What are my chances?

Topanga

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 14, 2013
Messages
5
I've been interested in West Point and the Naval Academy for quite a while now, and I was just wondering what my chances are of getting in either of them. Im currently a junior in high school.
(Asian and Female, although I do not know if this affects the chances of me getting in?) The most important thing I'm worried about is sports. I do not participate in any after-school sports activities...(Let's just assume I can pass the physical test.[Going to work out over the summer..]) however, I do hold cabinet positions to two clubs on campus. (Vice President and Treasurer). I also volunteered in a Hospital for ~205 hours, along with some other places for additional hours. Oh, I am also in the International Baccalaureate program at our school.

GPA:
3.97 Unweighed
4.66 Weighed

Rank: 7 out of 404

Classes:
Freshman:
A/A Algebra 2
A/A Biology H
A/A Chinese 1
A/A English 1H
A/A PE
A/A World History H

Sophomore:
A/A Chemistry H
A/A Chinese 3H
A/A English 2H
A/A AP European History
A/A PE
B/A Pre Calculus H

Junior:
Parentheses means I haven't secured the grade yet, but I will most likely be getting these grades! :)

A/(A) AP Chemistry (IB)
A/(A) AP Calculus AB
A/(A) AP Chinese Language and Culture (IB)
A/(A) AP English Language (IB)
A/(A) AP Statistics
A/(A) AP US History (IB)

Senior: (Going to take these classes next year)
AP Calculus BC
AP Literature (IB)
History of the Americas (IB)
Theory of Knowledge (IB)
AP Psychology

SAT:
670 CR
670 Math
720 Writing
2060 Total
* I plan on retaking in October for a better score.
Aiming for 2200+

I haven't taken any SAT II's yet, (should I? And which ones?)
Considering: Math II, US History, Chemistry, Chinese

GPA:
PS, is the nomination letter a requirement for admissions?
 
Yes a nomination is required for an appointment. Subject tests are not viewed by admission. Neither is SAT writing. about 90% of each incoming class plays a varsity sport so although it will be challenging to get appointed it is possible.
 
I'd say you're starting in the right place. Find out who you're representatives are in your state. You may be eligible for a Presidential nomination too.

Surf these forums and ask questions. Seek out leadership experience by working or volunteering. Several national youth affiliations to include the academy's annual leadership seminars are excellent choices too. Stay out of trouble and stay motivated.

Eh, that's all I can think of at the top of my head. The process is long and I think academically, you're going in the right direction. Get in shape and think about varsity sports. You'll need em' believe me.
 
Just re-read your post. Grades are half the battle. You were thorough jotting them down and I think you're off to a good start volunteering in your community. You need to remain consistent though and I'll reiterate the importance of sports--even though some people would say you could get in without it, the math just doesn't work in your favor so you have to participate in a sport. Besides, you'll have to pass the CFA too so you'll have to be in some kind of shape.

It's as important as your grades, standing and ACT/SAT scores. And I'd recommend you take both tests if offered and retake them. You do know the academy utilizes super-scoring (I think that's what it's called) so if you score higher in one area of the test, WP will count that along with the highest of all your other scores.

Man, it's all coming back to me and my son hasn't even received an appointment yet.
 
Athletics

While your grades and SAT scores are great (maybe some improvent in reading/math) your chances are really going to be hurt by the lack of extra curricular activies specifically atheltics.

WP or the Army in general doesn't just want "bookworms" who always got that A in class. They want entry level leaders who have a backround within the scholar-athlete-leader paradigm.. YOu are expected to set an example and lead from the front in all of those categories.

Although I am not a WP grad I can tell you that most who are admitted have at least one or two varsity letters and many more are captains or state participants.

What clubs are you? Are they active or just a static entity like NHS?

Also, I am going to assume you haven't worked out consistently though life? The PFT or APFT is going to be a rude awakening even if you do dedicate a whole summer simply because you lack the muscle memory or fitness knowledge to get in shape. I am not saying you can't do it but as a recruiter I consistently see the uphill battle non-athletes take when trying to excel on the APFT.

One more question, why WP? or more importantly why do you want to be a military officer?
 
Last edited:
Topanga, reminds me of that tv show

It comes from Topanga Canyon here in So Cal.

As you build your "WCS", Whole Candidate Score to be competitive, it is very important to participate in team sports. WP is not about attending a great school but working in a team environment in the Army. Math is considered more important than other subjects. What you can exploit is you command of the chinese language. This is a subject of interest in current events at this time. You did't mention mandarin or cantonese.

Understand you will have to participate in team sports at WP.

Here is the break down of WCS.

This is how WP adds up a WCS. "Whole Candidate Score" This is part of the formula they use to grade a candidate who has opened a file.

Academics (60%)
Class rank (15 points)
SAT score (35)
High School Grades (10)
Extra points for Valedictorian/National Honor Society/National Merit Scholar

Leadership (30%)
School Leadership – extra points for class or student body president
Eagle Scout/Gold Star Girls Scout
Boys and Girls State
Athletic Participation – Team Captain Status
Team sports

Fitness CFA (10%)

Being a recruited athlete /Under Represented Minority/Active Service can fall in to different category pertaining to WP Class compositions.

The standardized testing is a huge part of WCS and it is important to do your very very best and take the tests multiply times. My DS has taken ACT/SAT 8 times.

This is how WP breaks it down.

WP thinks your high school rank is more important than your GPA. However, to have a high rank (top 15%) you need a great GPA.

Also to improve your WCS, get those SAT/ACT scores as high as you can.


Push Hard, Press Forward
 
@Aglahad

From the moment I heard about the Academy, I loved it. I want to go to West Point because I believe it can open up my future. I want to be an Engineer in the future (though I'm not sure exactly what kind of engineer). I'm sure that the five years of active duty after WP can provide me with the experience I need. I feel that I have an obligation to serve my country, and I see myself continuing my career in the military after the five years commitment. I eventually want to work in the Pentagon though (is that unreasonable?) I also think I would enjoy the student life there, despite hearing about the tough schedules. (For some reason, I like the strict regiment.. is that weird... haha) To be completely honest though, one part of my motivation is also because WP has a prestigious name (I mean.. c'mon.. who doesn't want to go to one of the best schools?).
Overall though, I feel West Point is going to offer me opportunities and experience I need to grow.
I'm not entirely sure if this is a legitimate reason to want to go to West Point though, (critique?) What do you guys think?

PS: I am that bookworm.. Haha. I guess I should be more active and participate in more leadership activities and sports (but it's so hard to balance sports and academics, because sports is an afterschool activity, and I basically spend all my time on academics.. I barely get a wink of sleep :( Even if I do, I dont think I can get any Varsity Letters, because it'll only be my first year if I join next year when I'm a senior. I should still join though, right? ) - Student Body President is impossible right now because I'm not in ASB, but Ill try looking around for more leadership opportunities!

To the others: Thank you all for your time and criticisms! I really appreciate it! ^_^
 
Topanga, IMO the Academies want to know you can handle the physical demands by demonstrating this through sports. They also want to see that you can juggle the demands of sports and academics at the same time.
 
That would make sense... haha. I guess I'll join a sport as soon as I can!
 
There should be time for track this spring. The running will be good for your CFA prep as well.
 
+1 to 845something. I would say next year is too late in any case... get on it with track this spring... which I expect means NOW! If you can't handle the track you can't handle the academy. Test yourself now.
 
+1 to 845something. I would say next year is too late in any case... get on it with track this spring... which I expect means NOW! If you can't handle the track you can't handle the academy. Test yourself now.

While kids who run longer events in track ofter also run cross country, plenty of kids who have never been runners join track and start with shorter to mid distance events. Some find they are naturals at certain events, including hurdles. I agree that you should get to the track coach NOW and see if you can join the team. At a lot of schools, track is a no cut sport.
I agree with the above posted. If track practice, on a no cut team with a coach who is willing to accept a new athlete after the season has started (meaning, a flexible coach), is miserable to you or just too hard, the physical demands of a SA may be too much. If you can't do track (cannot get on the team) look for a rec. swimming team or martial arts...something consistent you can do this spring and into the summer and next year perhaps.

You are in good shape, I would think (total guess based on what our kids are being told), with grades and SAT scores. But you have to round out the whole package. You still have time. Go for it!

T
 
+1 to kinnem, 845something, tug_boat. You need to build your team experiences as your competition will be well rounded with similar stats. As encouragement, academics look very competitive in your current résumé.
 
Back
Top