Academics and athletics at USMA

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Wingman1515

USMA '27
Joined
Dec 6, 2022
Messages
4
Hi all, Class of 2027 appointee here, and I have a question for parents or cadets... Does West Point actively try to help you succeed academically? Are there some weeder majors to stay away from? I am interested in studying an engineering major, possibly systems or electrical, but I am a bit concerned with my future workload as I will also be in an NCAA sport. I just don't want to flunk out and waste all I've worked for, or have to switch my major last minute to stay afloat. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
My son is at USNA and I am sure it applies to USMA.

The resources available are amazing. Professors are accessible, classmates and upperclassmen are there to help, and the resource center is staffed with excellent experts.

Try the sport. Know when it is too much for you to handle. There is no shame in quitting and focusing on your academics.

Many before you succeeded with this, some of whom weren’t as gifted as you. Have confidence.
 
For a SA, your first priority has to be academics over NCAA Sport. If your sport is more important, then an SA may not be for you.
All SAs and Colleges have academic support...look into what is available. There are always Professor office hours, you can form study groups... see what kind of tutors there ... Read about them https://www.westpoint.edu/centers-a...anced-performance/academic-excellence-program and use them as soon as you think you need them.
 
Lots of d1 sports types are at a SA strictly because the SA coaches recruited them. For many of them their sport is a big deal. And it’s a major time commitment.

There is an older thread , maybe on USNA forum, where I asked this very question. Is it easier or harder academically when playing a SA D1 sport?

it was kind of a mixed bag of inputs but as I remember the only one who said they quit a varsity team to focus on academics was someone who was also not getting playing time.

For several the views were that being on a sports team helps academically or in general school-wise , even though you will be missing class and study time and leave time as well.

There is an academic support system for the SA sports types that is truly impressive. And much of that academic help will come from team mates and others associated with the team.
 
There is no school where instructors are more accessible for additional instruction that West Point. Additionally, companies have cadets who tutor those who need help.

As far as majors, before choosing a major you will find out quickly in Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, and English whether some majors should be avoided - a big advantage of USMA over going into a major as a freshman and running into a buzzsaw.
 
Thank you all for your input! To be clear, I am not a recruited athlete. I am a college reapplicant and student-athlete, and reached out to the West Point coach after I recieved my appointment, and was offered a roster spot.

Playing my sport definitely will not make or break my time at USMA, but from everyone I've talked to about it (Family Friend USMA grad and FFR), they were persistant on me taking this oppurtunity instead of other ECs I was interested in (Sandhurst, Parachute, Scuba Team). I've taken calculus 1 and 2, physics, and chemistry in college and they haven't been overly challenging but I can see how they could become exponentially harder through the years.
 
Wingman1515 said:
Thank you all for your input! To be clear, I am not a recruited athlete. I am a college reapplicant and student-athlete, and reached out to the West Point coach after I recieved my appointment, and was offered a roster spot.

Playing my sport definitely will not make or break my time at USMA, but from everyone I've talked to about it (Family Friend USMA grad and FFR), they were persistant on me taking this oppurtunity instead of other ECs I was interested in (Sandhurst, Parachute, Scuba Team). I've taken calculus 1 and 2, physics, and chemistry in college and they haven't been overly challenging but I can see how they could become exponentially harder through the years.
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For what it’s worth but based on first hand observation—as an enlisted—time on a SA varsity team will help make you a better officer more so than a higher gpa will.

Especially if you are to lead in combat.
 
Wingman1515 said:
Thank you all for your input! To be clear, I am not a recruited athlete. I am a college reapplicant and student-athlete, and reached out to the West Point coach after I recieved my appointment, and was offered a roster spot.

Playing my sport definitely will not make or break my time at USMA, but from everyone I've talked to about it (Family Friend USMA grad and FFR), they were persistant on me taking this oppurtunity instead of other ECs I was interested in (Sandhurst, Parachute, Scuba Team). I've taken calculus 1 and 2, physics, and chemistry in college and they haven't been overly challenging but I can see how they could become exponentially harder through the years.
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Hey! Hows it going now?
 
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