File strength/advice

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Jwmiller6

5-Year Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2012
Messages
122
Hello everyone,

Currently, I am an applicant to the USMA class of 2017.

Academics: GPA - 4.0 (unweighted), class rank 2/141, SAT 1810 comp (math - 620, cr - 590, writing - 600; I undestand that this is fairly low, but I am retaking it on Jan 26).

Extracurricular/leadership: Student council treasurer, dramatic leading role/staff participations, volunteer kung fu teaching assistant at a local elementary school, volunteer staff on 2010 US Senate campaign, Civil Air Patrol member, Boys State, Boys State Governor, and Boys Nation.

Athletics/physical fitness: 2 varsity basketball letters, 1 varsity soccer letter, and I recently took first place in my state jiu jitsu tournament. I have not taken the CFA yet. However, I do have it set up for the 27th. I can max the push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and I belive I can max the shuttle run. My mile run is pretty far above average, but not maxed. My basketball throw is only slightly above average.

Also, my dad graduated from USMA in '89 (I'm not sure whether or not this will help).

Other than retaking the SAT (I have taken the ACT, but I only scored a 26), is there anything I can do to help my file?

Thank you!
 
Tests

Focus on those ACT and SAT tests! There are a number of books that can help with this. Check out your school for programs that can help.

Again, it has been stated before, start working on plan B. If WP is the place you want to be, look into prep schools. The prep schools help bringing those test scores up.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
tug_boat said:
Focus on those ACT and SAT tests! There are a number of books that can help with this. Check out your school for programs that can help.

Again, it has been stated before, start working on plan B. If WP is the place you want to be, look into prep schools. The prep schools help bringing those test scores up.

Push Hard, Press Forward
Click to expand...

Yes, I have gotten a lot prep material, and I am really working hard for a higher score.

I agree. I have a plan B, C, and D, ha ha.

Thank you.

buff81 said:
Where do you stand with your nominations?
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I live in Alaska; our nomination deadlines are not until December 1 (our senators) and December 15 (our congressman). From what I have heard, we will not know our nomination standings until mid Jan. I have also heard that we are not a very competitive district. We don't even have nomination interviews.
 
Read the stickys. There's a thread with all the class admissions info for the past 5+ years for you to compare yourself to
 
Jwmiller6 said:
Sadly, I am not. Haven't been doing it for long enough. I took first in my division (intermediate).

Does anyone know how much/if me being a legacy helps?
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MY OPINION - very little.

But you can leveage a legacy to improve your candidacy.

"Why West Point" and "Why Army Officer" are asked many times during the appicationp process.

What sounds better

"I want to attend West Point because it's a great school"

"I want to attend West Point becasuse from {whatever legacy} I have learned that it's more than just a college"
 
Jwmiller6 said:
Sadly, I am not. Haven't been doing it for long enough. I took first in my division (intermediate).

Does anyone know how much/if me being a legacy helps?
Click to expand...

The only benefit being a legacy brings to the process is knowing about West Point earlier than most candidates. It gives no added weight in the admission process.

Now, if your parent meets the criteria for a Presidential Nomination for you, this could affect your nomination. It will give you another nomination path. This is for any former military who are serving a career and have served at least 8 years; or who have retired from active, national guard or reserve service.
 
Alaska has only one congressional district, so I guess it would be easier to receive a nomination from a senator. Not many states like that.
 
Make sure that you really want to go to West Point not just follow your father.
Your weakest area is your SAT scores. They are not bad but are not tops.
All things considered you are in great shape - if you get a nomination.
 
EagleScout13 said:
Alaska has only one congressional district, so I guess it would be easier to receive a nomination from a senator. Not many states like that.
Click to expand...

That's my understanding.

BigNick said:
Make sure that you really want to go to West Point not just follow your father.
Your weakest area is your SAT scores. They are not bad but are not tops.
All things considered you are in great shape - if you get a nomination.
Click to expand...

It is definitely my decision :biggrin:. I have 7 siblings; my parents have never pushed military on any of us (my older brother is becoming a doctor, both of my older sisters teach English as a second language in Mexico). It has been my dream to serve ever since I was little. I also want to receive the best education I can, while becoming the best leader I can possibly be. Attending USMA is a goal that I have made for myself (without influence from my father).

Yes, I am trying to increase them.

Thank you.
 
Definitely looks as good as some kids from last year (I'm class of 2016) Just keep working on your ACT/SAT Scores as it will be MUCH more competitive this year being as the army is cutting down. You want the "best" for everything, be it fitness scores or academic scores. Keep up the good work :thumb:
 
clamelken2 said:
Definitely looks as good as some kids from last year (I'm class of 2016) Just keep working on your ACT/SAT Scores as it will be MUCH more competitive this year being as the army is cutting down. You want the "best" for everything, be it fitness scores or academic scores. Keep up the good work :thumb:
Click to expand...

Thank you for the input! It's nice hearing from people who are actually there.

Also, congrats on getting in! Are you enjoying plebe year?

Yes, I am starting a fairly intense SAT prep program, so I can increase my scores enough when I retake it in Jan.

By any chance, do you have a couple friends at USMA that are from Alaska and wouldn't mind sharing their stats from last year?
 
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