Model United Nations, Debate, Cello

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jasper1

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Mar 13, 2020
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Hello Everyone,
I know USMA is a fitness culture, but do they recruit MUN, debate, or cellist?
 
jasper1 said:
Hello Everyone,
I know USMA is a fitness culture, but do they recruit MUN, debate, or cellist?
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As far as I know, no. Lots of schools (especially D1 schools) recruit athletes as their sports brings in lots of money for the school. I don't think things such as activities mentioned above would be a source for recruitment as they don't bring in a large amount of income for the college, if any.
 
It sounds like you have a very impressive resume - congratulations. While USMA doesn't specifically recruit solely for those areas that I know of, there are programs/clubs that allow the scholar-athletes who attend USMA the opportunity to pursue those interests. My advice would be to spend a lot of time on the Admissions website and associated resources and decide if USMA is the right fit for you. There's tons of objective info out there on it and any other school. Good luck!
 
SAs look fondly on candidates who manage to juggle Model UN, debate and cello — while excelling in academics and athletics, and while demonstrating leadership in their community. SAs love candidates who are successful at multiple activities, making a real impact in each one, on top of achieving top marks in school and standardized tests.

They do not “recruit,” per se, because they’re not trying to build competitive debate teams or orchestras. And unlike many civilian colleges, they’re not trying to curate a diverse entering class that includes numerous “one-trick ponies” (high-achieving ones, to be sure).

So your activities will be valued in the admissions process — you just won’t be “recruited” for them.
 
My son was appointed to USMA on February 6th. He was not a recruited athlete, but he is fit (mostly max or near max on the CFA). My DW and I believe that he was likely appointed on two primary factors; good academics and 10 years of intense dedication to playing the violin. Whether it's a sport, school activity, community service, or musical instrument, the SA's absolutely love the kind of commitment and dedication that can be demonstrated by a serious commitment to any activity (like an instrument) that a candidate is passionate about.

So, now he's a little bit worried about going the 7 weeks of Beast and Reorgy without his violin, but he'll survive. We've told him we'll bring it along with us to A-day, and hopefully there'll be some (limited) opportunity to practice his instrument in the barracks. Unfortunately, USMA does not have an orchestra like USNA, but West Point has always been his 1st choice, so that's that. I told him last night between West Point Chapel services and NYC being a train ride away, there'll be some opportunities to play some meaningful events over the next 4 years.
 
Good Morning:
I hope everyone is in good health. My son attends a very small college preparatory high school of about 100 students on full merit scholarship. I'm concerned he's not on any sports team, because the school doesn't have any. Would that be a problem? He's very fit, run marathons, lift weights, and practice martial arts in preparation for the CFA.

He has: 4.667 GPA, 1450 SAT

Best Delegate, local high school MUN........7th grade

1st Place, Orange County Debate League...8th grade

Finalist, Ronald Reagan Great Communicator
Debate Series...........................................9th grade

Award of Merit, National High School
United Nations.......................................10th grade

Outstanding Delegate, Berkeley MUN.......11th grade

California Boys State selected..................11th grade

Founder/President of Model United Nations Team

Speaks 3 languages

National Honor Society

ASB Public Relations Manager,

Board Member/Emcee for orchestra,

Performed soloist cello in Germany, Austria, Italy

500 hours community service, homeless shelter

Congressional Award Gold Medalist
 
jasper1 said:
Good Morning:
I hope everyone is in good health. My son attends a very small college preparatory high school of about 100 students on full merit scholarship. I'm concerned he's not on any sports team, because the school doesn't have any. Would that be a problem? He's very fit, run marathons, lift weights, and practice martial arts in preparation for the CFA.
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Hello, it looks like your son has a great record with extracurriculars. Generally, things before 9th grade won't carry any/much weight in college apps. A lot of the admissions process also depends on rec letters, how you do at the nom and FF interview, and if you have great network with the FF and such.

I've know of people getting in without varsity letters, including myself, but everyone I know in this position has either done JV sports or competed in club/organized sports leagues outside of school. There is still time to join school sports and club sports this summer or next school year after the current disease passes. Also, if your son can get a black belt and submit the certificate, admissions can count it for sports too.
 
jasper1 said:
He's very fit, run marathons, lift weights, and practice martial arts in preparation for the CFA.
Click to expand...

Does he have official times in marathons or does he just run a lot?

jasper1 said:
Board Member/Emcee for orchestra,

Performed soloist cello in Germany, Austria, Italy
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Is he the principal cellist in his orchestra? Does he even play in an orchestra?

I think if your son really wants to be a military officer, I'd probably give him an appointment. Unfortunately, that is me and there are certain boxes pertaining to leadership and athletics that need to be checked for SA's. xROTC is slighly less competitive.

Other posters will offer advice on making up those deficiencies.

For the record, my son received a 4 yr AROTC scholarship. He was light on leadership and only played tennis. He had strong academics and a resume that that showed immense curiosity and adaptability. He was Concertmaster of his school orchestra and Assistant Concertmaster of the citywide youth orchestra.

I am curious about his languages. What are they? Any learned at home? That was a strong part of my son's resume.
 
He's the principal cellist.
Marathon finisher with no great time.
He runs 5:30 mins/mile
 
MidCakePa said:
SAs look fondly on candidates who manage to juggle Model UN, debate and cello — while excelling in academics and athletics, and while demonstrating leadership in their community. SAs love candidates who are successful at multiple activities, making a real impact in each one, on top of achieving top marks in school and standardized tests.

They do not “recruit,” per se, because they’re not trying to build competitive debate teams or orchestras. And unlike many civilian colleges, they’re not trying to curate a diverse entering class that includes numerous “one-trick ponies” (high-achieving ones, to be sure).

So your activities will be valued in the admissions process — you just won’t be “recruited” for them.
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Well said - agreed!
 
Congrats on raising a great kid @jasper1 ! As you have shown, candidates come from all backgrounds. A well rounded student base makes the school better and the Army better. Like the SAT your DS has already scored well on, the candidate fitness assessment is a standardized test for fitness. This is the great equalizer and yet another data point considered in the whole candidate score and candidate profile looked at by the admissions board. Based on the stats provided, there do not look to be any obvious gaps in the resume. Best of luck in his pursuit.
 
Your son wouldn't be there to meet him, but I believe he may appreciate this:

The commander of Fourth Regiment (about 1,000 cadets) is an avid cellist and is very proud of it--West Point recognizes all abilities.
 
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