Guidance needed

mgmt16

5-Year Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2012
Messages
7
I am going to be a Freshman at Penn State this year. I considered applying to USMA when I was a junior, but at the age of 16 making such a big commitment seemed scary to me. My dad was also pushing me to, and I didn't want to pursue an appointment just because he wanted me to.

I recently went to R-Day to drop off my girlfriend, and I was amazed at everything USMA had to offer. The structure, the idea that everything you did was to reach the goal of becoming an officer, and the fact that the new cadets made the switch from civilian to new cadet in under 12 hours was mind blowing. No civilian university/college in the country compares in those areas. Being a cadet seems like it would bring a great amount of pride and satisfaction. I know it is extremely difficult to be a cadet, but I am willing to put in the work after I saw a bit of it first hand. I wish I visited/had this eye opening experience two years ago.....

I have two major questions: What is protocol for dating older cadets at USMA?

Is it too late to apply for the class of 2017? Would it be worth it to rush the process, or is it even possible? Would it be better to get a year of college under my belt?

I would really appreciate ANY kind of advice.
 
Now that you're this far along, here's a link to the USMA application. Go for it.

https://candidate.usma.edu/guest/cq/dad_pcq_part1.cfm?field1=BW

This has the makings of something we see every 25 years or so, a West Point comedy, something along the lines (a long gray one?) of a Legally Blonde but with the roles reversed. I'm picturing Alice Eve (sans accent) and Jay Baruchel as the stars, maybe Seth Rogan as the seemingly gruff but kind-hearted upperclassman.
 
Just opened my portal. Thanks for the reply.

I'll keep you posted on the comedy....
 
Also suggest you enroll in Army ROTC at Penn State for next year and obviously do your best (and excel) in all your classes.
AROTC will be an additional source for possible a nomination.
 
Thanks a lot greentrees, I just sent the Scholarship and Enrollment Officer at Penn State an email. Hopefully it's not too late to join.
 
I have two major questions: What is protocol for dating older cadets at USMA?
Usually, a Plebe can not date an upperclassman - but - if you are in an existing relationship, it is permissible.

Is it too late to apply for the class of 2017? Would it be worth it to rush the process, or is it even possible? Would it be better to get a year of college under my belt?

To add to the advise above, take classes that Plebes take. Do well in them. Unless your ACT/SAT scores are high - retake them.
College grades and ACT/SAT scores - very important!

Look at your MOCs websites and see when their deadlines are for applying for their nomination. In addition to the possible AROTC nom, you should apply to your 2 US Senators, Representative and the VP.

Make some serious headway on completing your application as soon as you can. Get as much accomplished this summer before you head off to school.

One main difference between applying as a HS Senior and as a college student is that a college student's file is not evaluated until 1st semester college transcripts are received by West Point. Make sure that before you leave for Christmas break that Penn State sends your 1st semester transcripts in as soon as they are available.
 
If they won't evaluate my file until they receive my 1st semester transcript, would there be any downfall to complete my CFA on the later side, say in the beginning of December? I want to get as much training under my belt as possible. My final exams for the 1st semester are on December 17-21. Also, thanks for the advice.
 
Back
Top