Looking for Information

[Jim Biaglow]

Hi, my name is Jim and I'm currently a junior in high school (C.O 2014). I joined the forum to find more information about getting into West Point. The academy peaked my interest because I've always been into military technology and I have a very high interest in engineering.

Credentials:
4.1 cumulative GPA
not sure on my exact rank, but I'm in the top 10%
I have 4 AP and 1 honors class out of my 6 classes
sophomore PSAT score: 196
I should be getting my official PSAT score for my junior year soon
Practice ACT score: 32
I play for the high school baseball team and train for baseball year round
I have no clubs or community service hours mainly because when I'm not playing baseball, I like to work on cars and build computers which leaves me for no time for other things. Too bad there is no car building club.

The car that I modified is good for 60 MPG while cruising at 60 MPH. Once I get to 10 posts, I would be happy to post a picture.
but here is a link in the meantime:
s1271photobucket DOT com/albums/jj621/AeroFocus/?action=view&current=Aerofocus10-12-12008 DOT jpg

I have no leadership roles in my school, but if you knew me, you would know I'm a leader and a lot of kids in my school look up to me. That can't really be shown on paper though.

My questions are:
Do you think it's too late to assume leadership roles?
What is my first step in the application process into the military academy? I've been doing a lot of reading, but I'm not sure where exactly to start.

 

[Melitzank]

Jim, it`s definitely not too late for leadership. How about captain of the baseball team? And while you may not have any other clubs you`re part of, do you belong to anything else? Most people overlook lots of things, like youth group, or something like that.

You can start applying in the spring of your junior year, and I recommend applying to the SLS (Summer Leadership Seminar).

http://www.usma.edu/admissions/SitePages/Summer.aspx
http://www.usma.edu/admissions/SitePages/Pros_Cadets_Juniors.aspx

 

[Dixieland]

Jim, there is lots of helpful information in the "stickies" at the top of the page in the USMA forums.

West Point values extracurricular activities and demonstrated leadership roles. Take a look at the "What Are My Chances" sticky and look through the class profiles to see the type of activities cadets were involved in in high school.

 

[billyb]

Why not start a car building club and be the founder and President? I think you will find quite a few kids in your area would be interested in joining. It is better to create leadership opportunities in the areas of interest to you, rather than joining clubs that aren't of interest in hopes to get some leadership experience.

 

[Idzak]

Jim
I'm the last one to be picky about spelling on this forum. But for your future info it should be "piqued" not "peaked".

"The academy peaked my interest"

 

[tug_boat]

SLS coming up very soon....

On January 9th is when you can apply for the Summer Leadership Seminar at West Point. This is an excellent opportunity to visit and see what life is like there. Also look into Boys State which is another outstanding opportunity to participate in this program for leadership. Just do a google search for your area. I would also suggest looking into the requirements your local congressperson will accept for an application for next year. These are all things you can work on now.