USMAPS

tjbusma

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 12, 2010
Messages
14
I will be going to the USMAPS in 2010-2011. I was hoping to get some more information about the school. I have looked on the main website and I still have questions. If anyone can answer any of the following questions, that would be great.
My background:
Sophomore college student and an MS II in Army ROTC. This has been my third year applying to WP because it has been my dream since I was a kid. It has been a difficult decision because I realize I am already so close to graduating and commissioning. However, I have no problem with all free schooling I can get. My goal in my life is to give myself the best opportunities I can give myself and I believe WP is the way to go to accomplish my goal.
Questions:

How much will the prep school cost? I saw on the USMAPS website that CC needs to bring around $2000. Is this only for a certain group of candidates or everyone?

What kind of chances does it give me in getting into WP next year? My biggest fear is that I go to the Prep school and reapply with the same chances I would have had by reapplying as a junior in college.

How difficult is the schedule CC is placed on?

Will I need to retake the ACT if that’s the reason I am going to the prep school?



I may add questions later on but if anyone has any questions to add to my list feel free to add. Hopefully we can get some answers.

If there is any other kids accepted to USMAPS don’t be shy to say, “what up?” We need to stick together and get through this experience in order to reach WP next year.
 
Congratualtions!

There is no cost to attend USMAPS. The $2000 is for the initial issue of items such as uniforms. You will receive monthly pay from the Army - you have to ask them what the amount is. If you can't afford the $2000, then talk to them and they will make arrangements for you.

Your chances - your appointment is yours to lose. Go to USMAPS and do well and you are in. They will give you every chance to succes and your success is up to you.
For academics, they will have you take placement tests and place you in the proper class. This is especially important in math since you need to be able to progress.

They might make you take the ACT over again. If you ACT is weak in math and you don't pull it up then you need to do really well in the math class to prove yourself.

One other thing you should know - you don't get any college credit at USMAPS. If you go for a year or semester and decide not to pursure West Point, then you don't have any credit to transfer. You can leave at any time so, if you do decide it's not for you then you can always go back to your civilian college.
Good luck!
 
How much will the prep school cost? I saw on the USMAPS website that CC needs to bring around $2000. Is this only for a certain group of candidates or everyone?

What kind of chances does it give me in getting into WP next year? My biggest fear is that I go to the Prep school and reapply with the same chances I would have had by reapplying as a junior in college.

How difficult is the schedule CC is placed on?

Will I need to retake the ACT if that’s the reason I am going to the prep school?

You are not guaranteed acceptance into West Point the next year, this is now a misconception. The Cadet Candidates were told last week, that they should have a "Back Up" plan in place (that's almost impossible for a CC) in case they don't get Appointed to West Point for the Class of 2014. Real scary for CC's that are passing the program, but might not be picked up, especially if they turned down ROTC scholarships, to attend USMAPS this year. They were told that the direct Appointments might really cut into this years acceptance rate so, the old 2.0 and go, does not count this year. It will be totally "Whole Person Concept", even at USMAPS.

Last year you could have shown up with nothing ($) and still be taken in, they would just deduct the deposit from your pay. My DS showed up with his required money and he makes about $240.00 a month (actual cash in hand, they make E-1 monthly pay) and they are still taking out his West Point deposit for next year.

You will positively take the ACT and the SAT again while at USMAPS, no exception.

The schedule is very hard in the beginning and starts to lax off toward Winter Break. They will decide what track you will take with the scores you show up with so, you might be in a full blown Calculus class to begin with and then they may decide you need remediation. You'll have three academic classes a day, Math, English and the "Study Course" that you're graded in. The "Study Course" seems to be the great equalizer for the Cadet Candidates.

You'll have a "Sports/physical activity heavily in the beginning and depending on what sport you're in, it will taper off in the last half of the year.

I'm only a parent and those were my observation this year. I've attended all Parents involved meetings, and talked to my DS extensively (when allowed) so, I think that's a fair representation of USAMPS, from a Parent.

Fact: approx. one fifth of last years class did not receive an Appointment.
 
You are not guaranteed acceptance into West Point the next year, this is now a misconception. The Cadet Candidates were told last week, that they should have a "Back Up" plan in place (that's almost impossible for a CC) in case they don't get Appointed to West Point for the Class of 2014. Real scary for CC's that are passing the program, but might not be picked up, especially if they turned down ROTC scholarships, to attend USMAPS this year. They were told that the direct Appointments might really cut into this years acceptance rate so, the old 2.0 and go, does not count this year. It will be totally "Whole Person Concept", even at USMAPS.

I think the reality is nothing in life is guaranteed. Your job will be to prove you have what it takes to continue on that means perseverance and excellence from this day forward. If you strive to be the best militarily and academically, then you will receive a direct appointment. if you go there planning on coasting through (not saying this is your goal) it will be noticed by everyone including the cadre, and instructors which will be reflected in your COs recommendation. You were selected because of your potential and the board recognized you were deficient in one or more areas that would have significantly reduced your chances of graduating from West Point. Remember this is your opportunity to loose and as I told my own son you can do the hard things now to make life easier in the future or you can do the easy things now and face hardship down the line. Just some advice from one parent to anyone who will take it, as it comes from experience most people your age do not yet possess. Remember this is free advice as always it is up to you to follow or disregard. :wink:
 
Questions:

How much will the prep school cost? I saw on the USMAPS website that CC needs to bring around $2000. Is this only for a certain group of candidates or everyone? -No, its for everyone. Its to pay for uniforms and such.

What kind of chances does it give me in getting into WP next year? My biggest fear is that I go to the Prep school and reapply with the same chances I would have had by reapplying as a junior in college.-Chances are very high, but nothing is a given.

How difficult is the schedule CC is placed on?-There are two classes you have everyday: Math and English. Every other day you will have either PE or Study Skills and every Wednesday you'll have Military Science. Not too bad.

Will I need to retake the ACT if that’s the reason I am going to the prep school?-Yes, you'll take both the ACT and SAT during the school year.



I may add questions later on but if anyone has any questions to add to my list feel free to add. Hopefully we can get some answers.

If there is any other kids accepted to USMAPS don’t be shy to say, “what up?” We need to stick together and get through this experience in order to reach WP next year

"What up" from the class of 2010!! See ya'll at WP next year!
 
Thanks for the responses.

What happens when you dont improve your ACT score? Not saying this will happen but I worry because I have never been good at this test.

If anyone is willing, could you post your stats that got you accepted from the prep school. ACT score? SAT scores? APFT? Class scores? Anything else that you think would be helpful?

Like I said above, I have been in college/rotc for the past 2 years and the biggest problems I have is that the prep school may not be challenging. Did you find the prep school to be a big help in preparing you for WP?

Any advice for me and others going to the prep school?

Any info means a lot, thanks again.

Go Army!!!
 
if you have already spent two years in college then they probably careless about your ACT scores than your actual performance in the classes
 
Congrats dude. C ya there. What is your background? Are u active duty, national guard, recruite, or college student?
 
Last year you could have shown up with nothing ($) and still be taken in, they would just deduct the deposit from your pay. My DS showed up with his required money and he makes about $240.00 a month (actual cash in hand, they make E-1 monthly pay) and they are still taking out his West Point deposit for next year.
QUOTE]

I think they actually get cadet pay , as I read from the law, making 35% of 0-1 pay which is about $960/month pre-tax and pre-deductions. If your prior service your draw the base pay (minus any special allowances like flight, combat or jump pay)you have earned according to your rank when you enter. Which generally more that the $960-ish a month for e-1 to e-5. However if you do receive an appointment, you are reverted to the cadet pay of 35% of 0-1 pay from R-day to graduation.
 
Congrats dude. C ya there. What is your background? Are u active duty, national guard, recruite, or college student?

Thanks! Actually, I'm none of those things. Apparently I have great leadership potential, but I'm not as stong as I could be in academics, so I'll be graduating high school shortly before reporting to USMAPS. I think I private messaged you a while ago- I guess you didn't see it.

What about you? Are you from around the northeast region?
 
Last year you could have shown up with nothing ($) and still be taken in, they would just deduct the deposit from your pay. My DS showed up with his required money and he makes about $240.00 a month (actual cash in hand, they make E-1 monthly pay) and they are still taking out his West Point deposit for next year.
QUOTE]

js3486 wrote:
I think they actually get cadet pay , as I read from the law, making 35% of 0-1 pay which is about $960/month pre-tax and pre-deductions.

Max is correct. Generally, prepsters draw E-1 pay. They take a pay cut when they matriculate to the Academies (30% of O-1). Different scale for priors, though.
 
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I beg to differ.

Just for clarification:

37 U.S.C. § 203 :
c) A cadet at the United States Military Academy, the United
States Air Force Academy, or the Coast Guard Academy, or a
midshipman at the United States Naval Academy, is entitled to
monthly cadet pay, or midshipman pay, at the monthly rate equal to
35 percent of the basic pay of a commissioned officer in the pay
grade O-1 with less than two years of service.


e)(1) A student at the United States Military Academy
Preparatory School, the United States Naval Academy Preparatory
School, or the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School
who was selected to attend the preparatory school from civilian
life is entitled to monthly student pay at the same rate as
provided for cadets and midshipmen under subsection (c).

(2) A student at a preparatory school referred to in paragraph
(1) who, at the time of the student's selection to attend the
preparatory school, was an enlisted member of the uniformed
services shall receive monthly basic pay at the rate prescribed for
the student's pay grade and years of service as an enlisted member
or at the rate provided for cadets and midshipmen under subsection
(c), whichever is greater.
 
Last edited:
I beg to differ.

Just for clarification:

37 U.S.C. § 203 :
c) A cadet at the United States Military Academy, the United
States Air Force Academy, or the Coast Guard Academy, or a
midshipman at the United States Naval Academy, is entitled to
monthly cadet pay, or midshipman pay, at the monthly rate equal to
35 percent of the basic pay of a commissioned officer in the pay
grade O-1 with less than two years of service.


e)(1) A student at the United States Military Academy
Preparatory School, the United States Naval Academy Preparatory
School, or the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School
who was selected to attend the preparatory school from civilian
life is entitled to monthly student pay at the same rate as
provided for cadets and midshipmen under subsection (c).

(2) A student at a preparatory school referred to in paragraph
(1) who, at the time of the student's selection to attend the
preparatory school, was an enlisted member of the uniformed
services shall receive monthly basic pay at the rate prescribed for
the student's pay grade and years of service as an enlisted member
or at the rate provided for cadets and midshipmen under subsection
(c), whichever is greater.

E-1 pay in the conditions you quote above, are approx. 35% of O-1 pay under 2 years.
The CC's that are Invitational Reservists, take home about $200 (+/- $50) each pay period, after their deposits, uniforms and other misc. deductions are withdrawn. One of the deductions is the West Point "R" Day deposit. They will take a pay cut of sorts, when they move on to West Point.
 
I'll trust your research that this is the current law, however I'll add the following:

37 U.S.C. § 203 :
c) A cadet at the United States Military Academy, the United
States Air Force Academy, or the Coast Guard Academy, or a
midshipman at the United States Naval Academy, is entitled to
monthly cadet pay, or midshipman pay, at the monthly rate equal to
35 percent of the basic pay of a commissioned officer in the pay
grade O-1 with less than two years of service.

You are correct, I was relying on memory for the 30% figure.

e)(1) A student at the United States Military Academy
Preparatory School, the United States Naval Academy Preparatory
School, or the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School
who was selected to attend the preparatory school from civilian
life is entitled to monthly student pay at the same rate as
provided for cadets and midshipmen under subsection (c).

(2) A student at a preparatory school referred to in paragraph
(1) who, at the time of the student's selection to attend the
preparatory school, was an enlisted member of the uniformed
services shall receive monthly basic pay at the rate prescribed for
the student's pay grade and years of service as an enlisted member
or at the rate provided for cadets and midshipmen under subsection
(c), whichever is greater.

This is subject to interpretation. Prepsters are "active duty" reservists, hence the E-1 pay. I think your prep student will be pleasantly surprised.
 
I'll trust your research that this is the current law, however I'll add the following:



You are correct, I was relying on memory for the 30% figure.



This is subject to interpretation. Prepsters are "active duty" reservists, hence the E-1 pay. I think your prep student will be pleasantly surprised.

I think the answer to this question relies on hearing what the LES from a prepster says. The 2010 E-1 pay rate for less than 4 months of service is $1339 monthly then after 4 months goes to $1447/month. The 35% of O-1 under 2 pay is $960.75. I would agree if they received E-1 pay that would be a pleasant surprise. I also know from my own years of military service it is not likely to be the case, and the law is the law and not open to interpretation when it is plainly spelled out. That being said I would not mind it if my DS drew E-1 pay but I have prepared him for what I read in the law that way if there is a surprise it is pleasant. Just my thoughts on the subject. If I am wrong I would be happy!! However, I think if a Cadet Candidate or Midshipman Candidate could confirm this based on their LES I think that would settle the discussion.:thumb:
 
I think the answer to this question relies on hearing what the LES from a prepster says. The 2010 E-1 pay rate for less than 4 months of service is $1339 monthly then after 4 months goes to $1447/month. The 35% of O-1 under 2 pay is $960.75. I would agree if they received E-1 pay that would be a pleasant surprise. I also know from my own years of military service it is not likely to be the case, and the law is the law and not open to interpretation when it is plainly spelled out. That being said I would not mind it if my DS drew E-1 pay but I have prepared him for what I read in the law that way if there is a surprise it is pleasant. Just my thoughts on the subject. If I am wrong I would be happy!! However, I think if a Cadet Candidate or Midshipman Candidate could confirm this based on their LES I think that would settle the discussion.:thumb:

I just confirmed an IR CC's LES above, they (IR) take home about $400 (+/-$100) each month, or half that each pay period. The amounts are different for each CC depending on their Military experience and the deductions change every LES.

This is from the USMAPS site:
TUITION, PAY AND EXPENSES: USMAPS does not charge a tuition. The government will pay for room, board, medical and dental expenses. Candidates are paid monthly. Regular Army candidates receive their normal pay and allowances according to their rank and time in service. This salary is subject to federal and state withholding taxes and social security deductions with their monthly salary. Candidates pay for their textbooks, calculator, personal services, haircuts, and laundry. Students are also required to set up an allotment (the cadet account) for $300 to defray the cost of their computer at USMA. All candidates must join the Cadet Candidate Extracurricular Fund (CCEF), which covers their yearbook, Army-Navy Game, graduation dinner dance and other school-wide activities throughout the year.

Cadet candidates receive CONUS COLA (Continental United States Cost of Living Allowance) to defray the added cost of living in New Jersey. Additionally, Cadet Candidates will be covered by a government sponsored life insurance plan known as Serviceman's Group Life Insurance (SGLl).
 
I will be going to the USMAPS in 2010-2011. I was hoping to get some more information about the school. I have looked on the main website and I still have questions. If anyone can answer any of the following questions, that would be great.
My background:
Sophomore college student and an MS II in Army ROTC. This has been my third year applying to WP because it has been my dream since I was a kid. It has been a difficult decision because I realize I am already so close to graduating and commissioning. However, I have no problem with all free schooling I can get. My goal in my life is to give myself the best opportunities I can give myself and I believe WP is the way to go to accomplish my goal.
Questions:

How much will the prep school cost? I saw on the USMAPS website that CC needs to bring around $2000. Is this only for a certain group of candidates or everyone?

What kind of chances does it give me in getting into WP next year? My biggest fear is that I go to the Prep school and reapply with the same chances I would have had by reapplying as a junior in college.

How difficult is the schedule CC is placed on?

Will I need to retake the ACT if that’s the reason I am going to the prep school?



I may add questions later on but if anyone has any questions to add to my list feel free to add. Hopefully we can get some answers.

If there is any other kids accepted to USMAPS don’t be shy to say, “what up?” We need to stick together and get through this experience in order to reach WP next year.



Hey man USMAPS is an amazing place, I'm about to tell you a real life story that you don't get often. I graduated high school in 2008 and was rejected to West Point, I had a full Boy's State scholarship to Tallahassee Community College and Florida State University. I went there for a year did ROTC and student government and applied to West Point again. I was rejected a second time but this time I was offered a chance to go to the prep school. This year I went to the prep school and didn't do well during CCBT I completed everything but the cadre hated me because of my actions and lack of discipline. In turn this angered my TAC for basically the rest of the year. TIP: Don't ever anger your TAC or cadet chain of commad. I proceeded along with the year watching many of my peers fall out (we started with about 250). I laughed to myself saying "that will never be me" in the second academic quarter I received a D in the lowest math here and had to go in front of the Colonel and they let me stay. TIP#2: This is common sense but do NOT get a D or F at the academy or a prep program it dropped my class ranks 70 slots if I were at the academy and that happened it would have dropped me a couple hundred slots in class rank and mind you this was the only "Bad" grade I received the whole year. Anyways, I continued to improve in my academics after the second quarter we took the SAT and ACT and my ACT improved but my SAT did not. They still kept me around. I did most of the extracurreculars here but I did a BUNCH of stupid stuff that involved my lack of time management. They still kept me around. I accrued 80 hours throughout the year, every type of restriction, and displayed a pattern for misbehavior. They still kept me around. I ran the New Jersey Marathon and finished. They still kept me around. Around March all the CCs started receiving their appointments. I listened for my name and it was never called. April came and went, never called. May is here now and I am still at the prep school, the thing is last Tuesday my # was finally called. I entered the BTO's office and he informed me that my file had not been accepted by West Point. I'm going back home on Monday.

To make a SUPER long story short this is what I have to say: USMAPS is amazing and if you want to be successful DO what your told to do when your told to do it. Some people may read my story and call me an idiot but I learned a lot about life this year. Me and you have a lot in common because we both came from ROTC programs and here comes TIP#3: Do NOT come to USMAPS from college and think you can behave like a college student.While I was here I envied the high schoolers because they just have NO idea what REAL college is like and that is a GOOD thing. It was my downfall, I worked to try to get away with things that I knew I shouldn't have. Let's be honest this place is all politics...out of the 250 who came here we are now down to 213 and graduation is in four days. The class will graduate will 208 CCs all going to West Point. The other 5 CCs myself included are headed back home (at various times). Now yes there were other CCs who did things WORST than myself (sex in the barracks, drugs, trouble with the law) we even had two CCs who could barely speak english. In the end they ALL got in because they did their work and if they were doing wrong they weren't caught in the wrong or their academics and success at the school was so high that it would overlook their wrongdoings. Work hard guys!Do not try to find ways around doing your work and be "squared away" in ALL aspects. Do not give anyone a reason to say anything negative about your character. If I could do it all over again I would just focus more on SAT prep, classwork, and time management. If you come to USMAPS and focus on those three things alone you will see yourself way up there on the Hudson versy soon. Remember the ball starts rolling AFTER CCBT so get on it. When the other CCs say "hey men let's go to Monmouth University,New York City,Red Bank, Monmouth Mall, or Six Flags" think twice about the decision before you make it. Are you "squared away" in all aspects? Is all of your work for the week or for the next week done? Do you have a test on Monday? Will this benefit you in the long run or help you get into West Point? Think about all of those factors. To answer your questions no you do not have to pay to go to USMAPS they pay you (more $$$ than you will ever receive at USMA by the way) and YES! Everyone must pay the $2000+ for the year which is really not a lot when you get into the "real world". Yes you will have to pay and retake the SAT and ACT, no the schedule is a joke compared to West Point and other military instiutions but it is PACKED.

Mathemically for the 2010 Class of USMAPS the acceptance rate was 83%. Do what you need to do and do not follow my example. If you want to go to West Point make sure that West Point is the ONLY thing on your mind while you are at USMAPS (next to your family that is).

As for myself I am applying to MMI (SAP and ECP programs) and I'm working on my application for the USMA class of 2015 I hope my story has helped you out, keep your head up I'm 19 and this is my 4th time applying to West Point. I hope to see you there! If anyone else has any questions about prep schools NMMI,NAPS or USMAPS feel free to message me. I've had friends at every prep school and I've lived the life.


Alpha Company forever!

- Cadet_Clark
 
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Another slot opening up

My Son was accepted to both NAPS and USMAPS, the night before last he decided to choose Navy so he sent in his declination to MAPS to allow his slot to be allotted to someone else wanting to attend West Point. Good luck to whomever receives it, I hope it is someone on the forum.

Go Navy Beat Army!!
 
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