Reapplying to USMA

texas2westpoint

5-Year Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2012
Messages
18
I got DQ'd by DoDMERB and told that USMA will not be pursuing a waiver. It's a DQ that is for having a cyst removed less than six months ago and everything else was ok so it will expire in March. I plan to join ROTC in the fall and re-apply for the class of 2018. When can I open a new application? I did my ap this year as part of my SLS application. What do I need to do differently as a reapplicant?
 
Bumping this.

More specifically:

When can I reapply?

Are the same recommendations needed - Math, Science, English - or is there some other subjects allowed?

I will probably not need to take English or Science in my major due to AP results. If the answer to the above is "yes", are there any particular Eng or Science classes that WP will look for or can I take ones that would count as elective distribution?
 
Sometime in late July. When open your application file, it supposed to recognize your SSN and transfer information and will tell you what you need to update (red vs green).

Same recommendations are needed, doesn't have to be your college professors, it can be your high school teachers.

WP wants to you take similiar classes as the plebe classes.

I always recommend to reapplicants to take the SAT again unless their scores are around 2100. My understanding is that SAT/ACT scores are still a part of the academic evalation. So even if you get stright A's in your college courses, your SAT/ACT scores don't change unless you retake them and do better.
 
^Beat me to it sir.

Sorry to hear about your situation with DoDMERB.

If you choose to reapply, e-mail your regional commander to let him know that you intend to. Last year since I was QNS I asked for some advice on my file. I'd let your MALO/FFR know as well.

But when you reapply, you fill in all the information to make a file. The system should recognize you as a re-applicant and reload your previous info (It kept my high school LOEs, SAT scores, etc). I had the same Candidate ID as well. Your portal will open the same time as everyone else's.

SOEs are the same, but you can also have your PMS in ROTC fill one out as well.

I'm not sure on the AP credits, but it's strongly recommended you try to mimic a USMA Plebe schedule, as my advice.
 
Sometime in late July. When open your application file, it supposed to recognize your SSN and transfer information and will tell you what you need to update (red vs green).

Same recommendations are needed, doesn't have to be your college professors, it can be your high school teachers.

WP wants to you take similiar classes as the plebe classes.

I always recommend to reapplicants to take the SAT again unless their scores are around 2100. My understanding is that SAT/ACT scores are still a part of the academic evalation. So even if you get stright A's in your college courses, your SAT/ACT scores don't change unless you retake them and do better.

Thanks. Glad to hear it can be high school recommenders. It would be hard to get to know a teacher very well in a freshman intro class in time for the application process. :smile:

I am already scheduled to take my ACTs again in December. WP is using my ACTs this time since they are stronger.

I have read here about trying to mimic a plebe schedule. My concern is that, since I will be in ROTC (hopefully) and not an engineering or math major, taking those classes, which would not ordinarily be part of my degree program, might put me at risk to not graduate in four years if I don't succeed with USMA.

Lots to think about. Best to worry about getting accepted at my top schools first and then the class schedule, right? :wink:
 
I believe you will have to do the CFA again. Agree with all of the above advice. Keep in touch with your MOC's and the like. Schedule plebe year classes. Also, if possible, keep active in sports-even if intramural and community/church activities. DS was a reapplicant too and was a walk on to the CC and Track teams. Anytime you can add to your resume do so and inform your MOC's, etc.
Good luck!
 
My concern is that, since I will be in ROTC (hopefully) and not an engineering or math major, taking those [USMA Plebe type] classes, which would not ordinarily be part of my degree program, might put me at risk to not graduate in four years if I don't succeed with USMA.
Which is the greater risk: not showing the Admissions Committee that you can master the same level of classes that Plebes take, or the cost/time of possibly needing to put in one extra semester to graduate at your civilian college? Calculus, English, Chemistry.... sure, two of those three might not relate to your future major, but they will better prepare you for your ultimate goal, which is to be thrive in your Plebe classes at the USMA. Actually, some colleges won't let you take Chemistry until you have a semester of Calculus under your belt, so that could be tricky.
 
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Actually, some colleges won't let you take Chemistry until you have a semester of Calculus under your belt, so that could be tricky.
This seems a bit odd to have a Calc pre-req for freshman chemistry. Calc is typically a pre-req or co-req for first semester physics.

If you do not get into USMA and try to commission via ROTC not getting done in 4 years could cause you some issues but I don't think it is a killer. I am sure someone will come along that is able to expand on this.
 
CFA, yes. I was actually happy I got to take it again because I performed significantly better the second year.

College SOEs can be tough because you won't know your college professors at well. At my school I have a quarter schedule so I only have classes for 7 weeks. What I did was made sure I got good grades and payed attention. My professor was happy to fill it out for me. Don't forget it's not a full letter of recommendation.

I'm not sure how delayed commissioning works in ROTC, but my Battalion does have several cadets each year that do so. Not sure the reasons and how it's processed.
 
. . . My concern is that, since I will be in ROTC (hopefully) . . . :

You can get ROTC nomination. Recommend don't talk about applying to West Point until November/December - you don't want to create an impression that your only join ROTC to get a nomination to West Point. You might not think you are acting or talking like that, but your actions can be percieved differetnly.

ROTC nomination is a simple form filled out by your Professor of Military Science, so if your PMS wants to he could do it less than 5 minutes.
 
You will need SOEs from college professors.

From the 2017 Instructions for Applicants:
If you have college experience or are a current col-
lege student, submit the SOEs from your college
English, mathematics, and science professors; Pro-
fessor of Military Science is
acceptable.
 
You can get ROTC nomination. Recommend don't talk about applying to West Point until November/December - you don't want to create an impression that your only join ROTC to get a nomination to West Point.
Hmm, I haven't been in that situation, but my life experience leads me to believe that being completely upfront with the ROTC PMS is the best way to go.

I suggest a sit-down with the PMS... something like:

"Sir, I'm glad I'm in your Battalion. However, I want you to know that my Plan A was the Academy, and I DODMERB DQ'd based on timing after a cyst surgery. I want to reapply, Sir, and I hope I earn your support in that process. I will make the most of my opportunity in ROTC whether that is for 1 year or 4 years. If I do not get an Appt. to the Academy on 2nd try, you have my commitment to do what it takes to develop into a leader in this Battalion."

If posters here have learned that being upfront with the PMS can backfire, then this is a good place to share that experience.
 
Hmm, I haven't been in that situation, but my life experience leads me to believe that being completely upfront with the ROTC PMS is the best way to go.

I suggest a sit-down with the PMS... something like:

"Sir, I'm glad I'm in your Battalion. However, I want you to know that my Plan A was the Academy, and I DODMERB DQ'd based on timing after a cyst surgery. I want to reapply, Sir, and I hope I earn your support in that process. I will make the most of my opportunity in ROTC whether that is for 1 year or 4 years. If I do not get an Appt. to the Academy on 2nd try, you have my commitment to do what it takes to develop into a leader in this Battalion."

If posters here have learned that being upfront with the PMS can backfire, then this is a good place to share that experience.
I think this would be my recommendation as well. After that initial conversation I would not bring it up again until it was time to request the PMS's nom.
 
You will need SOEs from college professors.

From the 2017 Instructions for Applicants:
If you have college experience or are a current col-
lege student, submit the SOEs from your college
English, mathematics, and science professors; Pro-
fessor of Military Science is
acceptable.

I guess I am confused a little. If the application opens in July, I doubt I will have even met my college professors yet. :confused:
 
I guess I am confused a little. If the application opens in July, I doubt I will have even met my college professors yet. :confused:

while it opens in July, you do not have to have the application complete until the end of February of the year you are applying to enter. you have time to get to know some professors.

i recommend picking some in Math, Lab Science and English classes.

this year they are reigning in the rolling admissions so having to wait for college professor recommendations and first semester grades won't hurt you
(as much) as in years past.

Good luck and keep testing on the ACT and SAT! College reading can really help your verbal/english scores.
 
I guess I am confused a little. If the application opens in July, I doubt I will have even met my college professors yet. :confused:

Your file will not be evaluated until your 1st semester transcripts are sent to WP.
Therefore, you will have your first semester to get to know these profs.
Get to know them and ask if they will do a SOE for you before you leave for Christmas break.
Get the Registrar at your college to send your 1st Semester transcript to WP as soon as it is available.
Complete your file early.

The 2 most important things you can do to improve your chances in re-applying are:
1) Make A's and B's in your college classes. Should take Math (ideally Calculus), English, US History and Chemistry w/Lab.
2) Retake SAT and ACT and raise your scores. You can really make yourself more competitive by improving your SAT/ACT scores.

You are building on your High School file - so improve on it.
Even though your hang-up with admissions this year is a medical thing that will be resolved with time, you still want to present WP with an even stronger file than this year.

Cross-posted with GoArmyBeatNavy and ditto on what they said. :thumb:
 
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while it opens in July, you do not have to have the application complete until the end of February of the year you are applying to enter. you have time to get to know some professors.

i recommend picking some in Math, Lab Science and English classes.

this year they are reigning in the rolling admissions so having to wait for college professor recommendations and first semester grades won't hurt you
(as much) as in years past.

Good luck and keep testing on the ACT and SAT! College reading can really help your verbal/english scores.

ahhh. So that's one big difference. While as a high school senior the constant message was to get the application done early, it's the opposite as a re-applicant.

Good luck and keep testing on the ACT and SAT! College reading can really help your verbal/english scores.

Well, verbal/reading isn't my weak area but the extra math sure won't hurt. Too bad Calculus isn't on the SAT/ACT since it looks like I'll be taking it three times.
 
While as a high school senior the constant message was to get the application done early, it's the opposite as a re-applicant.

Careful here. I didn't mean to say that you should wait until the end of February. Buff is correct in her post. Complete everything as soon as you can and restest on ACT and SAT through February.

I wouldn't request that your college professors complete the SOEs until you feel that they would be able to give a recommendation based on their viewing you as a leader in their classes (leadership is more than grades, but doing poorly in class will not reflect well).

It is still important to finish your file as early as you can and finish every sub-part as soon as you are able as this sends a positive message to USMA.
 
Agreed on the timeframe. It shows dedication.

I'll have finished Calculus II by my next round of SATs, so you're definitely not alone there!

I haven't spoken to my PMS about a nomination yet, but I'm going to talk about having more options to commission (I'm noncontracted in ROTC, so I'm pursuing all opportunities). I also definitely want to try again [reapply] since USMA was such a big part of my high school career.

Not to hijack your thread here, but I have a question regarding college SOEs. I have a Math SOE, and I should have a PMS and English SOE by the end of December. My school has the quarter schedule so I may not have Physics until fourth quarter, after the file deadline. Would this be a problem?
 
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