LOAs - For comparison's sake

Grade Point Average: 4.00
SAT Math: 690
SAT Critical Reading: 670
SAT Writing: 610
(6 AP classes so far)

Leadership positions:
Student Body President, JROTC Brigade Executive Officer, Cross Country Captain, Track Captain

EA's:
Student Council, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Yearbook Committee, JROTC, Altar Serving

Community Service:
Relay for Life, Medical Equipment Transport Services, 2009 Huntington Island Lighthouse 5K Setup, Altar Serving, Counselor at Vacation Bible School at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church
 
buff81 said:
You didn't mention volunteer hours, but if you are lacking in that area, find a community service project that really interests you and dive into it this summer.
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How do I include community service information in my candidate file? I have done 120+ hours of service in my church and through scouting
 
I included a resume (that listed my community service) in my application for a nomination from my congressman and senators. I don't know if there is a section in the actual application for USMA. I don't remember.
 
SAT: 1850

GPA: 3.7 EC: spanish club, chuch group member, varsity basketball, soccer, student council officer, video crew for 4 yrs, part-time job (40+ hrs every Two weeks), peer mentor, junior girls, senior women, part of a teen leadership course ....for me i believe it was my determination that allowed me to receive a LOA and my application was sent in EARLY! Take a lot of challenging courses if possible.
 
USMA2016: You mentioned scouting and being SPL, how about Eagle? DS worked his rear off to get Eagle. He was lacking in sports, and I think scouting made up some of the deficit with leadership and community involvement. BTW, he had an LOA in mid July.
 
WestTexasmom said:
USMA2016: You mentioned scouting and being SPL, how about Eagle? DS worked his rear off to get Eagle. He was lacking in sports, and I think scouting made up some of the deficit with leadership and community involvement. BTW, he had an LOA in mid July.
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Yes, I'm SPL, but with my coursework I think Eagle may be out of the question. However, it looks like I may have a spot at Boy's State
 
USMA2016 said:
Yes, I'm SPL, but with my coursework I think Eagle may be out of the question. However, it looks like I may have a spot at Boy's State
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If you have gotten to Life and are a junior, I assume you're 16ish. Push on to Eagle. You won't regret it.
 
USMA2016 said:
Yes, I'm SPL, but with my coursework I think Eagle may be out of the question. However, it looks like I may have a spot at Boy's State
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You really need to push on and finish your eagle, for many reasons.

Having two sons go through the process, I know how hard it is. But it can also be done. #1 son finished his write up just a few months before he was 18. #2 son stepped down as SPL to finish his, then ran another term just prior to turning 18. He did his eagle in his junior year with a full load of AP classes, just one honors spanish class. Yes, it was stressful. But he is also now a USMA class of 2015 appointee!

There was at least one scoutmaster in each of my son's congressional interviews, and they spent a good bit of time probing about his eagle project, what he did, what he learned, what he would do different, etc.

Consistent feedback from Admissions is that they'd rather see someone go deep in their chosen area than to hop around and try to make your resume look good. They also want to see people trying and fighting, and not giving up.

Put another way: Are you ready to answer the question why you got so close and did not finish? Assuming you get the opportunity to answer at all.

But Mike Rowe sez it best: "Only one out of a hundred Scouts make Eagle, so if you fail to finish, there will be lots of other people with whom you can share excuses."

He does not intend to sound so harsh, it's just the truth about how hard it is to finish as an Eagle.

But I'd take the time to read Mike's whole discussion on the subject:

http://meritbadge.org/wiki/images/3/30/Mike_Rowe-Dirty_Jobs_Eagle_Letter.pdf

If you are serious about a career as an Army office via West Point, then you will find a way to finish your eagle! :smile: Good Luck, and PM me if you have questions or need suggestion on potential projects!
 
My son finished his Eagle this past fall during his senior year while playing football at a top ranked HS. His high school football program went six days a week balanced with AP and honors classes. I can tell you it was not easy and he had some nights where he only slept two hours. He was told that attaining the rank of Eagle+Varsity Athlete is huge. If you can add team captain to your file as well...you will stand out from the 1000's of applicants. He has many people to thank for the support including his troop and coaches. It amazing how many people will step forward to help when they know your goal is to attend a service academy and serve your country as an Army officer.
 
USMA2016 said:
How do I include community service information in my candidate file? I have done 120+ hours of service in my church and through scouting
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The application (aka SSK or Second Step Kit) has a section where you can list your ECs. The SSK won't open up until this summer.
 
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I'm going to Boys' State also, There's a spot on the SSK for that too?
 
I know this is an old resurrected thread-but in reading through it there were LOAs that went out in July of last year (or possibly the year before). Have there been any that have gone out this year?
 
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