Greetings to everyone!
My name is Max and I find myself in a challenging situation trying to get into West Point.
I would appreciate your comments and feedback, any information and advice would be helpful.
I am 20 years old and I am a recent immigrant from Europe. Unfortunately, the immigration process took much longer time than we expected killing my chances of entering USMA. My other problem is that my birthday is in the middle of June, essentially costing me a year. We're applying for the adjustment of status this month which means I'll be a permanent resident, at best, by next summer. Then, I plan to join the Army and get citizenship by the end of the BCT. That will be around mid-fall. At that time I'll be 21 and, by the regular rules it will be my last chance to apply. Then, the actual challenge begins:
1) My recruiter said that for making any career changes like applying for the USMA or changing MOS I have to fulfill 2 years of my contract.
Question: Is it really so? Are there any exceptions to this rule?
2) West Point is highly competitive. I'll need recommendations from my commanders. It is really difficult, if possible, to get a recommendation being a couple of months in a unit. Time plays against me again.
Question: How can I show myself and prove personal eligibility in that short time? What is counted as distinguishing in the Army?
3) Time plays against me. Residence permit issuance may be delayed, or I'll have to serve as enlisted for 2 years, or my commander won’t give endorsement.
Question: Can I apply and get an age waiver in the USMA? By that time I'll probably have meritorious service records, positive feedback and recommendations.
A little about myself - I live in California, in the SF bay area. My immigration is family-based and I adapt very quickly here, especially since my mentality is close to American. I am western European and I have lived for 5 years in Turkey, so I can compare various experiences of immigration and cultural differences. I can speak, read and write in 5 languages (4 fluently) and I keep improving on this number. I am mature beyond my years having lived in different countries and experienced life’s challenges. I traveled a lot throughout my life. I'm physically fit, extremely active, well educated, and self-disciplined. I know the price of self-motivation. I am a person of high standards. My creed is to always give 100 percent and to always finish what I start.
My name is Max and I find myself in a challenging situation trying to get into West Point.
I would appreciate your comments and feedback, any information and advice would be helpful.
I am 20 years old and I am a recent immigrant from Europe. Unfortunately, the immigration process took much longer time than we expected killing my chances of entering USMA. My other problem is that my birthday is in the middle of June, essentially costing me a year. We're applying for the adjustment of status this month which means I'll be a permanent resident, at best, by next summer. Then, I plan to join the Army and get citizenship by the end of the BCT. That will be around mid-fall. At that time I'll be 21 and, by the regular rules it will be my last chance to apply. Then, the actual challenge begins:
1) My recruiter said that for making any career changes like applying for the USMA or changing MOS I have to fulfill 2 years of my contract.
Question: Is it really so? Are there any exceptions to this rule?
2) West Point is highly competitive. I'll need recommendations from my commanders. It is really difficult, if possible, to get a recommendation being a couple of months in a unit. Time plays against me again.
Question: How can I show myself and prove personal eligibility in that short time? What is counted as distinguishing in the Army?
3) Time plays against me. Residence permit issuance may be delayed, or I'll have to serve as enlisted for 2 years, or my commander won’t give endorsement.
Question: Can I apply and get an age waiver in the USMA? By that time I'll probably have meritorious service records, positive feedback and recommendations.
A little about myself - I live in California, in the SF bay area. My immigration is family-based and I adapt very quickly here, especially since my mentality is close to American. I am western European and I have lived for 5 years in Turkey, so I can compare various experiences of immigration and cultural differences. I can speak, read and write in 5 languages (4 fluently) and I keep improving on this number. I am mature beyond my years having lived in different countries and experienced life’s challenges. I traveled a lot throughout my life. I'm physically fit, extremely active, well educated, and self-disciplined. I know the price of self-motivation. I am a person of high standards. My creed is to always give 100 percent and to always finish what I start.