Good Signs?

kluckock

5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 1, 2014
Messages
9
Hi, I'm new to the USMA forum so I'm going to say what I need to first so you have context of what I'm asking about.

I'm really interested in West Point, and I can say I have done a lot to stand out. I'm in NHS, Top 10% of my class, AP Scholar, 4 year soccer letter, and a recently appointed band officer (I've been in varsity band all 4 years as well). I work 2 jobs, reffing soccer and tutoring math, and work at several volunteer places.

Ok, so I'm nervous about my CFA. I'm a girl, so far, training all summer I have really been about average/slightly above. Except my mile times which range from the average time of 8:06 to like 9:15. How can I make myself better in all areas?

Lastly, what are good indicators, if any, that you may get nominated and appointed to West Point this year. I got invited to dinner of the top 25 candidates in my area, and I think that is a good sign, but I know nothing is for certain. Is there such thing as foreshadowing like that with USMA admissions?
 
Well, first off your academic records look really good, as well as your extra-curriculars. The varsity letters and leadership positions will help a lot

As for your CFA, there are plenty of posts here about improving your CFA score, i suggest searching for them. West Point does have rolling admission, but i also suggest waiting to turn in your CFA scores when you are satisfied with them. Of course do your best, but if your looking for an average for cadets, there should be something about it on the admissions tab of the USMA site.

Regarding nominations, there is no real foreshadowing you can get besides a letter which doesnt really happen. Its great that you got invited to that dinner, but it all comes down to West Point and your congressional representatives. Make sure your applications are kick butt, run your essays by your teachers and stuff like that. Good luck!
 
What are your ACT/SAT scores? Those will hold a lot of weight also. Max out / control what you can, and apply to every nomination source you qualify for. A lot will also depend on your competition in your state & district. Good luck!
 
My ACT Superscore is 30 with a 33 in Reading, 32 in English, 28 on Math, and 26 on Science. I want to take it again in December to see if I can pull that score up to a 31 or higher.

I know the area I live in has a high number of cadets and prospective candidates, who are all competitive (NTX).

Thank you for the tips and wishes of good luck. I will am trying my best to make sure everything looks great for my nomination papers and then preparing for the Second Step Kit to open. I can't wait to see where this journey takes me.
 
Overall, you look pretty solid, but I wouldn't wait until December to re-take the ACT again. I would try to take it sooner if possible, (and concentrate on your Math) especially if you are in a competitive district as your scores will have to be in to your MOCs before then. I know ACTs are offered in September and October.
 
West Point does not have rolling admission. Even so, once your SSK is opened, your best bet is to complete it as soon as possible, including the CFA.
845something gives a great explanation as to why you shouldn't wait in this post:
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?p=382714#post382714

falconchic88 is correct - don't wait until Dec to take the ACT again. Take it the next time it is offered which is 13 September. Try to concentrate on getting the Math score in the 30 range.
Also, Take the SAT (SAT Dates are: 11 October, 8 November and 6 December.). You may do even better on the SAT. West Point will evaluate you on the whichever test you do the best on, so it doesn't hurt to take both the ACT and SAT
Being Captain of the Soccer team this year would be a plus to your file.
 
If you want to get your mile time down, I recommend that you run Cross Country! I'm a runner, and the only part of the CFA I felt confident about was the shuttle run and mile. Running six miles a day will get you faster in a really short amount of time :thumb:. It's much easier than running on your own, you'll get in shape fast, and if you love it, maybe it'll be another sport you can add onto your resume!
 
A big feather in your cap would be to walk into those congressional nomination interviews with a 3Q letter in your file. Get it done! Best of luck to you!
 
Back
Top