Going to West Point after three, yes three, years of college.

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gonoles20

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Currently thinking about opening up an application to West Point. I went to SLE in HS in the midwest, applied out of high school, but played the nominations wrong (applied to more than one SA, but WP was #1) and ultimately didn't get in. Currently on year three of civilian college and looking for a sense of purpose and my initial interest in West Point has been resurfacing lately. Wondering if any current cadets/old grads/anyone has some advice?

BTW, I'm fully aware of OCS and other options to serve, which I'm looking into. I just remain fascinated by the development in all realms at West Point and think in the grand scheme of things -- it's not gonna matter in 20 years if I did three years of civilian before.
 
Have you applied to West Point throughout your time in college or did you take a break and now you want to apply again? In the end it is a personal decision to restart your college career and forego three years of work to start over again. If you think that West Point is a good option and you want a long career in the Army then it doesn't matter how long it takes to commission. However, have you considered the fact that you might hate West Point and being a cadet there if you get accepted? College is difficult, but at West Point there is no going home on the weekends, you will have minimal time each day to complete the same amount of work you are probably getting now, and you will be treated just as any other freshman no matter if you are 21. Take the time to consider your options because you don't want to regret going to a service academy.
 
gonoles20 said:
Currently on year three of civilian college and looking for a sense of purpose and my initial interest in West Point has been resurfacing lately. Wondering if any current cadets/old grads/anyone has some advice?
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My DS was absolutely not interested in even delaying commissioning by ONE year, let alone three by reapplying (he commissioned through Army ROTC and is now a 2LT).

However, you should not go through life wondering "what if." It it is what you really want, go ahead and reapply!

Years ago, I met a young lady who was a firstie at West Point. She was working on her second bachelors degree!

So absolutely, some people have applied and succeeded after earning a four year diploma!

Oh and one more thing.....Go 'NOLES! (my grad school)
Image result for noles
 
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Luckily for us, we get to decide which way to go. Personally, I think its crazy to spend three years in college and then start over at WP. I guess you need to decide if its about the journey or the destination. While there is no guarantee you will get selected to OTS, it seems to me that commissioning and serving in the military should be your priority. Instead, you seem to be making WP more important than serving. Having said that, you wouldnt be the first person to finish your third year and join an academy. Your age difference and maturity will probably help you while at the academy. The thing is , chances are you wont get accepted, but if you dont apply its a guaranteed no. Apply and see what happens. If they said no, you at least tried and should have no regrets. If they say yes, even if you arent 100% sure what to do when you apply, you wil have the ability to choose which way to go.
 
Apply, but make sure you have clear goals before accepting an appointment. Think about where you want to be five years after graduation and what is the best way to get there.

West Point's assignments after graduation have become much narrower in recent years. Not an issue if you are planning on combat arms (Infantry, Armor, Field Artillery, Air Defense Artillery, Aviation, Engineers). After three years of college you wouldn't want to get to USMA only to find that your dream branch is out of reach.

On the plus side, you should be able to complete a double major or pick up a minor.
 
Humey said:
The thing is , chances are you wont get accepted
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I agree with all of what was said in your response to the OP except for this. The OP's chances are no different than anyone else's. Just because he's done three years in college aren't a factor. What is a factor will be the how he articulates wanting to attend WP after three years in college.

I've seen lot's of stranger things than this in my life and I've doen soem of them...I love what he said about "in 30 years, nobody is going to care..."
He's right and they won't. Listen kid, we never regret the things that we did, we regret the things we didn't do when our hearts said to do it.

That's my nickels worth and I'm stickin to it.
 
UHBlackhawk said:
I knew a Cadet who did 3 years ROTC then was accepted to West Point. He was the happiest, most adjusted Cadet I ever knew. He wanted to attend West Point and was happy with his decision.
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Very often, prior enlisted, those with college experience, etc excel at West Point. My Son's Team Leader had three years of college. It's not common but not unheard of. Just make sure you understand what you're getting into
 
If I recall correctly, WCS points are earned for college attendance - a benefit to OP.

Additionally, good grades in relevant college courses are proof that an applicant can handle college academics, while test scores and high school grades are only predictors of future success.
 
Sydney C. said:
I agree with all of what was said in your response to the OP except for this. The OP's chances are no different than anyone else's. Just because he's done three years in college aren't a factor. What is a factor will be the how he articulates wanting to attend WP after three years in college.

I've seen lot's of stranger things than this in my life and I've doen soem of them...I love what he said about "in 30 years, nobody is going to care..."
He's right and they won't. Listen kid, we never regret the things that we did, we regret the things we didn't do when our hearts said to do it.

That's my nickels worth and I'm stickin to it.
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When I said "chances are you wont get in", i didnt say it because he has already been in college for three years. Chances are he wont get in becuase the acceptance rate to an academy is rather low. I was trying to make the point that his biggest concern isnt whether he should finish college vs leaving and attending WP, but rather the decision to stay or leave isnt in his hands. One, they will say no, so he stays. Two they will say yes and then he gets to decide which way to go. Without knowing anything about him personally, and using the acceptance rates, If I had to place a bet on it, i would go with One.
 
My son had 2 years of college and an Associates degree. There is a current Plebe with 3+ years. They both are happy at USMA and have no regrets. If it’s what you want go for it!
 
I would apply if it’s what you really want. I think you will be ahead by academic standards and older to handle the additional stress.
 
My DS has a shipmate at USNA right now, who got in on his third try, after three full years of civilian college. He started over at the bottom.

It was his dream, and he did it. He couldn't be happier, and he is doing well in both the military and academic side of things.
 
Eventually you have to decide what your goals are. Is becoming an officer in the military you main priority or being able to say you attended WP? If you participate in an ROTC program at a civilian you will also graduate as an office in the military. If you don't get accepted to WP, what degree will you graduate with from your current college and what are you interested in doing? If you are still pursuing others avenues after 3 yrs at this college, you may have trouble being focused and dedicated to the degree you are already close to obtaining.
 
Those are valid points, but I have socks older than the OP. Four years is nothing in the grand scheme of things, when you get as old as me.

I followed my dreams and have had three distinctly different careers. I wouldn't change a thing if I could do it over.
 
I went to a large state school for two years and then went to West Point. 18 years after graduating I am still serving. 21 isn’t that old in the grand scheme of things.
 
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