Scholarships

[Jenna]

Hi does anybody know if WestPoint give out athletic scholarships? I have seen scouts at my softball tournaments for them and was wondering if I could maybe get a scholarship to go there or can I not go there on a scholarship?

 

[Maplerock]

No. But you may earn an appointment and promise to serve five years or more afterward. They'll even pay you to go to school. That's better than a scholarship.

Alas, very few have the grades, extracurriculars, physical ability and desire to serve. If you have all that, go for it.

 

[GoArmy2022]

1). When you are admitted to West Point as a recruited athlete, you are not on a scholarship. West Point does not cost the cadet candidate money (aside from the 2k deposit that they must pay).

2). I have not gone through this process at all. Someone who has will probably come on the forum to help you. Just hold on! You will definitely need the right associations, and I personally think it would behoove you to talk to your coach and express your interest in going to West Point for softball. If your coach doesn’t know, what good will it do you?

Good luck, and go Army!

 

[brovol]

The bottom line is that if you are lucky enough to get an appointment to West Point, or any of the service academies for that matter, you don't need a scholarship. Everything is paid for, including tuition, room and board, and a lot more. When you graduate you are committed to serve 5 years active duty minimum. It is one of the most prestigious schools in the world. It is difficult to get a spot at West Point. Your academics and test scores need to be quite high, and you also need to distinguish yourself and many other respects, in terms of leadership and fitnes.

Your best bet is to go to the usma website and read up on admissions.

 

[USMA 1994]

You should go find the threads about recruited athletes. Depending on how highly recruited athlete you may be, the admissions process is different. It can vary from a kid with low 20s ACT being put in the prep school to the opposite end where the candidate has to compete and win a slate with very little help from a coach. There are many variables involved.

 

[Jenna]

No. But you may earn an appointment and promise to serve five years or more afterward. They'll even pay you to go to school. That's better than a scholarship.

Alas, very few have the grades, extracurriculars, physical ability and desire to serve. If you have all that, go for it.

Then why do they come out to my showcase tourneys?

 

[HogieWonKanobe]

Then why do they come out to my showcase tourneys?

Because they play at the D1 Level and they're looking for players - just like every other school.

 

[justdoit19]

Also, their presence got you looking into the idea of attending an academy. Perhaps if they weren’t there, you (or other talent) wouldn’t have looked into it. DS Received interest, got him looking into and considering the idea and ultimately it became his passion and goal! He is a USNA appointee. You still have to earn that select appointment.

Their website is very thorough on the process. If it’s something you are interested in, start looking into it. It’s not a decision that can be made quickly. The process can take a year....even if you are a “recruited athlete”. Best wishes whatever your decision!

 

[NovaGrad]

Lots of Information on this forum and on the INET about Service Academy athletic recruitment. No athletic scholarships are awarded but recruited athletes can be Blue Chipped. Each sport has a limited number of Blue Chips which is basically the coaches top recruits and the admission board takes the team needs into account. Athletes may be given some flexibility if there do not meet some of the academic averages but they still are supposed to meet minimum standards. Athletes who are below academic minimums are sometimes prepped in order to prepare them for the academic rigors of the academies. DD was recruited by USNA, USMA and CGA. She was told by USNA/USMA there was a spot for her but due to position needs was not a Blue Chip. She was one of CGA's main targets and would have been a very high rated player for a D3 program. She was appointed to USMA on her own merit, did not get a nomination for USNA and was waitlisted for CGA with the coach gong to bat for her with the admissions board. There are so many variables to recruiting and the additional requirements of entering an Academy just make it even more difficult. Since Academies do not offer scholarships they do not participate in the LOI program. When you see athletes signing Letters of Intent to an Academy this month it is typically the Blue Chippers and is basically ceremonial as an homage to their hard work and dedication over the years. Most would be signing an LOI to a traditional college otherwise. My first suggestion would be to reach out directly to the coach, get them your recruiting sheet, ask them if they are currently recruiting you and if so where you are on their list? You will know if they are recruiting you and if you are already a Junior they are allowed to make contact with you.

 

[Oldcorps]

I am surprised tat your DS did not get a nom to USNA considering the state and high school? Congrats on USMA! We are still waiting somewhat in the same situation - not quite a Blue Chip

 

[Oldcorps]

I am surprised tat your DS did not get a nom to USNA considering the state and high school? Congrats on USMA! We are still waiting somewhat in the same situation - not quite a Blue Chip

Sorry NovaGrad I meant your DD

 

[NovaGrad]

I am surprised tat your DS did not get a nom to USNA considering the state and high school? Congrats on USMA! We are still waiting somewhat in the same situation - not quite a Blue Chip

Sorry NovaGrad I meant your DD

No worries. All these acronyms are like learning another language. In regards to the USNA nom -after she visited West Point it became her first choice (actually second to CGA but no nom is needed for CGA) so when she went in front of the MOC boards she listed her choices as USMA, USAF and USNA third. We are blessed she got the nominations and appointment she did as I am sure there are more competitive applicants and only the Academies know why they pick who they pick. Good luck to your child. I think the waiting is the hardest part of the process mentally.