What are my chances ?

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Frontier58

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Nov 16, 2015
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Hi, I am a sophomore in high school and have been aspiring to become a cadet at USMA since I was young. I was wondering what my chances are of getting accepted if I were to apply right now and what more I can do to increase my chances of when I actually do. I have a 3.8 GPA as of now and am planning to take the SAT as many times as possible next year to increase my chances. Next year I am planning on taking at least 1 or 2 AP classes as well as in my senior year. Now for my EC's. I am a 2 sport athlete. I play football and throw shot put and discus in track. I have played football since freshman year and will be playing on varsity the last 2 years of my high school career. Also, I was captain of the defense this year as well. For track I have been on the team since freshman year and will be on the varsity team this year. I have had a stable job since this summer and will keep working it until I get out of high school. I work everyday after school. Also I am a United States Naval Sea Cadet with my local division and am currently an E-2 before I graduate I am working extremely hard to at least be promoted to a PO3. Thank you to any advice.
 
Too soon to tell. It looks like you're on the right track. Keep that GPA up, climb in class rank, nail the SAT & or ACT, get and stay in shape, add extracurriculars and leadership roles and you'll have a chance.

No matter how good your packet is, there are no guarantees. Keep doing your best and stay out of the bars. The harder you work, the luckier you'll be.
 
Frontier, and all other newbies, PLEASE READ THE STICKIES. They are there to answer these and similar questions.

Work hard and take the most challenging courses available. Stay out of trouble.

And read the stickies.
 
^^ I agree and also search back on this forum for answers to the most commonly asked questions. The same topics get asked each year.

The answer to the various types of 'what are my chances' threads is that we can't do anything but guess. None of us will ever meet, you so we can't possibly determine how well you will interview or what teacher recommendations may contain (things which enter into the overall application process).
 
The stickies are a good resource above. As you start with your goals working toward WP, and applaud your desire, have limits to your goals. Also work on a Plan B and C if you don't get selected for your Plan A. Take a look at this http://www.usma.edu/admissions/SitePages/Pros_Cadets_Sophomores.aspx and check back often to usma.edu for updates. Please check with SAF and ask questions to further guide you.

WP doesn't look for the best student but the most well rounded. The three pillars, Academics, Leadership and Athletics. Strive for college level course work at school, work on Eagle/Gold Star Awards, SLE, Boys/Girls State Programs, Lettering in competitive sports and strive for leadership responsibilities in those activities.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
OP (opening poster) ... when my dd was in her freshman, sophomore and junior years, she applied to several interesting summer scholarship programs. Summer is an excellent time to check out STEM and other programs as mentioned in previous posts at the Academies and colleges around the country.

Reading the forums is a good thing, but in moderation. My DD backed off from reading these forums because she said everything she needed to know for the basic info was on the academy websites and didn't want to overload herself with too many details. I had to agree with her decision, but I do bring to her attention some of the threads that I feel will be of value to help in the application processes for the Academies & ROTC. She is currently a Senior.

You might also want to head over to your local library to check out hard copy, dvds and online books to learn more about the academies and ROTC. There is an amazing amount of resource information that is FREE and guides you step by step. Best regards in your research efforts.
 
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Understanding that online forums are only as good as those who participate is something all should realize. You can easily find a LOT of great information along with the associated conversations on a wide range of topics. Books written about the academy may be outdated as certain details about the application process have changed overtime at each one.

Each SA also has their own website which contains very useful information all candidates need to be familiar with.
 
tug_boat, what is the eagle/gold star awards ? I will definitely start wanting to work towards that and all the other things you mentioned.
 
Eagle Scout is part of Boy Scouts, and if you are a sophomore that has never been affiliated with scouts at this point, you wouldn't be able to earn it. There is not enough time to earn all the intermediate ranks plus complete an eagle project. The Gold Award is similar for Girl Scouts.

@Frontier58 you are better off working to advance to higher positions in sea cadets than to try to switch to scouts at this point, as well as looking for leadership positions in school (outside of Athletics).
 
Agree with 845... if no scouting up till now, your best chance will be to continue in Sea Cadets.
 
Now, get off the interwebs (ha! do I sound so totally OLD?), and do your homework. :)
 
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