Reapplying to USMA

I applied to the USMA's Class of 2025 this past admissions cycle, but was unsuccessful in receiving an appointment to the academy. This year I have decided to reapply to the USMA for the Class of 2026. I will be going to college and will be taking part in ROTC at my university. Is there any advice available that I can use during my reapplying process such as extracurriculars to take part in, classes to take, athletics to take part in, etc?

I am in the same boat. Doing ROTC as well. Good luck!

The best advice — and it’s given here consistently — is to take a plebe-like schedule to show that you’re capable of thriving in that context. This means college-level English, calculus, chemistry and U.S. history. No remedials or cupcakes. Load up, because plebes typically take 16-19 credits.

Add meaningful extracurriculars to continue demonstrating leadership impact. Add intramurals to stay active and build teamwork. Plebes have military and athletic obligations. Both of those also demand time management to excel academically, which may be the biggest change plebes face — trying to do too much with too little time.

An honest assessment on what areas of your application was lacking this year. If you are honest with yourself, you probably can figure it out. Your RC could also provide some feedback. In addition to what is mentioned above, you may have to take extra steps to improve the areas that are below the averages.

As someone who was rejected from the CO/ 2024 and accepted to 2025 after a year of ROTC, I personally found that the biggest factors came from improving areas of weakness, showing physical improvement regardless of how fit you already were, and strong recommendation. I had two professors who spoke highly of me and additionally got a very strong letter of recommendation from my PMS at my school. Additionally, something that often helps is ROTC extracurriculars. Joining Ranger Challenge or Drill teams help to show that you want to immerse yourself in the military environment and that you can take on additional responsibility.

Good for you. The most important part is trying again--my DS made it the second time and reports in less than two weeks. He also improved his workout regimen and significantly improved his CFA scores on the second application, and earned high marks in his first semester of college.

Take the SAT or ACT again! Get your score as high as you can,(mid 1300's to 1400.). Take English, American history, chemistry, calculus or pre calculus and get A's in all of them. And retake the CFA and get a great score. Also depending on which congressional district you are from having an ROTC nomination can make a huge difference.

And lastly ... write your regional commander. Tell him/her your intention regarding reapplying and why you are continuing to pursue admission. Then send an email every month to update the regional commander on your progress. (DS reapplied and is reporting in just over a week!)