Minorities at West Point

chriscross92

chriscross92

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How much of a factor do you guys think that being a minority can play in admsissions? I know certain colleges take that into account more than others. Just wondering with me being hispanic can i count on it as a boost when my app is reviewd?
 
chriscross: from what i've learned over the admissions process, USMA along with the other service academies feel that its important that the officers they graduate represent both the soldiers they lead and the american public they defend. Along with everything else that a candidate brings to the table, background plays an important role as well.

That said, every candidate must display excellence in academics, leadership, physical readiness, etc to be competitive for an appointment to the corps. While i'm not going to doubt that having a hispanic background was looked at by admissions, my cum laude society acceptance, leadership in and out of school, and potential contribution to Army athletics had a much greater role in my admissions process. I'm definitely NOT trying to say anything about myself, i've struggled much in all those aspects but wanted to find ways to improve myself so I could hopefully one day bring that to West Point.

Whatever way you find to bring out the best in yourself will work plenty. Don't expect admissions to be any 'easier', the nomination, CFA, and overall package are on you the individual. Best of luck!

West Point 2013 appointee (sp?)
 
Yes, it will play a role. We can only speculate as to how large the role is but I know it plays a role because otherwise they wouldn't ask for your race or have a minority admissions director.
 
It doesn't play a major role. Out of 1,300 spots only about 80 african americans get in and they are represented the most. This year about 1,000 african americans applied and only 80 got in so i don't think it plays a major role. Also, think about those individuals who checked the black or hispanic because their 2 or 3 percent of that race.
 
chiazo said:
It doesn't play a major role. Out of 1,300 spots only about 80 african americans get in and they are represented the most. This year about 1,000 african americans applied and only 80 got in so i don't think it plays a major role. Also, think about those individuals who checked the black or hispanic because their 2 or 3 percent of that race.
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I had read some numbers and I was pretty sure that the hispanics out numbered the blacks by quite a few numbers... I will look again....
 
your probably right, but they do not outnumber blacks by more than 20 people.
 
I was told it doesn't really play a part unless you are in a significantly under-represented group (such as native American).
 
chiazo said:
It doesn't play a major role. Out of 1,300 spots only about 80 african americans get in and they are represented the most. This year about 1,000 african americans applied and only 80 got in so i don't think it plays a major role. Also, think about those individuals who checked the black or hispanic because their 2 or 3 percent of that race.
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true, 91 african americans will represent the West Point class of 2013, 127 hispanics as well.

of these individuals i will go out on a limb and say that NONE identified themselves as under represented minority if they fell under your 2 to 3 percent standards above. perhaps you know a lot of liars, i've never come across anyone who's admitted to representing a group other than their own.
 
The presence of a minority admissions director is probably more about creating marketing and outreach strategies to increase the pool of candidates for selection from under-represented groups. The article cited by WAMom68 speaks to this:

"We are very excited about this year's numbers and hope the trend continues," said Col. Deborah McDonald, director of admissions at West Point. She connected the swell in minority applicants to new recruiting strategies and better networking among minority leaders.
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I think the information indicates that requirements and expectations for minority candidates are the same as for non-minority candidates.
 
Basically, if you think being a minority will get you in your wrong, you still have to viewed as a qualified candidate and that is not an easy.
 
luv2swim said:
The presence of a minority admissions director is probably more about creating marketing and outreach strategies to increase the pool of candidates for selection from under-represented groups. The article cited by WAMom68 speaks to this:



I think the information indicates that requirements and expectations for minority candidates are the same as for non-minority candidates.
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luv2swim, you are spot on !!!
 
Where are you getting the numbers your using for minority admissions?
 
chiazo said:
Basically, if you think being a minority will get you in your wrong, you still have to viewed as a qualified candidate and that is not an easy.
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That being true, it certainly doesn't hurt. Maybe it helps slightly?
 
Maybe its that West Point and other US service academies dont want minorities to be discriminated against. Or is the thought of discrimination too 20th century?
 
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