Advice to make my application stronger

lilajm

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Joined
Dec 19, 2017
Messages
18
As a junior in high school my application is about to begin and I am quite eager to start it! These are my high school accomplishments so far and I was wondering if this is a strong background. But I am mostly looking for advice to make it stronger! Anything helps, thank you so much!


I am a Varsity Wrestling Captain and a Varsity Baseball player. I am a member of my high school's Health Academy where I received training in leadership, communication, and responsibility. From this Academy I completed all the academic and clinical hours (75 Hours) to become a Certified Nursing Assistant where I served the geriatric community and had the responsibility of caring for a group ranging from 5-8 patients. I have taken courses in STEM such as AP Physics and AP Calculus as well as many other AP courses. With these courses I maintained a 4.4 weighted GPA (3.8 non weighted). In my class of about 550 students I rank within the top 10%. I also completed about 200 hours as a camp counselor. In terms of the ACT, here are my scores:


English: 30

Reading: 32

Math: 29

Science: 30

Composite: 30
 
Your ACT scores may get you into SLE, but I'd still recommend retaking it. A small bump in your ACT can dramatically alter your competitiveness...academics are 60% of the WCS. Nothing about my application changed except my ACT and somehow I received an LOA based on that small, two point improvement...

Your class rank and classes look good, so make sure you keep it up. Don't fail to challenge yourself academically your senior year. According to a couple of officials from USMA briefs I've been to, West Point prefers you earn a B in AP Calc BC than an A in pre-calculus.

USMA loves to see sports like baseball on your resume, and your Captianship looks good. Baseball is spring and Wrestling is winter...join a Fall sport. Cross country would look fantastic, but another sport would boost your file.

Community service hours are always something USMA likes to see. If you have time this Summer, try getting a job just for the season. Employment isn't a must, but it will help you.

Try and join your National Honor Society program. If it's not too late, maybe plug into JROTC if you have the time.

Since you're a junior, it's about time to apply to SLE and Boys/Girls State. SLE opened in January last year. Make sure you submit your ACT scores to West Point now so they have them for your SLE application. Search your local Boys State program and try to get in! SLE will help you decide if West Point is for you, and Boys State will boost your file.

Prepare for the CFA! Practice the six areas now. You will be taking it much sooner than you think...

Eight months from now your file will have likely been opened and you will be applying for nominations...good luck!

Go Army, beat Navy!
 
Your ACT scores may get you into SLE, but I'd still recommend retaking it. A small bump in your ACT can dramatically alter your competitiveness...academics are 60% of the WCS. Nothing about my application changed except my ACT and somehow I received an LOA based on that small, two point improvement...

Your class rank and classes look good, so make sure you keep it up. Don't fail to challenge yourself academically your senior year. According to a couple of officials from USMA briefs I've been to, West Point prefers you earn a B in AP Calc BC than an A in pre-calculus.

USMA loves to see sports like baseball on your resume, and your Captianship looks good. Baseball is spring and Wrestling is winter...join a Fall sport. Cross country would look fantastic, but another sport would boost your file.

Community service hours are always something USMA likes to see. If you have time this Summer, try getting a job just for the season. Employment isn't a must, but it will help you.

Try and join your National Honor Society program. If it's not too late, maybe plug into JROTC if you have the time.

Since you're a junior, it's about time to apply to SLE and Boys/Girls State. SLE opened in January last year. Make sure you submit your ACT scores to West Point now so they have them for your SLE application. Search your local Boys State program and try to get in! SLE will help you decide if West Point is for you, and Boys State will boost your file.

Prepare for the CFA! Practice the six areas now. You will be taking it much sooner than you think...

Eight months from now your file will have likely been opened and you will be applying for nominations...good luck!

Go Army, beat Navy!
Thank you so much! That really helps!
 
Good for you, buddy.
I think they would be lucky to have you to train as an officer!

Certainly retake the ACT when you're a Senior. Your score is sure to go up in something.
 
Your ECAs look great. Keep doing the things you enjoy and do them well. Captain of the Baseball team would help. Do not just join another team or club to put it on your resume.

You ACT scores are around the average of last year's class. The others posters are correct that improvement here will make you more competitive.

GPA does not really mean anything, it is your class rank that really matters.

While no one knows the exact calculations in the WCS, you can max out in each area. For example I would suggest that their is little to no difference between 200 and 300 service hours

You did not mention your CFA. You need to work out and practice the events in order. Just like your ACT, getting the averages means you are qualified but beating the averages makes you a more competitive candidate.
 
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