Directorate of Admissions
Steps to Admission
Steps To West Point
The Admissions Process
NUMBER OF CANDIDATES
~1,200
2,500+
TIME OF ACTION
Report as a Cadet
JULY OF YEAR OF ADMISSION
Visit West Point
Await evaluation and status
Complete testing
4,000+
Obtain nomination
WINTER OF SENIOR YEAR
Complete USMA Forms
Apply for a Nomination
15,000+
Start a File at West Point
Determine whether you meet the basic requirements
SPRING OF JUNIOR YEAR
Step 1: Basic Requirements
Legal Requirements:
– 17-22 years old
– United States Citizen
– Unmarried
– Not pregnant; with no legal obligation
to support a child
Step 1: Basic Requirements (con’t)
• Leadership
– Demonstrated leadership in school, community, church, scouts, etc.
• Academic Qualifications:
– Above average High School or College academic record
– Strong performance on ACT/SAT
• Medical Qualifications:
– Good physical and mental health
– Pass a Qualifying Medical Exam
• Physical Qualifications:
– Above average strength, endurance, and agility
– Good performance on Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)
Academic Preparation
Recommended
English
4 Years
Mathematics
(including Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus)
4 Years
Laboratory Science
2 Years
Foreign Language
2 Years
United States History
1 Year
Computer Technology
1 Year
Steps To West Point
The Admissions Process
NUMBER OF CANDIDATES
~1,200
2,500+
TIME OF ACTION
Report as a Cadet
JULY OF YEAR OF ADMISSION
Visit West Point
Await evaluation and status
Complete testing
4,000+
Obtain nomination
WINTER OF SENIOR YEAR
Complete USMA Forms
Apply for a Nomination
15,000+
Start a File at West Point
Determine whether you meet the basic requirements
SPRING OF JUNIOR YEAR
Step 2: Open a File
• Start a Candidate Questionnaire online from
the admissions webpage:
http://www.westpoint.edu/admissions/SitePage
s/Home.aspx
• Usually opens in January to facilitate the
Summer Leaders Experience application
(apply Jan – 1 Apr)
Steps To West Point
The Admissions Process
NUMBER OF CANDIDATES
~1,200
2,500+
TIME OF ACTION
Report as a Cadet
JULY OF YEAR OF ADMISSION
Visit West Point
Await evaluation and status
Complete testing
4,000+
Obtain nomination
WINTER OF SENIOR YEAR
Complete USMA Forms
Apply for a Nomination
15,000+
Start a File at West Point
Determine whether you meet the basic requirements
SPRING OF JUNIOR YEAR
Step 3: Apply for a Nomination
Congressional Nomination:
Determined by nominating source
Service-Connected Nomination:
Nomination by the Secretary of the Army
for eligible applicants
Congressional
 Each Member of Congress is authorized five (5) Cadet
Appointments at West Point at any one time.
 Each Member may nominate up to ten (10) young people to
fill each vacancy.
 The Vice President has five (5) Cadet Appointments for
applicants from the United States at large.
Contact Congressional offices EARLY; each member has his/her
own time schedule & process
Service-Connected
 Presidential: Sons & Daughters of career
military personnel
 Regular Army & Reserve Components
 ROTC & JROTC Schools
 Sons & Daughters of deceased &
100% disabled veterans
 Sons & Daughters of Medal of Honor
awardees
100
85, 85
20
~15
Unlimited
Steps To West Point
The Admissions Process
NUMBER OF CANDIDATES
~1,200
2,500+
TIME OF ACTION
Report as a Cadet
JULY OF YEAR OF ADMISSION
Visit West Point
Await evaluation and status
Complete testing
4,000+
Obtain nomination
WINTER OF SENIOR YEAR
Complete USMA Forms
Apply for a Nomination
15,000+
Start a File at West Point
Determine whether you meet the basic requirements
SPRING OF JUNIOR YEAR
Step 4: Complete USMA Forms
Candidate Personal Data Record
Request for Academic Information
School Official Evaluations
– Math
– English
– Chemistry or Physics
Candidate Activities Record
Essay / Candidate Statement
Candidate Fitness Assessment
Steps To West Point
The Admissions Process
NUMBER OF CANDIDATES
~1,200
2,500+
TIME OF ACTION
Report as a Cadet
JULY OF YEAR OF ADMISSION
Visit West Point
Await evaluation and status
Complete testing
4,000+
Obtain nomination
WINTER OF SENIOR YEAR
Complete USMA Forms
Apply for a Nomination
15,000+
Start a File at West Point
Determine whether you meet the basic requirements
SPRING OF JUNIOR YEAR
Obtain a Nomination
– Nominations are due to
West Point no later than
31 January
– Congressional offices set
their own deadlines for
applications
– A nomination is NOT
an appointment
– Advice for Candidates:
• Make the best impression
possible; be prepared for
your interview
• Be aggressive in pursuing
nominations!
Steps To West Point
The Admissions Process
NUMBER OF CANDIDATES
~1,200
2,500+
TIME OF ACTION
Report as a Cadet
JULY OF YEAR OF ADMISSION
Visit West Point
Await evaluation and status
Complete testing
4,000+
Obtain nomination
WINTER OF SENIOR YEAR
Complete USMA Forms
Apply for a Nomination
15,000+
Start a File at West Point
Determine whether you meet the basic requirements
SPRING OF JUNIOR YEAR
Step 6: Complete Testing
 The EARLIER the BETTER
 ACT/SAT
– West Point takes the highest component scores from either test
– Last test dates to have scores arrive in time for consideration
• SAT = January
• ACT = February
• These should not be the candidate’s first time taking the test
 Qualifying Medical Exam
– administered through the Department of Defense Medical Evaluation
Review Board (DODMERB)
 Cadet Fitness Assessment (CFA)
Steps To West Point
The Admissions Process
NUMBER OF CANDIDATES
~1,200
2,500+
TIME OF ACTION
Report as a Cadet
JULY OF YEAR OF ADMISSION
Visit West Point
Await evaluation and status
Complete testing
4,000+
Obtain nomination
WINTER OF SENIOR YEAR
Complete USMA Forms
Apply for a Nomination
15,000+
Start a File at West Point
Determine whether you meet the basic requirements
SPRING OF JUNIOR YEAR
Step 7: Await Evaluation
Files must be complete by the last day of
February.
West Point uses a “deadline” admissions
process; the majority of offers will be made in
March immediately following the file
completion deadline.
Step 7: Await Evaluation (con’t)
 Advantages of Early File Completion:
More time for the Candidate to improve based on
Field Force and Admissions Officer recommendations
Earlier consideration for a Medical Waiver, if needed
Earlier qualification that can benefit the Candidate in
a nominating interview
Greater chance to be authorized an overnight visit in
the Fall
Steps To West Point
The Admissions Process
NUMBER OF CANDIDATES
~1,200
2,500+
TIME OF ACTION
Report as a Cadet
JULY OF YEAR OF ADMISSION
Visit West Point
Await evaluation and status
Complete testing
4,000+
Obtain nomination
WINTER OF SENIOR YEAR
Complete USMA Forms
Apply for a Nomination
15,000+
Start a File at West Point
Determine whether you meet the basic requirements
SPRING OF JUNIOR YEAR
Step 8: Visit West Point
Candidate Orientation Visits
• Available Monday through Friday during the academic year
• Daily Visits are available for students who are at least in
their sophomore year of high school
• Overnight Visits are available only for those who are
competitive for an offer of admission (Candidates with
Letters of Assurance, Letters of Encouragement, or Offers)
Visits are cadet-escorted and offer an “up-close
look” at the Academy
To set up a visit sign-up online or
call 845-938-5760
Steps To West Point
The Admissions Process
NUMBER OF CANDIDATES
~1,200
2,500+
TIME OF ACTION
Report as a Cadet
JULY OF YEAR OF ADMISSION
Visit West Point
Await evaluation and status
Complete testing
4,000+
Obtain nomination
WINTER OF SENIOR YEAR
Complete USMA Forms
Apply for a Nomination
15,000+
Start a File at West Point
Determine whether you meet the basic requirements
SPRING OF JUNIOR YEAR
Report as a New Cadet
– Reception Day (“R-Day”)
– Come prepared
• physically
• mentally
• emotionally
– We will provide all accepted
candidates with lots of info
• read it!
• share it!
No Surprises
– Read monthly mailings
• Letter from Honor
Chairman
• Description of Summer
Training
• Superintendent’s Video
– Explore www.usma.edu
• Books, Magazines,
Documentaries
– Ask Questions
• Admissions Officer
• Field Force members
• Local Area Cadets and
Graduates
– Visit West Point
Admissions Strategy
– Apply to all available nomination sources early
– Complete the USMA forms (SSK) early
– Take ACT and/or SAT multiple times; if taking the ACT,
USMA requires you to take the optional Writing Test
– Practice for the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)
– Prepare file carefully with emphasis on the Personal
Statement
– Have a back-up plan
• Consider ROTC in addition to West Point
• Consider reapplying next year, if necessary
– Make the Admissions Decision that is Right for YOU
Reasons for Coming
to West Point
Recent Incoming Classes
Reason
Overall %
Desire to be an Army Officer
30
Self-Development
18
USMA’s Overall Reputation
16
Leadership Training
14
Academic Program
13
Other:
Athletics
5
Family Influences
2
Economics
2
Great Lakes Admissions Team
CPT Albert Gomez
CPT David White - Outreach
AK
Ms. Patricia Higgins
Ms. Laura Lanier
CPT Gomez
WA
CPT Nott
ID
Far West Admissions Team
CPT Lyndsey Nott
1LT Arron Conley - Outreach
CA
NV
NJ
PA
Ms. Cathy Muller
Ms. Sheila Murry
IN
WV
MD
KY
VA
KS
MO
NC
TN
AZ
OK
NM
Southwest Admissions Team
MAJ Andrew Yang
CPT Paul Marques
SC
AR
MS
TX
AL
GA
MAJ Turner
LA
FL
Ms. Gladys Grady
Mr. Matthew Mason
MAJ Unger
Northeast Admissions Team
MAJ Tawofik Ghazal
CPT Mike Wright - Outreach
OH
IL
HI
MAJ Yang
CPT Wright
DE
IA
UT
CO
Mrs. Zulma Melvin
Mrs. Mary Paez
RI
CT
MI
NE
MA
WI
SD
WY
NH
NY
ND
MN
1LT Conley
MAJ Ghazal
ME
VT
MT
OR
CPT White
1LT Mallard-Brown
Southeast Admissions Team
MAJ John Turner
1LT Kimberly Mallard –Brown, Outreach
Mrs. Jodi Hendrickson
Ms. Pat Adams
CPT Marques
Recruited Athletes and
Congressional Liaison
MAJ Curtis Unger
Diversity Outreach
Recruiting
MAJ Betty Myrthil
Active / Reserve Soldiers,
USMAPS, and Civil Prep
MAJ Ryan Liebhaber
Ms. Joyce Adams
Mrs. Michelle Green
Ms. Reeva Johnson
Ms. Michelle Oldenburg
MAJ Myrthil
MAJ Liebhaber
National Guard Soldiers
MAJ Brian Wire
MAJ Wire