Trying to maximize my chances at West Point early

[AC355]

Hello all,
I am currently in the 8th grade and want to do everything in my power in order to make my dream at USMA a reality. My main question is: will going to a military preparatory school such as Missouri Military Academy make my acceptance at West Point more likely than if I attend a non military prep school or public school?

 

[USMA 1994]

The short answer is no. There are many things outside your control that affects the outcome of the process. The best advice is to do what you are passionate about and do it well. Work everyday to make yourself a better student, teammate, leader. Challenge yourself by taking the harder "road" in all that you do.

 

[jocomom]

Hello all,
I am currently in the 8th grade and want to do everything in my power in order to make my dream at USMA a reality. My main question is: will going to a military preparatory school such as Missouri Military Academy make my acceptance at West Point more likely than if I attend a non military prep school or public school?

I know many on the forum will disagree, but if you select the right school, the answer is yes. My DS investigated numerous schools and found that the Culver Academies in Indiana send a disproportionate number of students to the three academies. They are well prepared academically and the leadership programs sets them up for success. In my DS's Culver class, there were 5 students that attended USMA, 3 that attended USNA and 2 that attended USAFA. That is out of a graduating class of roughly 200 males and females. On a % basis, that is much higher than the national average. That did not include candidates like my DS who had received LOAs and subsequent appointments to USMA and USNA, but who turned them down for 4-year ROTC slots. My DS graduated from Culver in 2012. Culver grads from the classes of 2009 and 2011 went on to be First Captains at USMA and there was also the equivalent of the First Captain at USNA. Culver grads are a known quantity for the academies. Further, the college counseling and leadership departments know what it takes to get to an academy and if a student comes in with that goal in mind, they will move heaven and earth to help make that happen. It's worth looking into if you want to go that route.

 

[Dadx4]

I think it depends on alot of factors. You can make it from any school with hard work and persistence.

 

[kittkatt]

Hello all,
I am currently in the 8th grade and want to do everything in my power in order to make my dream at USMA a reality. My main question is: will going to a military preparatory school such as Missouri Military Academy make my acceptance at West Point more likely than if I attend a non military prep school or public school?

I know many on the forum will disagree, but if you select the right school, the answer is yes. My DS investigated numerous schools and found that the Culver Academies in Indiana send a disproportionate number of students to the three academies. They are well prepared academically and the leadership programs sets them up for success. In my DS's Culver class, there were 5 students that attended USMA, 3 that attended USNA and 2 that attended USAFA. That is out of a graduating class of roughly 200 males and females. On a % basis, that is much higher than the national average. That did not include candidates like my DS who had received LOAs and subsequent appointments to USMA and USNA, but who turned them down for 4-year ROTC slots. My DS graduated from Culver in 2012. Culver grads from the classes of 2009 and 2011 went on to be First Captains at USMA and there was also the equivalent of the First Captain at USNA. Culver grads are a known quantity for the academies. Further, the college counseling and leadership departments know what it takes to get to an academy and if a student comes in with that goal in mind, they will move heaven and earth to help make that happen. It's worth looking into if you want to go that route.

Yeah--I've heard great things about Culver Academy as well. Unbelievable resources, rigorous academics, massive endowment, facilities that rival most colleges, and a track record of sustained success with placing its grads into the SAs. I wish I had heard about Culver in time to think about applying.