Current cadet AMA

Does Company Leadership randomize your roommate selection? How many to a room usually??
 
What do you think separated you as a cadet candidate and got you an appointment? Favorite part of the academic year for you as a cadet? Thanks for doing this!
 
usmaismygoal said:
Home for the holidays and free to answer any questions to the best of my ability.
Click to expand...
Thank you for taking the time to do this. What did you do to prepare for the CFA? How early did you start raining as well as how did you hone in on and improve your weak areas?
 
1. Were you a reapplicant? If so, how did that change your application process and your West Point experience?
2. How long did you have to wait after your interview before you were told you got a nomination?
3. How long did you have to wait before your DoDMERB to show up in your portal?
4. How did you prepare for Beast?
5. If you were in ROTC, how is it different in terms of military training?
6. How much down time do cadets usually have?
7. Is there anything you regret not doing before going to West Point, in your application or otherwise?
8. Lastly, if you don't mind me asking, what were your CFA and SAT scores?

Sorry for the overload, but thank you for doing this!
 
JCSDVM1 said:
Does Company Leadership randomize your roommate selection? How many to a room usually??
Click to expand...
Your first semester, and depending on the company you are in also your second semester, you will have your roommates selected for you. After your first/second semester you may be given the opportunity to select preferences.
 
  • Like
Reactions: You
fordpitts12 said:
What do you think separated you as a cadet candidate and got you an appointment? Favorite part of the academic year for you as a cadet? Thanks for doing this!
Click to expand...
I applied for a second time after attending college. This added points to my packet but more importantly showed that I wanted it and wouldn't give up after a setback. I still worked hard on standardized tests and everything else as well as constantly improving my scores wherever I could.

Favorite part of the academic year as a cadet is having instructors that are always willing to help along with going through classes with fellow cadets. At my last school, not much collaboration happened but here it is all about working together to learn.
 
You said:
1. Were you a reapplicant? If so, how did that change your application process and your West Point experience?
2. How long did you have to wait after your interview before you were told you got a nomination?
3. How long did you have to wait before your DoDMERB to show up in your portal?
4. How did you prepare for Beast?
5. If you were in ROTC, how is it different in terms of military training?
6. How much down time do cadets usually have?
7. Is there anything you regret not doing before going to West Point, in your application or otherwise?
8. Lastly, if you don't mind me asking, what were your CFA and SAT scores?

Sorry for the overload, but thank you for doing this!
Click to expand...

1. I was a re-applicant and that meant I had to get a few more LORs and do my nomination interviews again. As for changing my experience, I would say my first semester was easier for me since I was re-taking my classes and learned time management while at college.
2. Because I was a re-applicant I got the hint during my interviews that I would get a nomination since they were impressed with me. I would say it was around December when I found out about everything. But this is nomination source dependent so see if you can ask any current cadets from your area when they heard.
3. For me DoDMERB was the thing that prevented me from getting in the first time. I would be patient, there was no standard time that I knew of for things to show up but that may have changed. However, also be proactive and make sure everything is ready to go or already in. Being ahead of the curve in this area will be important. I believe DoDMERB operates on a first come first serve basis.
4. For Beast, I would say just make sure you're in shape before you get there. Be ready to learn. And be ready to help your buddies out who may struggle with stuff. Not everyone is going to be good at everything but help people with what you're good at and they will help you with what they're good at.
5. ROTC and USMA are two very different brothers. They each have their perks and I do miss many parts of ROTC. Training wise it is all different depending on the school which makes it difficult to answer the question. In the end, they both are fantastic places to commission from.
6. At college there was plenty of downtime. You could work hard and relax. Here there is not much downtime. Some weeks are very overwhelming because you'll have projects, multiple essays, and midterms all in one week. If you manage your time the right way you can get yourself a little bit of downtime. You'll also find ways to break away from the academics and have some fun with your buddies.
7. Knowing what I know now, and doing what I've done I wouldn't change a thing. I enjoyed college and I'm glad I had the chance to go there and experience it. If I would do anything differently I would be proactive on DoDMERB and depending on what grade you're in, focus hard on the SAT/ACT.
8. For CFA I cannot remember the scores but I can tell you this, shoot for above average in everything. Your physical part of the application is not so big that you should prioritize it over academics but work on it so you're above average and you'll be fine. SAT each district/state seems to have better or lower scores than the next. You can shoot for scores that match your area and you may do fine, but if you don't beat someone in your area you are now competing with either someone in your state or on a national waitlist. In that case, you would be better off shooting for the best SAT score possible. When it comes to the SAT shoot for perfection and if you fall short you'll have great scores, shoot for the average and if you fall short you won't be looking so hot. I will not give you my scores because I don't think it is helpful information. The most helpful thing I can tell you or anyone is to shoot for perfection.

Love the questions and pardon any grammar/spelling mistakes, I wrote this quick. Happy holidays.
 
usmaismygoal said:
1. I was a re-applicant and that meant I had to get a few more LORs and do my nomination interviews again. As for changing my experience, I would say my first semester was easier for me since I was re-taking my classes and learned time management while at college.
2. Because I was a re-applicant I got the hint during my interviews that I would get a nomination since they were impressed with me. I would say it was around December when I found out about everything. But this is nomination source dependent so see if you can ask any current cadets from your area when they heard.
3. For me DoDMERB was the thing that prevented me from getting in the first time. I would be patient, there was no standard time that I knew of for things to show up but that may have changed. However, also be proactive and make sure everything is ready to go or already in. Being ahead of the curve in this area will be important. I believe DoDMERB operates on a first come first serve basis.
4. For Beast, I would say just make sure you're in shape before you get there. Be ready to learn. And be ready to help your buddies out who may struggle with stuff. Not everyone is going to be good at everything but help people with what you're good at and they will help you with what they're good at.
5. ROTC and USMA are two very different brothers. They each have their perks and I do miss many parts of ROTC. Training wise it is all different depending on the school which makes it difficult to answer the question. In the end, they both are fantastic places to commission from.
6. At college there was plenty of downtime. You could work hard and relax. Here there is not much downtime. Some weeks are very overwhelming because you'll have projects, multiple essays, and midterms all in one week. If you manage your time the right way you can get yourself a little bit of downtime. You'll also find ways to break away from the academics and have some fun with your buddies.
7. Knowing what I know now, and doing what I've done I wouldn't change a thing. I enjoyed college and I'm glad I had the chance to go there and experience it. If I would do anything differently I would be proactive on DoDMERB and depending on what grade you're in, focus hard on the SAT/ACT.
8. For CFA I cannot remember the scores but I can tell you this, shoot for above average in everything. Your physical part of the application is not so big that you should prioritize it over academics but work on it so you're above average and you'll be fine. SAT each district/state seems to have better or lower scores than the next. You can shoot for scores that match your area and you may do fine, but if you don't beat someone in your area you are now competing with either someone in your state or on a national waitlist. In that case, you would be better off shooting for the best SAT score possible. When it comes to the SAT shoot for perfection and if you fall short you'll have great scores, shoot for the average and if you fall short you won't be looking so hot. I will not give you my scores because I don't think it is helpful information. The most helpful thing I can tell you or anyone is to shoot for perfection.

Love the questions and pardon any grammar/spelling mistakes, I wrote this quick. Happy holidays.
Click to expand...
Wow, thank you for all the info; this is really helpful! Happy holidays!!!
 
skr002 said:
Hey, I'm a Freshman in high school, any advice?
Click to expand...
You have time. So use that to your advantage and plan out your 4 year success path. Go onto West Point’s website and look at all of the advice they give to people at your level.
 
@fordpitts12 TBH that scary 10% acceptance rate doesn't account for the people who started and never completed their files due to lack of interest/too much trouble for them to jump through all the hoops. If you really want to get into West Point, you're already ahead. Be decent at the CFA and solid in academics and extracurriculars. Don't be weird in your interview. And you should be fine.
@You be prepared to stand in place for long periods of time. Be prepared to have sore feet and make sure to have comfortable running shoes, already broken in that you're confident in. Morning PT isn't bad and don't be scared of getting smoked but try not to be the guy getting others smoked and try to get to bed ASAP. In the long run, getting smoked isn't the worst thing in the world. Worst we got it was when some NC crapped the shower and someone copied down the beast schedule when they weren't supposed to. They dragged the entire company in front of the mess hall and we did some push ups and squats. Maybe they didn't have the time to thoroughly smoke us since we only had 4 weeks to do 80% of the stuff. In a normal beast they probably smoke you guys more and have more free time. Free time during beast is usually taken up by squad leaders teaching their squad stuff, going to the C-store, checking mail, cleaning your room or writing letters home. Writing letters is as close as you get to texting, almost better in a way because it's cathartic and you get to share with your family and friends how great/terrible West Point is.

Wear deodorant and put only the clothes that really, really stink into the laundry bin, because mildew is definitely getting to it in the hot and humid WP summer. PTs you wore once can be hung out to dry. We did this, but check if its ok. Make sure to get used to climbing a lot of stairs. Lock your bed every time you leave the room. Get some Garmonts or Oakley SI Light Assault boots. Garmonts are pretty comfy and heavy duty and Oakleys are less heavy duty and more comfy. Don't pack too much on R-Day and try wearing your load before you go, you'll lug it around all day. Bring plenty of underwear. No such thing as too much underwear. Wear boxers, something that won't chafe when you march for 9 miles or you'll end up walking like a cowboy like me. They issue foot powder, so use it anywhere that skin rubs against skin. Tighty whities are issued but you use them as cleaning rags. Don't drink too much Hoist and limit your salt intake. It's this energy drink you'll have in large quantities. You'll be tempted to drink extra Hoist just because it's cold, but don't, because too much salt will make you break out in prickly heat. Not fun. Everything you own will end up getting packed into two trunks and your flight bag, which you'll have to drag all the way to your academic year barracks. Pack light, but bring a towel from home and some shower shoes. The issue ones suck. I suggest a large bag that you can sling across your shoulders easily, since you'll wear a huge flight bag on your back. Suitcase is high risk high reward. If you get to pull it around it makes things easy but they might make you carry it in your hands, which gets exhausting if you don't have grip strength. Use the bathroom as much as possible and bring a watch to keep track of how long until they have to let you sleep, which is at taps. Stay calm and know that you can't fail beast. It's the only summer training that doesn't get graded. Your squad leader is not your friend but will try to help you succeed. Ask questions.

Down time depends on what kind of cadet you are. Bare minimum have four hours of classes a day plebe year, along with some formations, maybe company athletics or drill. If you are an athlete or part of a competitive club, your time will diminish quickly. Company athletics aren't really enough to get fit imo unless you're in sandhurst or just go hard at everything you do. You'll have days where there's no drill or company athletics and then you have to work out on your own, cutting into your free time and academics. You can sit stuck to your desk or be a gym rat all day if you want, so long as your grades don't slip too much either way and you aren't late to anything.

As a cadet candidate, being a recruited athlete is nearly guaranteed admission so long as you meet the bare requirements and don't do drugs, but getting recruited is tough too. I don't know how it works though and being a recruited athlete means you'll be crunched on time for sleep, recreation and academics. Otherwise, the best you can do is fill out your resume. Be well rounded. Get leadership roles, a good cfa score, some varsity letters and two athletics under your belt and a 3.8 GPA and you'll be looking solid. Ideally be a team captain in a sport too. That's athletics and leadership combined. Boy scouts helps if you were already into that, but I was a sophmore when I realized that I wanted to go West Point so it was a little too late for me.
 
If I'm interested in applying for JAG through FELP after serving from 2 to 4 years as an infantry officer, which would be better: WP or AROTC?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top