What can I do to improve my chances?

[dlee96]

I fully understand that not doing a sport will significantly hurt my chances, and I except that.

*accept
Grammar, very important in your essays to your MOC and academies. Note of advice, most of the members here (me EXcluded) are alumni, parents of cadets, current cadets, AD, etc, you would be very wise to take their advice and do a sport. From what I know marching band isn't a full-year commitment (usually just in the Fall, maybe different for your school), if you have time you should do a sport in the winter/spring. Just my 10 cents.

 

[another13mom]

dlee96 - this is an informal forum so grammar is typically not checked - if you are an applicant, perhaps a little forgiveness is in order, or your reputation for perfection may precede you.

 

[R.Martin95]

It would greatly help you to do a sport. That being said, if your mind is completely made up to not do one, you might look to train for competitions you can do on your own - say, triathlons, bike races or runs. Training for and competing in these events won't look look as good as team athletics, but it will allow you to continue to do marching band to the level you still do, and show your commitment to your physical strength.

 

[john.3.30]

Sorry for the grammar, it has been a really long week. Again, I want you guys to know that I fully trust you guys, and respect all of your advice. I just found out that my school is starting a triathlon club. I know that since it is a club it won't be the same commitment and I think I can work it in. Will admissions give credit for a club activity?

 

[mom3boys]

The good folks on this forum give sound advice. However, your best source will be your admissions rep. I met a young man (now a plebe) at an event in GA who did not play a sport. He was involved in other leadership activities and other areas, but not sports. It does happen...but it doesn't happen often. You have a lot in your favor, but it's getting harder and harder to get in. Most of us on this page are not official representatives of WP...but a few are. Advice is generally worth what you pay for it...when in doubt, contact admissions.

 

[2Steaktacos]

I want you guys to know that I fully trust you guys, and respect all of your advice.

You say you really want to go to WP. You have been told it is very difficult to get in and you need to be in a sport. You then say "a sport would be for nothing but to check a box"

It is not "for nothing but to check a box" it is part of what is required to get in. It seems pretty clear to me. Do you really want to leave something that huge out when it comes to admissions? Yes mom3boys I am sure is correct in that there has been someone who got in with no sports. I would hazard a guess they were truly exceptional in some other way or matched a target goal of some sort. So it could happen, but what kind of risk are you willing to take? I guess a pretty big one.

 

[oldcorpsdad]

Yes but you will need to check that block. My kid did 4 years of band. He realized that he needed a sport so he ran indoor track and literally just checked the block. He never earned a track letter but he did 2 seasons of track. He made up for it in other ways, high SAT scores, Eagle Scout, Boys State, other leadership. Every candidate is evaluated on their own mix. He did very good on the CFA (except for BB Throw). He was given an LOA in Northern VA. At his congressional nomination interview, one of the panel members had been in band as well (retired Colonel). They talked way over their time limit about music. My son is now at WP and haveing a great time and still plays music. Be yourself, but check as many blocks as possible is my advice.

 

[mom3boys]

Yes mom3boys I am sure is correct in that there has been someone who got in with no sports. I would hazard a guess they were truly exceptional in some other way or matched a target goal of some sort. .

Eeekk...now that you mention it, this young man was in an under-represented minority group. Perhaps the original poster is as well?