To early?

westpoint20

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Feb 21, 2013
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Woud it be too early as a high school freshmen to contact my Malo/FFR? And if it' ot how would i go about doing that?
 
I contacted my FFR at the end of my Freshman year. I would say it's dependent though.. At the moment I assume that the FFRs/MALOs are prioritized with the Class of 2017.

Early on, my FFR bounced some quick tips and advice for me, but he didn't start going in-depth until I was actually in the process.

You can contact Admissions for your local FFR.
 
I contacted mine this past year (as a sophomore). He gave me some advice and I think it's a good thing to do (though not mandatory) just to let him/her know you're interested.

**Definitely wait until they aren't as busy as they are now before you contact yours**
 
What do you want to contact them about? If it's something that can be answered by reading through the West Point Admissions page, it's probably "too early"
 
Probably depends on the FFR. Personally I would love to hear from a freshman and have the chance to talk to them early in the game and make sure they have everything on the right track. In my opinion, expressing interest early and often is never a bad thing. Of course others may feel differently. I would say that any FFR wouldn't mind a quick email summarizing what you've done to this point, why you're interested in WP, and a vague outline of future plans (ie. "I plan to take AP Calc by senior year and will volunteer this summer at..."). If you just get a generic reply or something suggesting that you meet further down the road, fine. I'd still keep them updated maybe once a semester. However, if they express more interest or offer to answer questions or meet up if you'd like, then I would definitely take them up on that offer.

And I don't think FFR's should be all "that" busy right now. Most of our part is complete. Now I'm just fielding questions from candidates who are stressed by these last few days of waiting and starting to think about the new 2018 candidates!
 
Probably depends on the FFR.

Very true. Based on my experience (2017 candidate) I would say that you could wait a bit if you don't have any specific questions but there is also no harm in sending am email. Just dont be discouraged if you don't get the response you want. I have sent me FFR three emails over the last two and half years and have not heard back to a single one. It wasn't a problem for me, I am just saying this to point out that some FFR chose to be a lot more active than others, and the response you get will most likely based on who your FFR is not how good your file is. Work hard the next 4 years and best of luck! :thumb:
 
Probably depends on the FFR. Personally I would love to hear from a freshman and have the chance to talk to them early in the game and make sure they have everything on the right track. In my opinion, expressing interest early and often is never a bad thing. Of course others may feel differently. I would say that any FFR wouldn't mind a quick email summarizing what you've done to this point, why you're interested in WP, and a vague outline of future plans (ie. "I plan to take AP Calc by senior year and will volunteer this summer at..."). If you just get a generic reply or something suggesting that you meet further down the road, fine. I'd still keep them updated maybe once a semester. However, if they express more interest or offer to answer questions or meet up if you'd like, then I would definitely take them up on that offer.

And I don't think FFR's should be all "that" busy right now. Most of our part is complete. Now I'm just fielding questions from candidates who are stressed by these last few days of waiting and starting to think about the new 2018 candidates!

There are some stressed candidates right now? :wink:

Another reason for reaching out early to your FFR is so that they can keep you updated on AIMS, All- Academy Days, etc. in your area.
 
It leaves an impression

Woud it be too early as a high school freshmen to contact my Malo/FFR? And if it' ot how would i go about doing that?

I've been in contact with my FFR since about 7th grade just from going to my senator's academy information days. I think I started regularly e-mailing around early junior year when I was getting ready to take PSATs and apply for SLE (formerly known as SLS).

I mean it's one thing if you're sending them 10 e-mails a day freaking out about things you have no control over, but I don't think one e-mail introducing yourself and declaring your interest would hurt. In fact, it might get yourself on their radar.

Remember, part of the "unscored" portion of the application is your dedication. I'm only a senior in high school waiting for my decision regarding Class of 2017, but if I were a FFR, I'd definitely lend a hand to anyone who wants West Point more than they want to breath.

I know my FFR has gone above and beyond for me because I wanted it so bad, and I owe him A LOT for helping me out much more than his job required him to do.
 
I am also a USMA hopeful c/o 2020, and I have been told to go ahead. I am hoping to get in touch and stay in touch, because it is kind of a matter of keeping me encouraged. I have to have these little things every so often or I start getting discouraged. But no, I would say definitely not to early.

Also, I would love to chat sometime.
 
Based on my own experience, that is definitely not "too" early. I contacted my FFR towards the end of 8th grade. I sat down and spoke with her about what I would need to do in the future to earn an appointment. It helped knowing what was expected of me in the coming years if I was to achieve this goal.

During my Congressional nomination process, the fact that I had "started" the process so early was brought up and helped my interview. I ended up receiving my districts principal nomination, how much the early contact helped with receiving it, I am not sure. It did not hurt though.
 
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