Is it possible for me to get into West Point?

Greg,

You will fill in your pre-candidate questionnaire (just a form with some questions) on December of this year (you said you are a rising Junior, right?). You will need PSAT, SAT or ACT scores (the official report can be sent later, however).

After filling it in, you will apply to SLS. DON'T FORGET TO APPLY TO SLS.

(Someone will have to confirm this step:) Send in your SAT/ACT scores as soon as possible.

When your SSK (Seconds-Step Kit) opens, that's when the real application starts. Make sure to fill it in as soon as possible, specially by sending in your HS Transcripts (all the 6 semesters) and Official SAT/ACT score reports.

You will put the e-mail of a Chemistry/Physics, Math and English teacher so they will receive a form in their e-mail (SOE), which they will fill in.

You will also have to put the contact information of your High School transcripts official (whoever handles the transcripts in your school) and someone who can verify your Extra-Curricular activities (such as a counselor) - you will fill in a form called C.A.R. (Candidate Activities Record), in which you will list all your EC participations.

You will fill in a form providing information such as father's and mother's names, if you have ever broken a law, etc.

You will write 3 candidate statements.

You will receive a mail from DoDMERB. You will have to attend a few medical exams to make sure you are medically qualified. Else, there are some remedial steps I believe, but someone will have to elaborate on this.

And, at the meantime, you will be sending your nomination application to your District Congressman, 2 Senators and Vice-President, besides any other source you are available to compete for (namely, a Presidential nomination). I think the applications normally require a couple of letters of recommendation, HS Transcripts, Extracurricular activities report (which one you have done, etc)... But it varies from MOC to MOC, so this is not a rule.

Something along these lines.

Forgot about the CFA (you can take it at SLS or w/ other guidelines).

By the way, this is an overview... so there might be more steps that I am not aware of yet.
 
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Unrelated to the admissions process but a good thing to do nonetheless is to check out the book "Absolutely American" in the meantime. It's a great motivator to keep focused on the goal:thumb:
 
I think the most important question's answer i don't know. How do i start my application process? I know it will take time for you to answer, but please. I thought i have to put everything together and send them once and for all, but it comes out i am wrong.

A great place to start for gathering information on the application process is the West Point admissions web page: http://admissions.usma.edu/ :thumb:
 
When the best leader's work is done the people say, "We did it ourselves."
-Lao Tzu

What did Lao Tzu mean by this quote?
 
Excuse me, what is SLS? What is it for? i have never heard of it.

Summer Leaders Seminar. West Point hosts it right near the end of your Junior year (other academies host similar programs). You get to take some classes and do cool stuff like PT and an obstacle course. It's tough to explain in one sentence, but do a little research and I'm sure you'll see that it's a good time!

I went this year (2nd platoon. WARRRRRIORRRSSS!!!) feel free to ask me questions about it.

To pre-empt any questions:
yes, you must apply. It is selective.
no, it does not give you any "extra credit" for your candidate file though it does help you get your CFA out of the way.

When the best leader's work is done the people say, "We did it ourselves."
-Lao Tzu

What did Lao Tzu mean by this quote?

My interpretation of the quote is that Lao Tzu means that the leader should be so smooth and humble in his work that the people don't consider the finished product the work of the leader, but rather the work of the led.
 
Excuse me, what is SLS? What is it for? i have never heard of it.

Summer Leaders Seminar.



When the best leader's work is done the people say, "We did it ourselves."
-Lao Tzu

What did Lao Tzu mean by this quote?

EDIT: Let me give you the whole quote:

"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."
-Lao Tzu

USMA2016 is spot on the interpretation. But by "people" Lao Tzu means "the led" rather than random observers, know what I mean?
 
But i still don't understand the part where it says "We did it ourselves". What does that part want to say in the quote?
 
The quote is the whole sentence (fixed for clarification).

"We did it ourselves" means that the people who were led feel like they accomplished their tasked without being pulled by a leader, because a good leader does not seek fame or glory.
 
Oh, that's what i was thinking about it, but i needed clarification. Thank You very much for responding.
 
Unrelated to the admissions process but a good thing to do nonetheless is to check out the book "Absolutely American" in the meantime. It's a great motivator to keep focused on the goal:thumb:

+1
 
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