Candidate Statements Question

W

WestPoint2017

5-Year Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2012
Messages
262
I searched previous posts for an answer to my questions, but found no such luck. Can the candidate statements "Make you" as well as "Break you?" Are they even graded and included in WCS because they are graded for grammar? If the Admissions Board reads the essays and is like "Damn we want this kid!" can that happen or are these all hidden secrets? Thanks as always
 
When I was at SLE last summer I went on a hike around campus with a group of other candidates for a lecture. One of the Professors that guided the group was a Major who used to work in the admissions department, and he spoke candidly about some components of the admissions process.

He said that though the admissions board does read the Candidate Statements, they are not going to have a large effect on the overall file, unless you happen to write about something that raises a red flag, in which case there would be a negative effect. In general he downplayed the importance of the Candidate Statements in comparison with quantifiable things like GPA, test scores, extracurricular involvement, and athletics, things that factor into the WCS.

For what it's worth (and it isn't worth very much as I am only a fellow applicant myself) I don't see how it could hurt to put your best effort into the essays, but at the same time I wouldn't agonize over them for weeks on end.
 
BDHuff09 said:
Put your best effort into the essays.
Click to expand...

Do your best, get them done, complete your file.

If you started today, you could be done, with several rounds of proofreading, by Sunday at the latest. Any longer than that and you're probably procrastinating.
 
What the former Admissions Officer said is true -HOWEVER - The quality of the candidate files are very close. ADMISSIONS IS LOOKING FOR ANYTHING THAT CAN "BREAK A TIE".
Do your very best on EVERYTHING
 
adding onto this idea of the essays, it says we have 2500 words, does that mean we should pump out a 2500 word essay, or would a short, sweet, and to the point essay suffice? not trying to cut corners, just curious
 
KyleMullins45 said:
adding onto this idea of the essays, it says we have 2500 words, does that mean we should pump out a 2500 word essay, or would a short, sweet, and to the point essay suffice? not trying to cut corners, just curious
Click to expand...

I think it's 2500 characters, spaces not included
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top