Hello everyone, I've always admired the discipline and character that the military instills and I think West Point would be a great place for me. However, I'm not entirely clear about the requirements for entry. Anyone in this sub got any advice or info for me?
Getting admitted to West Point Military Academy is a complex, multi-step process. Here are the general steps:
1. Academic qualifications: West Point is an academically competitive institution. You should ideally have a strong high school GPA, a rigorous course load with many AP or IB courses, and strong ACT or SAT scores.
2. Physical fitness: Applicants must pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA). Training for the CFA will require a regimen that includes running, push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises.
3. Medical qualification: Applicants must meet the physical, psychological, and medical standards required by the Army. The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) is responsible for making these evaluations.
4. Character qualifications: West Point places an emphasis on ethics, so character evaluations including evaluations of leadership potential, are a major part of the admissions process. You'll need to start displaying strong leadership skills even in high school, for instance in sports teams, student government, or clubs.
5. Nomination: You must also procure a nomination to apply to service academies. This is usually from a U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, or the Vice President of the US.
6. Application: The application process begins in junior year of high school, when you open a Candidate File and complete the Candidate Questionnaire. Depending on your qualifications, you may then be selected to continue in the admissions process.
Speaking more specifically, truly competitive candidates typically rank in the top 20% of their class and usually have an SAT score above 1200. But remember, selection is not solely based on academics. Demonstrated leadership and athletic ability are highly valued – for example, around 90% of incoming classes typically consist of varsity athletes.
And last but not the least, entering West Point implies a minimum service requirement after graduation, so make sure you're ready, not just for the academy, but for its long-term implications as well. Best of luck!
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