if you take a look at the profile of the 2012 class, varsity sports participation was very common along with captainship in a sport that said if you are very serious about your comitment to west point, it is crucial that you have some sort of consistent team sports participation under your belt i would relate it similarly to congressional nominations, your not neccesarily given any bonus points for having one, you absolutely have to have a nomination to compete for admissions. while sports are not 'required' all academies place a high priority on candidates coming from programs in which (hopefully they have led) a group of people who strive for a common goal regardless of whether you've participated much in sports or not, captained or not, you'll never get the chance to step up on r-day if you don't drive your application as forward as you can- best of wishes
Yes, some people are recruited exclusively for sports. (of course all requirements must be met and you must still be competitive). One of my friends was contacted by a Rifle Team coach (also a Westpoint representative) due to his excellent performance in competitions (my school has one of the best rifle teams in the state winning 1st to 3rd place in the state every year). He basically received an LOA. Mind you, he does have really good grades and is in shape so don't rely only on sports.
americas finest, you're from georgia right? i only ask because at summer leaders seminar i roomed with an ian young who was from georgia and was being pursued by the westpoint rifle team coach...small world, or is georgia just the place to be when it comes to westpoint rifle team? if so tell him i'm getting recruited to the swim team!
Wow, as a matter of fact, yes it is Ian Young. He's still working on his nomination but it won't be a problem. I'll tell him what you said tomorrow when I see him at school. Our school is pretty happy getting 3 cadets in an Academy in one year (me and Ian to USMA and another to USNA). Not to mention we got one into USAFA last year. Pretty good record considering our school has been open for only 7 years. I'll send you what he says in a private message. Don't want to hijack the post. Back on topic: As you can see, many people are sought after because of sports. But like I said before, you also have to have good grades and show potential.
Hardworker92 - YES! Sports definitely helps with your application to West Point. About 90% of all cadets were varisty athletes in high school and nearly 90% were letter winners. Over half were team captains - so you will be in good company! I see you are a cross country runner and swimmer - that is terrific. If you are interested in pursuing either on a D-1 level you may contact the coach(s). On the club level West Point has water polo, triathalon and marathon teams. West Point looks for a student who embodies the scholar/leader/athlete model. It sounds like you are well on your way, from your other post. Most kids are not exceptional at all three of those - that's ok. They like to build a class of those who are athletes, leaders and scholars and even form their companies from a mix of cadets. Go here: http://admissions.usma.edu/startyoung.cfm sign up for the mailing list and West Point will send you lots of good information! Also you can soon apply for a spot at the Summer Leaders Seminar. This is a great way to see West Point up close and personal and get a start on your application! http://admissions.usma.edu/MoreInfo/summer.cfm The application will be up on Dec 15th.
Thanks Just a Mom! Yes I would like to pursue cross country on a D-1 level. How would a go about contacting the coach at West Point?
Email the head coach here: http://www.goarmysports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=11100&KEY=&ATCLID=575936
