Introduction - High School Sophomore

[eyesbright250]

Hello, I am a 15-year-old Korean-American girl entering my sophomore year of high school. My father was in the Army for 25 years which led me to think of being in the Army as a career. I've dreamed of attending USMA since eighth grade and now I want to turn this dream into something achievable through hard work.
I came here to ask what I could start doing to strengthen my application. I have a few of questions so apologies for the long post. (already posted this in the USMA forum without realizing there's one for introductions)

Academics:
I finished 9th grade with a 4.17 GPA (my school does not rank). I took Literature and Composition I (English), World History I, Advanced Environmental Science, Honors Algebra II, and Honors Mandarin II. Next year, I will take Honors Literature and Composition, World History II, AP Biology, Honors Algebra III, and Honors Mandarin III. I generally get A-range grade so I do not worry too much about my academics. I do have the option to take AP World History and my first question is: Is it worth it to take as many AP and Honors classes as possible? I originally decided not to take it because I thought I could put that effort into some more extracurriculars but honestly I don't think it would have a big impact on my schedule.
I really like economics and international relations (would maybe major in those?).

Extracurriculars:
I am the president of our school's refugee club and a co-chair for a committee on our school's Senate. I plan on joining our school's newspaper this coming year. This is as far as my extracurriculars go because I spend a lot of time invested in the refugee club. I've been working on a project with a few Army veterans to help Afghan refugees connect. I can't tell if I should have more extracurricular activities or not, would it benefit me to have more extracurriculars?

Sports:
I was captain of the freshman soccer team and this year I'm aiming for JV captain. I would say I am not the best soccer player, and I would struggle to make Varsity, but I am willing to put in my best effort. I am also on the varsity Ultimate Frisbee team (we placed top ten at nationals this year). I know that sports are a big part of the application to WP and I'm worried that I lack in sports. Is there anything I could do to strengthen the sports aspect of my application?
I am pretty athletic and already started to train for the CFA.


Some other questions:

• In the "A Lot of Admissions Information" thread, they suggested that freshman/sophomores should talk to their MALO/FFR. How does the process of contacting a MALO/FFR work?
• Are computer/coding classes desirable for the application?
• I haven't started studying for the SAT/ACT and I saw a thread talking about the PSAT. Is it worth it to take the PSAT?

I know how hard it is to get into WP, but I'm ready to work my butt off to get there. Even if I don't get into WP, I would apply to ROTC. My dream is to lead like-minded people and to serve my country, just like my father did.

 

[armypanda_]

would it benefit me to have more extracurriculars?

From my knowledge having more extracurriculars for the sake of having more (with no central theme or passion that connects them) will only hurt your application. It's better to have one or 2 extracurriculars you devote a lot of time to and make an impact with.

Is it worth it to take the PSAT?

I always thought it was almost like mandatory to take the PSAT. I would definitely take it, they have a question about your PSAT scores on the candidate questionnaire.

Are computer/coding classes desirable for the application?

While taking courses and extracurriculars that are desirable for the application is a good idea, I feel like you should not base every single course or action you do for your application. One reason there is an application is to see what kind of person you are, what your interests are, and what you want to do with your life. If you are interested in computer science I think you should take it.
But computer science is becoming increasingly popular, so I feel like not taking a course on that in high school could become a disadvantage.

*****************These are only my opinions based on my knowledge. I am very new to Service Academies, and I'm sure many people on here would say I am unqualified to answer these questions. However, just trying to help; you can listen to whatever information you feel makes sense.******************

 

[armypanda_]

(already posted this in the USMA forum without realizing there's one for introductions)

Also I don't think anyone checks the introduction forum, so it's actually better you posted in USMA too.

 

[njfilm23]

Hello, and welcome to SAF!

I applaud you for starting this process earlier than most, you'll have a leg up.

Is it worth it to take as many AP and Honors classes as possible?

USMA and every SA wants to see that you're challenging yourself at the highest level and succeeding. The more important piece to that is succeeding - don't take 5 AP classes and get all Cs, play to your strengths at the highest level.

That being said, try to challenge yourself with STEM. West Point requires all cadets regardless of major to take STEM courses. Showing that you can succeed in college-level STEM and preparing yourself for the WP workload are highly advised!

would it benefit me to have more extracurriculars?

As mentioned above it's not about having a long list of extracurriculars, but much more about creating impact and developing your leadership ability. USMA needs to see that you have the leadership ability to lead soldiers, so prove to them that you can! In particular, I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend that you do Girls State the summer after your junior year. Girls/Boys State adds a ton of weight to your application. Even better, from Girls State or Boys State, you can attend Girls/Boys Nation. I was lucky enough to go this summer, it was one of the best experiences of my life. You spend a week in Washington DC, tour the monuments, speak with veterans, meet your senators, walk around the capital, and most years meet the Vice President or President (Biden got covid right before Boys Nation this year, but they still gave us a tour of the White House). Most importantly, you'll meet people that will be friends for life. The bonds you make at Girls/Boys state are unlike any other, it's a truly amazing program that the American Legion puts on! I still talk to my friends from Boys State and Boys Nation every day.

• I haven't started studying for the SAT/ACT and I saw a thread talking about the PSAT. Is it worth it to take the PSAT?

Your school most likely will have an in-school PSAT day. If not definitely take it or some sort of SAT practice test. It'll show you what you need to work on. Having taken Algebra II you should have covered all math needed for the SAT, but find your weak points by doing a diagnostic. Take SAT early and often, USMA "super scores", taking your highest English and highest Math scores and use that as your "whole" score.

Is there anything I could do to strengthen the sports aspect of my application?

You will have to take the CFA in order to apply to West Point. You can find the test here. Similar to the SAT, train hard and take the CFA often! You can retake it as many times as you want to get a better score.

In the "A Lot of Admissions Information" thread, they suggested that freshman/sophomores should talk to their MALO/FFR. How does the process of contacting a MALO/FFR work?

Your Field Force Representative's contact info will come up in the candidate portal when you open your application. Though, it's a good idea to reach out earlier than that. You should be able to find your FFR by using the contact form here.
--

Best of luck with the application process!

 

[AROTC-dad]

Also I don't think anyone checks the introduction forum, so it's actually better you posted in USMA too.

On behalf of the moderator team, I respectfully disagree.

Please do not post the same commentary in multiple forums.

It is actually against the forum rules to post in multiple locations on SAF as it clutters the forum.

Reference:

Forum Posting Rules - Please read before posting

Service Academy Forums® General Posting Rules Here at serviceacademyforums.com, we constantly strive to make our discussion forums as informative, accurate, fun, and lively as possible while maintaining an environment that is also professional and respectful of the fact that applicants, alumni...

www.serviceacademyforums.com

 

[armypanda_]

It is actually against the forum rules to post in multiple locations on SAF as it clutters the forum.

Reference:

Forum Posting Rules - Please read before posting

Service Academy Forums® General Posting Rules Here at serviceacademyforums.com, we constantly strive to make our discussion forums as informative, accurate, fun, and lively as possible while maintaining an environment that is also professional and respectful of the fact that applicants, alumni...

www.serviceacademyforums.com

I did read that. Here:

Also I don't think anyone checks the introduction forum, so it's actually better you posted in USMA too

 

[AROTC-dad]

I did read that. Here:

The point is that the Introduction forum is to introduce yourself as a new member and briefly state why you joined SAF.

The various other forums are better suited for specific questions about the application process, DoDMERB etc. etc.

They serve different functions.

 

[armypanda_]

The point is that the Introduction forum is to introduce yourself as a new member and briefly state why you joined SAF.

The various other forums are better suited for specific questions about the application process, DoDMERB etc. etc.

They serve different functions.

My apologies, just answering the OP's questions because I saw them here first.

 

[armypanda_]

The point is that the Introduction forum is to introduce yourself as a new member and briefly state why you joined SAF.

The various other forums are better suited for specific questions about the application process, DoDMERB etc. etc.

They serve different functions.

Ohhh I see what you're saying. Sorry.

 

[AROTC-dad]

To recap: (for all who may be confused by the above exchange)

We don't allow some one to post a comment in one SAF sub-forum (e.g. Introductions), and then cut and paste the same block of text on USMA, USAFA, and USNA etc.

I hope that is clear.