College freshman applying to USMA 2021?

Ponchco235

Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2016
Messages
51
Would I be a competitive applicant, even though I am applying as a college freshman?
My high school gpa (unweighted) was 3.9 and I was a straight A student except for 2 B+ in freshman year. My class rank by the time I graduated was 24/399 so I was in the top 10%. I successfully completed the IB program and took AP Calc BC my senior year. My ACT composite was a 31 (33 English, 28 math, 34 reading, 29 science, 30 writing) but I plan on retaking to get my math/ski score up. My scholastic awards include certificate of excellence in science, English, and high honor roll for all 4 years of HS.

In terms of athletics, I lettered in track and volleyball freshman year. I also lettered in volleyball again sophomore year. The IB program took a lot of my time so I took a step back from athletics junior year and ran JV cross country senior year. I have received a couple athletic awards (most improved, national physical fitness award). I haven't taken the CFA yet but I am at the average for all categories but higher for running.

In terms of leadership opportunities, I organized an international day at my school and was a presenter (I have lived in the Saudi Arabia/Tunisia for over 14 years) from 10-12th grade. I also was a mentor to IB freshman and sophomore through an organization called IB Engage from 11-12th grade. I also volunteered as a math tutor as a teacher assistant for a class and individually from 10th-12th grade. In addition, I volunteered at an animal shelter and helped teach new volunteers protocol etc. I also helped put together a senior citizen prom, was an office in environmental club, yearbook editor, and national honor society member. I am currently enrolled in an ROTC program for next year and plan on being in student government as a college freshman.

While these are my credentials, my primary motive for applying is to serve my country and fufill what I believe is my duty to this great country. A couple unique things about me include speaking 3 languages fluently (Arabic, French, English), living through the aftermath of 9/11 in Saudi Arabia and living through a revolution/an attack on the American school in Tunisia. But back to my question: am I a competitive applicant, even if I'm applying as a freshman in college?
 
I was a college applicant for 2020 and I got my appointment. Headed up for R-Day in 14 days. Just make sure you get those test scores higher and GET INVOLVED in extracurriculars in college! Grades are also going to be very important this coming year as well as which classes you take. They are looking for classes that are similar to what you would be taking at WP. I know it's hard as a freshman in ROTC (I had a 4-year Army scholarship) but if you can manage to get some leadership experience with ROTC that would be a big help. Any leadership activities in general are going to help. And as always, apply for every single nom you can. My nom was actually the ROTC Nom but do not bank on that. Only a max of 20 appointments are given for that nom source. Just stay focused, work hard, finish your application early, and don't do anything stupid.
 
And one more thing, make sure your Admissions Officer knows who you are. You want to show them that you are involved in and serious about applying just make sure you don't come off as irritating to them.
 
I think you are competitive and the fact you speak three languages I think is pretty amazing. Mimic plebe year classes, extracurriculars, and stay in shape. I second talking to your RC and asking them about your application and what you can do this time around. They are pretty open about that stuff if your nice and not naggy about it.
 
Thanks for both of your replies! I do plan on mimicking plebe year and getting involved in extracurricular so (student government officer, club rugby, global student initiative, ROTC opportunities etc.).
 
Back
Top