We have a CC at USMAPS currently. During our briefing we were told that about 50% of the class make up are recruited athletes. About 15% are prior enlisted. So that leaves 35% that are neither of those. That has since been confirmed by our CC. However, not all of those "athletes" are academically "unqualified". As SFRanger states, some were from "very competitive districts" in their home states and couldn't secure a nomination. Those, along with others who are not athletes, may be offered a spot USMAPS instead of a direct appointment if the admissions board, RC or FFR recommends one. Others are correct in stating that a CC is usually lacking in one area or another (physically, academically, leadership). The fact is that there are a variety of different reasons a CC may be offered an appointment to USMAPS and not a direct apointment to USMA and we CAN NOT lump them all into one general category. The primary reason they are there......to serve as an officer in the greatest army in the world. A USMA education, military and leadership training are second to none! The leadership there will tell you and your cadet: Academics 1st, Military training 2nd, Athletics 3rd. I'm sure a coach may tell them differently but IF you make it through USMAPS and accept an appointment "down the hill" you are committing to 12 more years total. So one aught to know what they are truly there for. BTW our CC was "academically qualified", not a recruit, and physically qualified as well? Only the academy knows why our CC wasn't a direct appointment but I am happy to say that our CC is more than grateful for the opportunity to attend USMAPS and feels more prepared for the plebe year coming up. Hope this helps clarify some things. Also, as for the history of USMAPS: it was originally meant as an avenue for enlisted folks to enter USMA and had nothing to do with athletics. Understand that it is the US Army's needs that dictate who gets offered a spot at the prep school and that changes year to year and so does the class profile. It is a personal decision but if offered it's a golden opportunity to attend USMAPS for a year of prep if the ultimate goal is USMA. PM me if you'd like to discuss in more detail our CC's experiences.