Any New(and old) Appointees have any advice?

Hello to All,
So I saw the USMA appointment thread and while unfortunately I cannot add my name to the list (yet ) I was wondering if any of you guys/gals out there had any general advice on getting in to USMA .Im a sophomore,so I still have a ways to go until application time,but my transcript isn't looking too hot right now.Im involved in Marching Band , more recently track,and Im also the president of a community service group outside of school ,but that's about it.I have been verbally sworn in as the percussion section leader my senior year in Marching Band,but with this being my first year of track Im not sure if I will get a leadership position by the time application rolls around next year.Yeah so that's about it.I also have a Nomination meetings coming up with my Congressman /Representative soon.Any advice would be appreciated.Thanks.

1) Test scores, test scores, test scores -
Getting scores in the 30s for ACT will make you competitive. Take and retake as many times as you can. West Point susperscores, which means they use the the highest score that you make on each section , so there is no penalty to taking it as many times as you can. English and Math are the 2 scores that they really look at.
2) Class Rank -
West Point doesn't look at your GPA. They use your class rank. Take challenging classes at your school and make 'A's and 'B's in them.
3) Sports -
Marching band does not count as a sport, so it will not help you much (seems you already know that). But - good for getting involved in track.
4) Going to Boy's/Girl's State will boost your leadership score. If you are in Scouting, attaining Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts or Gold Award in Girl Scouts.
5) Get to know you Math, English and Physics/Chemistry teachers. They will have to fill out an evaluation on you. Best you get to know them now and of course be a good student in their class.
6) Is there a club at your school that interests you that you could get involved in? You have time to reach a leadership position in one of those.
7) Test scores, test scores, test scores.

Yes we have student government and a variety of other clubs at my school.I was thinking about joining student government..the other clubs don't do much.

buff81 said:

1) Test scores, test scores, test scores - 2) Class Rank -7) Test scores, test scores, test scores.

Click to expand...

One other thing....have any of the Moderators mentioned and advised you about TEST SCORES, TEST SCORES, TEST SCORES and Class Rank?

Take heed.

Oh ok

So test scores and class rank.Got it.

Like I've said before Emma, relax. You are a sophomore. There isn't a whole lot for you to do right now besides focus on school and get involved. It's good that you are excited, just use that excitement to focus on what you can do: test scores and class rank.

Ok thanks ClimberGirl

Emma, look into Sea Cadets http://www.seacadets.org/

It's a great program that offers lots of training in different areas of the military. I understand you're aiming for USMA and Sea Cadets is Navy - but it's a great program!

Oh thanks will do!