a chance? Also can my father who just became a WO1 give/get nominations from military service or will I have to only do congress nominations which I think would be too hard since statistically I'm below the average in almost sources but average/ potentially above average in trying my best. I'm sorry if this is too complicated but please bear a little longer, I am writing on an IPhone and am thinking up things as I go. So will taking AP classes give me a better chance, will doing sports without varsity letters be sufficient enough while doing community service with the MWR. Will getting internship/jobs be good. By the time I graduate I WILL be 17, have done 80 push ups in 1 mi ute, 70 sit ups in 1 minute, and have 17 minutes on a 5K. I will try to get above a 3.5 GPA and at least an 1800 on my SAT. I will try to get varsity letters in cross country and wrestling and do at least 180 hours of service which comes from the internship I am applying for. I want to do the SLS and also study abroad before I go to college since I won't get another chance. I want to study in Japan as a high school student which is once in a lifetime thing but I need to work and make 15000$. To me that's impossible but it's worth a try. Will their be any restrictions doing that from messing up my schooling. Like I want to take a semester abroad fall so I know I won't get credit from my original school which means I will fall behind but will that affect my chances getting into West Point. And not just USMA but for USNA also. If you are wondering my motive. I am a loner, low confidence, weak but strong at heart. I live in my own world while observing the one around me. I see things differently, the wicked, weak, poor, rich, stupid, smart. I want to become an officer to help others, plus the prestigiousness since all my life I was put down by others and was always falling behind in everything since i didn't have the opportunities like others. I want to show them that I am worthy, not above them or below them, with pride and the humility I have gained. I also like the free education and opportunities it gives. I plan on doing my 5 years and maybe looking for a career in computer/media business or I will stay in, try out for specialized schools, Rangers and special forces if I am good enough. I want to join not only because it will benefit me and my future but also because my parents won't have to worry about what I do with my future, what I can do for others who weren't as lucky as I will be and for those who need a good yet calm leader. I am Jonathan Brumfield, currently 15 year old junior, just an average joe with the potential but no opportunity. My dream is to become a West Point cadet and graduate knowing I have accomplished something that I thought was impossible for me. I believe I am fit for the job because I am loyal, courteous, humble, calm, strong in the mind and physically, at times I may be oblivious and dumb minded but I have always reflected upon my mistakes and made myself better. My life is a bumpy hill because I fell into depression and pulled myself out with soaring stars from the help of only the lord. I have integrity, OCD and potential to do ask requested. I may sometimes be a quitter but I am a believer that I will reflect upon my mistakes, become better and come back stronger. Although I may not look like a strong candidate or have the recognizable accomplishments and leadership that others have, I am like everyone else. My thinking is that leaders are born, just like talents but people who work harder to become leaders are better fit to suit the position because they understand others by rising the ranks and defining who they are. West Point may not think this but I believe that finding a strong leader out of high school isn't the only option. The point of the service academy is to bring out the leader in us. I am not a leader, I am a gem in a mountain. When you find me through all the dirt and rubble you will find me as a rusty, potentially prized possession that will be valued in your future. In the academy you will refine me and give me value, a meaning and sell me to some other person, which is the Army. God bless you all who read this.
 
Please start by looking at the stickies at the top of the USMA forum page. There is information about admissions but more importantly, the class profiles of recent West Point classes. West Point likes varsity letters and they expect you to challenge yourself with the most difficult classes your school offers in which you can make an A or B.
 
Agree with Dixieland. Take a look at the stickies. Come back and ask some specific questions. You have zero shot if you don't apply. It is really hard to follow and stay engaged in your post so its very hard to get specific feedback.
 
First, congratulations to your father on his promotion to WO1.

Second, use this forum and other sources to do lots of research on what it takes to get into a service academy or earn a ROTC scholarship. This will give you ideas on where and how to improve your application.

Finally, don't self-limit. When the time comes, apply and see what happens.

Good luck.
 
I'm sorry. Allow me to repeat the important things which I have not found on the stickies and other threads. I am Jonathan Brumfield, currently 15 years old, a junior in high school with the determination to get into West Point/Annapolis. Here are my stats and future plans; if all goes well will I have a chance?

Freshman year - (at Ft. Lewis WA)
[Courses][S1]
English 9
Spanish 1
World Geography (A's)
Biology
Algebra 1
Health (B's)
[Courses][S2]
English 9 (B's)
Spanish 1 (A's)
Graphics Design 1 (C's)
Biology (A's)
Algebra 1 (A's)
P.E. 9 (A's)
[Grade Stat]
GPA - 3.2
SAT - N/A (PSAT - N/A)
ACT - N/A
[Extracurricular/Achievements]
Fall Football - Placed on C team (Worse than JV) being 3rd string (Quit at the end of the season)
Track and Field - (Quit before the season started)
Clubs - N/A
Community Service/Volunteer - N/A
Achievements - N/A

Sophomore - (began at Ft. Lewis WA, moved to Ft. Gordon GA)
[Courses][S1]
English 10
Spanish 2
World History
Chemistry
Geometry
Beginner Weightlifting (A's)
Study Skills
[Courses][S2]
English 10 (B then A)
Spanish 2 (B then A)
World History (A's)
Chemistry (A's)
Geometry (B then A)
P.E. 10 (A's)
Study Skills (A's)
[Grade Stat]
GPA - 3.4-3.5
SAT - N/A (PSAT - N/A [I moved during testing time])
ACT - N/A
[Extracurricular/Achievements]
Fall Football - N/A (I moved during the season)
Wrestling - Placed on Varsity because no one else was in weight class 113 (Broke collarbone which restricted me on joining any sports that year [No letter])
Clubs - N/A (None were open to me)
Community Service/Volunteer - N/A
Achievements - Tested all A's and a B on my exams. Tested 80% proficiency on all State Review Tests (Sees how much we know from the entire year), I had the highest grade in all my course classes but do not know from the sophomore classes.

Junior - (began at Ft. Gordon GA, am moving to Camp Humphreys SK) (CURRENTLY)
[Courses][S1]
AP Language & Composition
Spanish 3
AP U.S. History
AP Physics C
Advanced Algebra (Same as Algebra 2)
AP Computer Science A
JROTC I
[Courses][S1] CURRENTLY UNKNOWN BUT MY OPTIONS ARE.
AP Language & Composition vs English 11
Spanish 3 vs Japanese 1 (I got bored and want to learn a language I actually like; at sometime I may study abroad)
AP U.S. History vs U.S. History
AP Physics C vs Physics or AP Physics B (online)
Algebra 2
AP CS (N/A) vs Java Programming I (online) vs Spreadsheets and Applications (I want to major in General Computer Science or Programming)
JROTC I (I am thinking of switching out because I am too late for an leadership position or awards) vs Core Class (If I can, I want to double up in Math or Science)
College Preparation SAT
[Courses][S2]
AP Lang vs English 11
Spanish 3 vs Japanese 1
APUSH vs USH
AP Physics C vs Physics vs AP Physics B (online)
Algebra 2
Java Programming II (online) vs Spreadsheets and Applications
JROTC I vs Pre-cal vs a Science class
Awaiting more courses
[Grade Stat]
GPA - N/A
SAT - N/A [I'm moving during fall testing time] (PSAT - N/A [I moved during testing time])
ACT - N/A [I'm moving during fall testing time]
[Extracurricular/Achievements]
Fall Football - N/A (I moved during the season)
Wrestling - Plan to join either school or MWR (Will work hard to make Varsity)
Clubs - N/A (Only had S2S, NHS, Yearbook, and some other ones)
Community Service/Volunteer - Plan to get an MWR Paid Internship (H!red Program [if all goes well]), plan to do some community service and volunteering for the MWR, but do not know yet.
Achievements - N/A
[Side Questions/Unrelated]
1. If I get a job rather than doing a sport or club will it affect my chances?
2. If I do CS/Vol and internships, will I be more rounded or do I need leadership positions in it?
3. Will studying abroad during my senior year affect my chances at West Point (Of course I will have to retake classes, but will I have to reapply or be put on a waiting list?)
4. If I got an overall score of 1800 on my SAT is that acceptable? Or do I need to get 2100+ following a 3.5 GPA.
5. How does one get a Varsity letter?
6. Is 70 Push ups and 55 Sit ups in 1 minute good?
7. How about a 5:47 mile and a high 17 minute 5K (Haven't done cross country but want to do it my Senior year)
8. Is MWR Judo considered a sport like HS Wrestling?
9. Will sending in my application during Spring of Senior year affect my chances; this is including the testing of SAT and ACT.
10. Although I don't have any leadership positions, if I work hard in other aspects and contribute to group projects will I be seen as an unfit candidate? (I don't have any good opportunities because I move to often and am a late bloomer in high school)

Thank you for your time. This is a edit of the thread which was previously done on an Iphone. Please excuse my incompetence if the questions I asked were already on other threads and stickies.
 
Go to the USMA forum and look at the top of the page. There are several links that always are stickies because they are topics every year and nearly everyday. There is a load of information in those.
 
If you are thinking if folks this forum tells me I don't have shot that I just won't apply, you appear to be looking for reasons to not appply. As far as I know no one on this form actually serves on the USMA admissions committee, so our opinion are just that our opinion. I have been a FFR for ten plus years and I think I have seen everything, but time to time the admissions committee surprises me.

West Point candidate evaluation is 60% academics, 30% leadership, and 10% physical. From what you are telling me, you are more likely to be classified as a competitive candidate, which means you will be allowed to least complete your application. Assuming you keep improving yourself, you are more likely to become a fully qualified candidate. You need to aim for highest possible SAT scores, not think will 1800 get me in. Applying to West Point, there is no good enough. I have seen kids with 2000+ SAT scores not getting in because their competitors in the same nomination category has 2100+ SAT scores. Being fully qualified is like being on the sports team but never getting playing time.

Each year there are about 2500 fully qualified candidates for West Point. Of those about 1400 are offered appointments. And, it's not the top 1400 that are offered appointments, but 1400 among 2500. More than likely, you should qualify for Presidential nomination, but that cateogry tends to be very competitive. If I read your message correctly, by time you apply you will be residing in Korea. If so, you should qualify for Congressional nomination from your parents last U.S. residence or your father's home of record. Each Congressional office sets their own rules about nomination for chidlern of active duty military personnel in their district. You could get lucky if whatever Congressional nomination you get end up being from a non-competitive Congressional district.

Give 100% and see what happens. Even if you don't get into to West Point, you will become a better person by giving 100%.
 
Jonathan, first of all, you should not use your real name on this forum, for several reasons.

I absolutely love your post. Way too long, but full of everything that is you.

I wish you luck and saw some bright things in your information. Keep working hard and do your best. Don't tell us you're not a leader, instead, BECOME A LEADER.

You mention OCD. That can be a red flag for DODMERB. Are you medicated for it? If so, that can be a big hurdle in becoming qualified.

Medical approval is necessary.

Now, brim with confidence. Forget excuses, and make yourself a contender.
 
PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CHANGE SCREEN NAME NOW AND READ THE STICKIES. It's why they exist - so you can get some ideas before you ask.
 
You're giving out way to much info to use your real name. Change it sooner than later.
 
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