Invited to apply...

[Cville24]

Hey all- I recently received an email from the West Point admissions team inviting me to submit my candidate questionnaire. Before I read too far into this, is this a good sign? I'm a bit unsure.

Regardless, a few other questions: what does the questionnaire entail, information-wise? Is there a deadline? (I'll definitely ask the admissions team for this as well but wondering if anyone here knows) And finally, would it be better to submit now or wait until I have an ACT score? I'll be taking the February 11th test, and all signs say that I'll do pretty well. My academic grades aren't where I'd like them to be and I think that my test scores will at least get me a second look. With that in mind, would waiting be advantageous?

Sorry for the perhaps-excessive verbosity, but thanks to anyone who can help me out here. I'm becoming familiar with the process for CGA and I'm well-aware of how USNA admissions work, but this is the first time I've even considered USMA. Again, thanks!

 

[Academician]

USMA thinks you may be a good fit for their program and an Army career. So, yes it is a good 'sign.' If you complete the Pre-Candidate Questionnaire now, then you may indicate your interest in attending the Summer Leaders Experience, which would be a great way to 'see' USMA and compare it to other schools, including USCGA and USNA. If you have a strong PSAT score, then you may submit it. A number of my students are applying to SLE now using their PSAT scores. If not, then waiting on your ACT results (prior to the March 15 deadline) probably makes sense.

 

[NCA]

Hey all- I recently received an email from the West Point admissions team inviting me to submit my candidate questionnaire. Before I read too far into this, is this a good sign? I'm a bit unsure.

Regardless, a few other questions: what does the questionnaire entail, information-wise? Is there a deadline? (I'll definitely ask the admissions team for this as well but wondering if anyone here knows) And finally, would it be better to submit now or wait until I have an ACT score? I'll be taking the February 11th test, and all signs say that I'll do pretty well. My academic grades aren't where I'd like them to be and I think that my test scores will at least get me a second look. With that in mind, would waiting be advantageous?

Sorry for the perhaps-excessive verbosity, but thanks to anyone who can help me out here. I'm becoming familiar with the process for CGA and I'm well-aware of how USNA admissions work, but this is the first time I've even considered USMA. Again, thanks!

Did you receive this email after submitting SLE application? Received one too.

 

[Gaffer]

And finally, would it be better to submit now or wait until I have an ACT score?

The above is from the email I got from USMA. I think you can do it either way, but since they always say to get in your CQ as soon as you can, and do not require standardized tests, it might be a good idea to finish one step right off the bat. Fellow '28 hopeful btw by the way !

 

[USMAZoo98]

View attachment 13501
The above is from the email I got from USMA. I think you can do it either way, but since they always say to get in your CQ as soon as you can, and do not require standardized tests, it might be a good idea to finish one step right off the bat. Fellow '28 hopeful btw by the way !

The tests are not required to open the candidate questionnaire, but I believe a PSAT, SAT, or ACT score is required to apply for SLE.

 

[Andor2024]

received an email from the West Point admissions team inviting me to submit my candidate questionnaire

I also got an email like that. I would assume that that is an automated one that goes out to anyone they have on their list. The only information they could have would be PSAT scores since that is shared via Collage Board Student Serch, so it may be based on that.

 

[Cville24]

Did you receive this email after submitting SLE application? Received one too.

Haven't submitted anything for SLE, but have been receiving emails occasionally ever since taking the PSAT- when I did I signed up for College Board's student search service, so I'm guessing that's where it's coming from.

View attachment 13501
The above is from the email I got from USMA. I think you can do it either way, but since they always say to get in your CQ as soon as you can, and do not require standardized tests, it might be a good idea to finish one step right off the bat. Fellow '28 hopeful btw by the way !

Yeah, I'd like to get it in ASAP for sure, but as I mentioned before my current academic grades are not what I'd like for them to be, so I'm thinking that waiting to have an ACT score to back up my PSAT and prove that my grades really aren't an accurate indicator of my intelligence (well, my academic intelligence... ) might be a good idea. My primary concern is that if GPA/grades are required on the CQ, they may cut my consideration short right off the bat, but with an ACT under my belt I might get a second look. Maybe that makes sense, maybe it doesn't. Regardless, I'll reach out to the admissions team and share that response. Best of luck to you!

 

[Academician]

I'd submit it soon with the PSAT score (unless it is low). The results are as 'valid' as the ACT scores at this point in time. A small number of students are selected for SLE and selection/non-selection does not impact your ability to earn a USMA appointment. However, the PCQ/application will allow you to qualify as a candidate and start the USMA application process. By the way, summer sports camps are also a great way to see USMA 'close-up' (and the other SA's) so you might consider attending one if it makes sense for you.

 

[Cville24]

I'd submit it soon with the PSAT score (unless it is low). The results are as 'valid' as the ACT scores at this point in time. A small number of students are selected for SLE and selection/non-selection does not impact your ability to earn a USMA appointment. However, the PCQ/application will allow you to qualify as a candidate and start the USMA application process. By the way, summer sports camps are also a great way to see USMA 'close-up' (and the other SA's) so you might consider attending one if it makes sense for you.

Awesome, thank you very much. The PSAT scores are decent, so I'll be sure to get the CQ in soon.

Thanks again to all for your help!

 

[RowingMom]

My younger DS got same email this week. I assume it’s based on SAT or PSAT test scores. He has always said he had no interest in academies like big brother. He also has received fliers in mail too.