Reserves to West Point

[Idk383]

Hello all I am currently a junior in HS. I want to apply to West Point as one of my colleges but my resume is lacking. I only considered this at the start of my Junior year so I am super late. I haven't had any leadership or athletic experience ( I am getting more leadership to get a better resume along with trying to max out the CFA) But my question is how would joining the reserves help me get in? (If I don't I will just go to a normal college and do the ROTC there) Also, I know I would have to get a nomination for a CO how long would that take? Would I be able to get it by the due date of the application for my senior year if I join at the start of this summer?
Thanks in advance

 

[Eagles1221]

The prior service appointment numbers never get filled, and that includes reserves/NG. If your resume is significantly lacking in one or more aspects that's a very good route, and I know a number of people who did that.

 

[USMCDOC667]

You run the risk of whether the CO will nominate and or release you - many recruiters will promise you they will, some CO will nominate/release you , some wont, some understand the deadlines, paperwork, significance - other dont/wont - if it was super easy, guaranteed etc many more would do it - not saying it can't be done - but I would ask all the questions, and what if's and get whatever you can in writing - etc

 

[USMA 1994]

The route you are questioning is the one filled with the most variables outside of your control. Yes, most years all of the slots for Active/Reserve do not get filled and their is a reason for that. As @USMCDOC667 states above, most will probably not understand the process and the timing of things may not work out for the admission cycle. The best advice I can give is to chase your dream but be sure you are ok with serving as a junior enlisted soldier for the entire time in your initial contract.

 

[tiger_nana]

Hey, I joined the National Guard my Junior year of HS and I'm glad you asked this because you're on the exact same pathway as me. With sports you should try doing something the Fall of your senior year so you at least have something in that area. And with leadership, it would really help if you become a PG for your platoon during basic training. And to answer your question of if you'll be able to do everything in time when it comes to application, you have enough time.
I got into USMAPS btw. Just finishing my senior year right now. Lmk if you have any more questions.

 

[Idk383]

Hey, I joined the National Guard my Junior year of HS and I'm glad you asked this because you're on the exact same pathway as me. With sports you should try doing something the Fall of your senior year so you at least have something in that area. And with leadership, it would really help if you become a PG for your platoon during basic training. And to answer your question of if you'll be able to do everything in time when it comes to application, you have enough time.
I got into USMAPS btw. Just finishing my senior year right now. Lmk if you have any more questions.

That’s awesome, I’m assuming you didn’t get a nomination because you’re at USMAPS, right? Also would you know how being in the national guard/reserves work while being in an ROTC in normal college?

 

[tiger_nana]

That’s awesome, I’m assuming you didn’t get a nomination because you’re at USMAPS, right? Also would you know how being in the national guard/reserves work while being in an ROTC in normal college?

I had 4 nominations. Both the senators, congressman, and my CC in the Army. And for the second question I don't know the exact answer to that.. sorry, I'm still in high school. I was gonna go to AIT this summer but since I got the USMAPS offer I'm getting a conditional release from the guard. Hopefully someone else has a answer to that.

 

[Idk383]

I had 4 nominations. Both the senators, congressman, and my CC in the Army. And for the second question I don't know the exact answer to that.. sorry, I'm still in high school. I was gonna go to AIT this summer but since I got the USMAPS offer I'm getting a conditional release from the guard. Hopefully someone else has a answer to that.

All good thank you for the info.

 

[Avalanche2925]

That’s awesome, I’m assuming you didn’t get a nomination because you’re at USMAPS, right? Also would you know how being in the national guard/reserves work while being in an ROTC in normal college?

I don't know specifics (that's a question for a ROO or a NG recruiter), but the SMP program allows for it. Since there's an established program, it'll definitely work out. Look here for more info, the people there might be able to help. You could also ask the question under the ROTC heading of this forum.

 

[Idk383]

I had 4 nominations. Both the senators, congressman, and my CC in the Army. And for the second question I don't know the exact answer to that.. sorry, I'm still in high school. I was gonna go to AIT this summer but since I got the USMAPS offer I'm getting a conditional release from the guard. Hopefully someone else has a answer to that.

I do have another additional question. Do you have any tips to be able to show my command that I am a good candidate for West Point in such a short amount of time?