I am a sophomore in high school right now and I'm not sure if i should even apply because my resume is very slim. I have a 4.0 unweighted GPA, ranked 34th out of 163, and am going to be taking dual-credit and AP courses next year(I am aware these don't count for credit at USMA, it doesn't really matter to me). The problem is I've never been able to participate in sports because my mother could never pick me up or take me to practice so I never really started, I do ride horses and am planning on talking to my school about starting a rodeo team because many student there have mentioned it would be a cool thing to have. I also have limited experience being a leader, I am going to be a counselor in training at summer camp this year and plan on joining a few clubs next year since I will then have my driver's license and a car. I've also signed up for several volunteering opportunities but haven't yet been contacted back. I'm not worried about doing well on the CFA, because I'm confident that by the time I need to take it I'll be in good shape. I also play guitar literally every day but that isn't something they want right? I'm just worried that if I apply with my very small resume I won't even have a chance. Thoughts?
Seek opportunities to demonstrate where you are a scholar, athlete, leader who makes a civic impact on your community. Also demonstrate in your application and your presence/ interview that fitness is a daily/ central core of you who are. A top fitness eval score doesn't negate the benefit of teamwork, competitiveness, ;life lessons, and learning from team sport participation provides IMO, but it could help.
Your note about no one called you back for opportunities is a concern - that's too passive - if this is important to you then YOU should own calling them again, calling other opportunities - you can in this way find a solution, not an excuse.
On fitness, I recommend you work to Be in good shape, not plan "to be" in good shape. For comparison, one my my DS's roommates - great young man but he's on the bubble every semester for passing his fitness evals every semester and it's painful to watch. the other guys drag him to the gym when he fails and his scholarship is at risk. The other 3 roommates just line up and are well above the standard and exercise is just what they do - I recommend you get there now, not plan to get there later. Because it's an on switch that stays on for many esp (from those who served and shared) those in active duty roles.
Overall, this time of a pandemic you have such an ADVANTAGE of overcoming a lack of rides - start a virtual club as an officer, set up music theory or guitar lessons virtually and help your community, help with civic organizations with web site design, creating posters you can do at home, etc. Set up a camp this summer where you teach via zoom, read to children via zoom, etc. I like the poster above who said let them tell you know vs self denial or whatever.
Prepare your application narrative for what challenges you faced and how you overcame them. And apply to as many SA / ROTC branches as you can if you're worried about being competitive, and line up plans B,C,D - but you asked so I'll offer -
you should go for it and apply. And, good for you for being reflective and seeking feedback on what you can change NOW to be competitive to apply your senior year / 1st year in college. Good luck to you.
