WCS Rubric?

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Sep 12, 2017
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Is there a defined list of point values for the WCS? Asking for myself, I'd like to find out what exactly directly affects what. I saw some thread where someone was listing off varsity sports WCS values casually as 600 points for 2 varsity letters/captain and 500 for one & regular. Is there a list?
 
Is there a defined list of point values for the WCS? Asking for myself, I'd like to find out what exactly directly affects what. I saw some thread where someone was listing off varsity sports WCS values casually as 600 points for 2 varsity letters/captain and 500 for one & regular. Is there a list?
Yes, there is a defined list of WCS point values, but you will not find it here or anywhere else. Only admissions knows.

The citations found in other threads are taken from a Rand study that is over a decade old. Since USMA continually updates its admissions process, the accuracy of those values is questionable.
 
Im sure there's some merit to those (obviously outdated) but merit all the same in that the values should be at least somewhat similar. However, the main reason West Point does not publish the point values is because they do not want you to shoot for minimums; they would rather a candidate simply demonstrate their ability than to join everything just to get the point values to receive admission. Same for the CFA, they don't post minimums because the do not want you to set your goals as the minimums.

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I read the Rand Report a couple years ago when my son was going through the admissions processes for three academies, and was with my son when he spoke with multiple RC's at WP. While I am sure there are things which have changed about the formulas, as the admissions objectives are not exactly the same, the comments made by the RC's were consistent with what was reported in the Rand materials. My suspicion is that the WCS formula is pretty much the same, but there is more "flexibility" or the thresholds may be adjusted as admissions "needs and objectives" require. In short, applicants from some classifications may need a higher WCS to beat out someone from another classification when they both are competing for the same slot, but the scoring rubric is the same.
 
The Rand report can give you a sense of how the academy views different activities and the importance placed on those activities. While the actual scores for activities have probably changed you can see what types of activities are more valued. For example, being Captain of a football team with 50-100 teammates is more valued than being Captain of the golf team that may have 5-10 members but being Captain of two smaller teams demonstrates the same type of potential. Being a student council officer is more valuable than just being a member, but being president is even more valued.

All of these things make complete sense when you think of the academy's mission. They want highly intelligent individuals who have demonstrated leadership through a diverse range of opportunities.

The best advice to candidates is still to do your best at what you enjoy and do not worry about things you cannot control. You will not be successful if you try to game the system.
 
None of the SA's publish their current formula to avoid 'gaming' the admissions systems. Your best source of information would be found on the official SA's websites where they show the typical profile of those attending. That old Rand study is often taken out of context and if you read it carefully, they indicate there are other factors that count toward the WCS they did NOT assess. Top candidates are typically involved in sports, ECA's, leadership roles and excel academically in h.s. There is no one magic combination of things that will insure an appointment. In addition to being 3Q, you also need a NOM and each MOC of determines has their own methodology that you won't find published anywhere.
 
Alright, well thank you all for the information. I sort of saw it coming, but I thought that I'd inquire anyway.
 
There is another study that shows WCS breakdown. However, even if a candidate starts his or her plan and execute it starting their freshmen year,very hard to game the WCS to make a big difference. Are you going to change your district to attend a bigger school? Boys States is good for WCS, but stilll have to get accepted. Wanting to be the football team captain is different from becoming one. I can go on, but the bottom line is being the best you can be is the way forward.
 
Rand report is still accurate. Current plebe here. Used that thing to calculate my score (with some problem solving/guestimates for parts that weren't given info in report) and was within 200 points from the score my admissions officer told me after
 
Rand report is still accurate. Current plebe here. Used that thing to calculate my score (with some problem solving/guestimates for parts that weren't given info in report) and was within 200 points from the score my admissions officer told me after
Upon completing MA 206 Probability & Statistics you might revise your conclusion to read "Rand Report is still accurate (insert standard deviation) with respect to the activities reported in my application. Other activities may not fall within specified confidence interval". :director:Can't pass up an opportunity to haze a plebe.

;) Just kidding. That's good information - evidence that Rand is probably still close. Of some use for those starting the process very early, less so for those that are already Juniors or Seniors. As LG said, knowing your WCS is different than changing it.
 
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