Age Requirement Dilema

kfacademy

USMA Appointee 2017
5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2010
Messages
121
The academies require a cadet to be 17 by July 1 of the year they start but I will graduate high school at 16 and will not be 17 until August of that year. So I guess the problem is that I would be a month and a half to young for the academy. Now would they make an exception (I am guessing not) or would they send me to a prep school or would I just have to stay at home, work, do local college for a year? The thing is I dont want to just take a year off then apply and not get accepted. So could I apply the year I am too young and ask them to guarantee or at least tell me I am hope full but just wait a year. What is the procedure for this? Have they encountered this before? Thanks so much. By the way I will be a junior this year.
 
Age requirements are pretty tight. There are several cases when someone exceeds the upper age limit. In these cases, the answer were no. But you case is the opposite. You will "grow into their requirement" rather than out. I would discuss this with the admissions, not just an officer, but someone of higher level. Id needed, have your parents call may help.

Going to WP? You're just a little kid. :yllol::shake::thumb:
 
I definitely do plan to speak with admissions about this (before or after SLS?) - just thought I might get some ideas on here first.

And in response to the "little kid" comment. I am not sure what you mean by that. Junior year is the year to start looking a colleges. If you mean my age- I am a year younger than my peers due to being smart enough to skip a grade- doesn't make me little or not good enough for west point.
 
If you mean my age- I am a year younger than my peers due to being smart enough to skip a grade- doesn't make me little or not good enough for west point.

No, but it does make you too young.

I doubt your application would even be considered as you are ineligible for appointment, per US Law, due to your age.
 
Luigi is right. I don't think you can even apply since you must input your date of birth. Since you are hearing 'no' here, go ahead and call admissions at West Point.
Understand that when you report to West Point you are joining the Army. You must be at least 17 years old to join the Army, with parental permission.
Go to college for a year, then apply -- I know you are anxious but there are many benefits to this all around.
 
Ok two questions then:

1) Does the same thing apply for USMAPS or the other prep schools? What about private military prep schools?

2) How does the application process differ if I applied after one year of college? How does West Point view this? Would frown upon attending a community college for that one year? Do they look at your high school grades or grades from that one year of college?

Thanks again all!
 
That's a pretty unfortunate situation you have going. However, I would, as the others said, contact the Admissions office directly. They will offer you the best advice possible. I would also ask them what kind of college would be beneficial in your situation. I would probably aim for your number one civilian school. If you happen to not be accepted to West Point, you will still be enrolled at a decent school of your choice. Best of luck with pursuing West Point when you're of age.
 
Ok two questions then:

1) Does the same thing apply for USMAPS or the other prep schools? What about private military prep schools?

2) How does the application process differ if I applied after one year of college? How does West Point view this? Would frown upon attending a community college for that one year? Do they look at your high school grades or grades from that one year of college?

Thanks again all!
1. USMAPS, yes
Military junior college? No.

2. The application process does not differ if you apply from college. West Point would look very highly on this - they understand the age requirement. Furthermore, they don't penalize you for applying from college. Each year about 70% of the incoming class is from high school. The remainder are from college, prep school or prior service.

They will look at your high school record as well as your college record. You can choose a 4 year college or even a community college.
The year will not be wasted. If you plan your courses correctly you possibly can validate some plebe classes and free up your schedule later for electives.

You really should make contact with your regional commander in admission. This officer can give you current and honest advice.
 
I agree with the above post that they will look at your application highly next year.
I were you I would still apply this year. Contact them on the side. But let them reject your application because of your young age. Don't stop the application once you find out the requirement. Let that application be in the record. It would help you next year. You're a smart kid (to be able to skip a grade) they will want you, law permits.

Good luck.
 
1. USMAPS, yes
Military junior college? No.

2. The application process does not differ if you apply from college. West Point would look very highly on this - they understand the age requirement. Furthermore, they don't penalize you for applying from college. Each year about 70% of the incoming class is from high school. The remainder are from college, prep school or prior service.

They will look at your high school record as well as your college record. You can choose a 4 year college or even a community college.
The year will not be wasted. If you plan your courses correctly you possibly can validate some plebe classes and free up your schedule later for electives.

You really should make contact with your regional commander in admission. This officer can give you current and honest advice.

JAM is exactly correct. To enter USMAPS you'll be entering as an "Invitational Reservist" and therefore be required to be at least 17 years old.

Go to a Community College and set up your schedule for validating your Plebe year classes as JAM said above, and then apply next year. Obviously you should talk to admissions and a FFR to see what classes they want or recommend.

JMVHO
 
For the love of god, go to college for a year. Have fun. Enjoy freedom. Then come to USMA with the memory of what it's like to have a good time. You have the rare opportunity to have your cake and eat it too. Don't let that one go.
 
Thank you for all the info. I know my mother would love for me to be home for a year :) I plan to attend SLS next summer. I will be able to do that since it is by grade correct? Should I contact admissions to see what they recommend now or when I apply for SLS in december or afterwords? And I am assuming that the admissions office would refer me to my regional officer correct? Thanks.
 
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