USMA Class of 2021

Fed

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Mar 14, 2016
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22
Hi

I applied last year for the class of 2020 at the USMA. I received a nomination and was also academically and physically qualified. I am reapplying again this year and I am also doing Army Rotc. However, at the college I am going to, I'm unable to take certain classes that freshman at the Academy would. I am a political science major and due to this, I can't take general chemistry or physics. I have to take another type of science class. Also, my English class will be in the spring. I've read that individuals seeking another try should attempt to mirror a freshman at the academy. So far my classes for the fall are going to include Calculus 1, Political Science, Science, and Rotc. Would I still be competitive if I aced these classes and did well on the SAT?

Thank you
 
Still apply!
Let admissions give you a green light or not.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
I understand that you want to major in political science but if you want to "mirror" the plebe schedule at the academy, I suggest to prioritize which is more important-showing Admissions that you can handle the general plebe classes instead of knocking out classes for your major. Ask yourself, is your major at this point more important than getting in the Academy? Just a self evaluation and you get the point hopefully.
Applied my second time and got appointed for Co2020. To be honest, I wouldn't put to much concern about what your major is if you plan to reapply and GET IN USMA. Put general engineering as my major but I'll probably go international relations.
You can always take winter classes if your college allows to take English. That's what I did. Though I can't say anything about your competitiveness, I can say that you'd look a whole lot better as an applicant by acing your classes, doing well on your SAT, getting a high CFA score, and IMPORTANTLY RECOMMENDATIONS. Get to know your professors.

PS-Never took ROTC (I tried it but I had to drop out for medical reasons). Nevertheless, ROTC is still the way to go. Excel in ROTC and your classes. Good luck Fed.
 
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Btw, my schedule consisted of for the Fall: Calculus II, Physics Mechanical, Chemistry I, Ethics in Lit
Winter: English Comp
Spring: Calculus III, Physics Electro & Magn, Chemistry II, American History

Didn't take a language but I wanted to. I already see that you're already going to put a lot of time and commitment to ROTC. Maybe you can try to take either Chemistry or Physics in the Spring? I think there's a spot on the application on what classes you plan to take during the Spring. These Spring classes+their grades won't determine your chances of being appointed, only your Fall.
 
I'm in the same boat. I'm gonna be a freshman in college but it'll be my first time applying to USMA. My RC said to mimic the plebe schedule if USMA is my ultimate goal (which it is). I would suggest contacting your RC and seeing what they say and/or talking to your college advisor. I'm studying chemical engineering and my schedule looks like: calc III, general chem (+lab), computing, ROTC (i'm still debating whether or not to take english because I have IB credit for it and history). If you can't change your schedule, still apply. There's no harm in trying, right? Good luck!
 
... However, at the college I am going to, I'm unable to take certain classes that freshman at the Academy would. I am a political science major and due to this, I can't take general chemistry or physics. I have to take another type of science class. Also, my English class will be in the spring. I've read that individuals seeking another try should attempt to mirror a freshman at the academy. So far my classes for the fall are going to include Calculus 1, Political Science, Science, and Rotc. ...

Fed - talk to your guidance counselor/advisor at your university. Most schools allow multiple science choices/substitute for the a Poly Sci degree. You could probably take physics or chemistry for the general science requirement. The few times I have seen this not apply is if the science classes are 'impacted' (too many students) like in the University of California system.

Edit: Take at least 18 credit hours if you want to match the plebe schedule. The classes you listed look like 13 credit hours including ROTC.
 
Fed - talk to your guidance counselor/advisor at your university. Most schools allow multiple science choices/substitute for the a Poly Sci degree. You could probably take physics or chemistry for the general science requirement. The few times I have seen this not apply is if the science classes are 'impacted' (too many students) like in the University of California system.

Edit: Take at least 18 credit hours if you want to match the plebe schedule. The classes you listed look like 13 credit hours including ROTC.

The university I will be going to is California State University San Marcos. The counselor mentioned that the chemistry class is reserved for chemistry majors. I believed due to space.
 
Can you take either class at a nearby community college? Not ideal, but I know a few students that have gone that route when they've needed certain classes to transfer into a major as a sophomore.
 
I don't recommend sending a College Transcript to West Point with just "Science" on it. The advice to mirror West Point Plebe year is great advice and given for a reason. Follow it.
 
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