Looking into the the acceptance rates and statistics for West Point, I noticed the number of Varsity athletes accepted was quite high. I don't participate in any athletics at my high school, but am a first degree black belt in Taekwondo, and a instructor for other students at my dojang. Is this a viable substitute for a varsity sport? Also, I read on a different forum that being an Eagle Scout is a relatively good alternative to varsity sports, and I anticipate getting my Eagle before applying to West Point, is that accurate?
Any replies are appreciated, thank you.
Everything is based on this point system, with leadership, service, academics, and athletics all factored in. I'm sure if you do special things with your taekwondo (i'm not sure if they do service stuff like eagle scouts or if you have some kind of leadership position), they'll factor that in which will be a unique plus on the point system. Also, it is athletic in a sense, so it may add points there, but because it's not the conventional route, you may have trouble there.
Based on the skill set (a bit of bias here, too
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) i'd say join XC for the fall or track if it's not too late just to add in that you have a sport, and if you're athletic ability is translatable (which i think it may be), you could even quickly get varisty because a sport like track is based solely on how fast you go, not who the coach already has picked out.
You're an instructor, which is leadership and I guess could be service too if youre not paid, which helps a lot. Anyways, just keep on keeping on, but 1) reach out to your FF rep and ask him what he thinks and 2) just stack up as much as you can, your attitude shouldn't be "will this work?" but more along the lines of "what more can I do?". Because sure, you may be able to get away with it, but why take the risk when you can just do your best to add more stuff onto the resumé (obviously doing each to the best of your ability).
Thats just my two cents, I'm applying just like you, so good luck!