Profile Updates

[NamD]

Since I set up an account on both the USAFA and USMA website, I found something that really intrigued me.
Why does USAFA offer a portion of the application to yourself, where you are given 5 points under different topics to talk about yourself and your achievements but USMA does not? USMA does not do this and i personally think that what USAFA is doing is a much better way- mainly because I can write as much as I want about myself.
For USMA's application, I felt very unaccomplished mainly because I was very limited as to what I could write or talk about, whereas for USAFA, i feel very confident that my profile looks respectably competitive.
Is there a way to improve my profile for USMA, since I am more keen on going there than USAFA?
Thank you!
Dave

 

[Casey]

Are you talking about the seminar applications or the actual applications?

 

[NamD]

Sorry i didn't clarify. I meant for the Summer Seminar application. I guess it also directly connects to the actual admissions as well.

 

[Casey]

Its cool, just wondering so I could know what we're talking about a bit better.

That was something that USAFA changed from their application for SS from last year when I finished mine; we submitted a resume, not bullet points.

That said, USMA and USAFA both have a kind of "candidate activities record" that you will complete and have your guidance counselor verify to list your accomplishments and activities kinda like how USMA's is set up. If there's anything that you feel is notable that you can't list on that form, I know people have e-mailed their admissions counselor (kinda like how you update them about with updates to your file) to inform them about it so that its added to your file.

You could also use something that you have a passion or that you're proud of as a focus to one of your essays/interviews which you can use to explain yourself that way. My best advice after having gone through this process is just to do what you can with what they give you, and make sure that you know why you want to go to USMA in a way that you can explain in words. It'll go a long way in your essays, your interviews, and getting you through this whole application process.