Lower GPA (West Point)

D

Drew_Chop3

New Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2023
Messages
6
Hello,

I am currently a junior in high school and became interested in West Point just this past summer. My grades lacked my first two years of high school and I have a 3.35 GPA following the completion of my first semester of my junior year. While on paper my GPA does look poor, I have taken 4 APS (Seminar, Research, Lang, and US History) and plan on taking 4 my senior year (Calc AB, Gov, Macro, Physics 1, and Lit) my gpa will still be lower than the average and reccomended when applying for my nomination for and actually applying next fall-winter. My main question is how much does West Point care about your GPA, I started off poor but I have taken and will take plently of APs and I am studying hard to aim for 1350-1400 on the SAT as well as 28-31 on the ACT? (I also plan to retake some of the classes I did poor in over the summer)

Thank you!
 
West Point's system of ranking is through the Whole Candidate Score. Academics account for 60% of the score, so GPA definitely matters a lot. You can take a look at the past class averages here -


- for their stats and see how you measure up. Definitely keep up the good work and keep grinding in order to get even better. Also, you could maybe mention in your essays how you initially weren't the best as a student, but then show how much you have grown as both a student and as a person in terms of your self-control/discipline, determination, and work ethic. Good luck!
 
There are some 'strategies' to address a lower GPA. As @ozli24 noted, your essays (along with your interviews) are also ways to communicate reasons for the low GPA in your first two years. Clearly, you want to do as well as you can over the next semesters/quarters to show you resolve and commitment.
 
Drew_Chop3 said:
Hello,

I am currently a junior in high school and became interested in West Point just this past summer. My grades lacked my first two years of high school and I have a 3.35 GPA following the completion of my first semester of my junior year. While on paper my GPA does look poor, I have taken 4 APS (Seminar, Research, Lang, and US History) and plan on taking 4 my senior year (Calc AB, Gov, Macro, Physics 1, and Lit) my gpa will still be lower than the average and reccomended when applying for my nomination for and actually applying next fall-winter. My main question is how much does West Point care about your GPA, I started off poor but I have taken and will take plently of APs and I am studying hard to aim for 1350-1400 on the SAT as well as 28-31 on the ACT? (I also plan to retake some of the classes I did poor in over the summer)

Thank you!
Click to expand...
I think it will definitely hurt, but it’s not impossible to overcome. Make sure to show an upward trend with your grades coming into senior year, especially in STEM classes. You got this :)
 
I feel like I write this every year, several times. So you have bad grades....and now you have better grades because you realized that you would lose the opportunity to fulfill your life's dream of serving as an Army officer and attending West Point. It is not that you had challenges, it is how you overcome them. Dedicate yourself NOW and get A's and B's but mostly A's going ahead. Use your essay to tell your story.
 
The above posters are all spot on. If West Point is truly your dream, well just kill on everything from hete on out. In essays and interviews talk about how your desire to go to USMA is what motivated you to get your academics top notch.
If that's still not enough DO NOT give up! Go to Marion Military Institute (or GMC, etc...) for a year of college, and knock it out of the park in their Service Academy Prep program. Great grades in a focused year of Military Education will overcome slight short comings with GPA, Test Scores, Class rank, etc....And the military piece is huge on an Application.
My son failed to gain an appointment 2 years in a row, until he attended MMI. They did everything they promised and MORE. Colonel Bowen has great connections at West Point in particular. (He's a graduate).Contact him during your senior year. His info is on the MMI website.
DS received 3 appointments! To each of the 3 Service Academies he applied to. Results speak for themselves!
It's by no means a guaranteed path. But if you truly give it everything, you'll succeed, one way or another.
Added bonus, he got to RDay with 15 close friends he attended Marion with, who've been a fantastic support group of sorts during this year as a Plebe😉
 
Great advice already. My add, is that you (or any reader) could end up with a prep offer. You never know!! So do your best in school. Put forth the best application you can. And see what happens. Readers shouldn’t ’not apply’ bc of a weakness. It’s a whole person look. Including potential prep offers if the SA deems you need a little polishing somewhere (including academics).
 
Drew_Chop3 said:
Hello,

I am currently a junior in high school and became interested in West Point just this past summer. My grades lacked my first two years of high school and I have a 3.35 GPA following the completion of my first semester of my junior year. While on paper my GPA does look poor, I have taken 4 APS (Seminar, Research, Lang, and US History) and plan on taking 4 my senior year (Calc AB, Gov, Macro, Physics 1, and Lit) my gpa will still be lower than the average and reccomended when applying for my nomination for and actually applying next fall-winter. My main question is how much does West Point care about your GPA, I started off poor but I have taken and will take plently of APs and I am studying hard to aim for 1350-1400 on the SAT as well as 28-31 on the ACT? (I also plan to retake some of the classes I did poor in over the summer)

Thank you!
Click to expand...
I was in a very similar situation to you before I got in. The above advice is spot on, so take this as an alternative option if USMA is your TOP choice 100% and if you plan on going into the Army either way. I do not recommend this path unless you are truly committed to serving your nation in the Army, enlisted or officer... Look into enlisted with the Army National Guard's Split Training Option as a means of easier acceptance into USMA.

Short story: I was 110% dedicated to getting into USMA but knew I wouldn't make the cut academically. I enlisted my Junior year of high school with the Army NG's Split Training Program, attended Basic Combat Training that Summer, and excelled as an enlisted Soldier when I got back - earning the approval of my unit commander. They will write you a Commander's Recommendation to USMA (meaning you don't need a Representative, Senator, etc.) and I got accepted into the Prep School soon after. Currently in my 2nd year at USMA. Many Cadets use this route as both a means of gaining enlisted experience and getting into USMA. Again - only recommend if serving your country is your primary goal, regardless of rank.
 
thesword76 said:
I was in a very similar situation to you before I got in. The above advice is spot on, so take this as an alternative option if USMA is your TOP choice 100% and if you plan on going into the Army either way. I do not recommend this path unless you are truly committed to serving your nation in the Army, enlisted or officer... Look into enlisted with the Army National Guard's Split Training Option as a means of easier acceptance into USMA.

Short story: I was 110% dedicated to getting into USMA but knew I wouldn't make the cut academically. I enlisted my Junior year of high school with the Army NG's Split Training Program, attended Basic Combat Training that Summer, and excelled as an enlisted Soldier when I got back - earning the approval of my unit commander. They will write you a Commander's Recommendation to USMA (meaning you don't need a Representative, Senator, etc.) and I got accepted into the Prep School soon after. Currently in my 2nd year at USMA. Many Cadets use this route as both a means of gaining enlisted experience and getting into USMA. Again - only recommend if serving your country is your primary goal, regardless of rank.
Click to expand...
I appreciate your response. I noticed you said that you you got a commanders recommendation to USMA and was accepted into the prep school. Are you able to go directly to West Point from the NG or do you have to go the prep school automatically before going to USMA?
 
Drew_Chop3 said:
I appreciate your response. I noticed you said that you you got a commanders recommendation to USMA and was accepted into the prep school. Are you able to go directly to West Point from the NG or do you have to go the prep school automatically before going to USMA?
Click to expand...
Admissions at all the SAs determine whether a candidate’s application and background are strong enough for direct admission or whether a prep year is needed.
 
Drew_Chop3 said:
Hello,

I am currently a junior in high school and became interested in West Point just this past summer. My grades lacked my first two years of high school and I have a 3.35 GPA following the completion of my first semester of my junior year. While on paper my GPA does look poor, I have taken 4 APS (Seminar, Research, Lang, and US History) and plan on taking 4 my senior year (Calc AB, Gov, Macro, Physics 1, and Lit) my gpa will still be lower than the average and reccomended when applying for my nomination for and actually applying next fall-winter. My main question is how much does West Point care about your GPA, I started off poor but I have taken and will take plently of APs and I am studying hard to aim for 1350-1400 on the SAT as well as 28-31 on the ACT? (I also plan to retake some of the classes I did poor in over the summer)

Thank you!
Click to expand...
1704220852624.png
 
Drew_Chop3 said:
I appreciate your response. I noticed you said that you you got a commanders recommendation to USMA and was accepted into the prep school. Are you able to go directly to West Point from the NG or do you have to go the prep school automatically before going to USMA?
Click to expand...
Yes! There are many who do actually get a direct admission straight from the NG while in High School to USMA itself. I really just varies based on the candidate's profile but if they are generally competitive and have a good shot of getting into a SA without the Guard, enlisting is almost a near guarantee (but remember, nothing is ever a guaranteed, only earned, and I would only recommend this route if you are absolutely committed to serving either way)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top