Attention! future cadets - West Point admissions procedures - Brief Article

CML Army Chemical Review, Feb, 2002 by Kirk W. Major Gohlke

The United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York, is the world's premier institute of leader development. Graduates not only receive a bachelor of science degree but also a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. They also gain practical leadership experience that is virtually unmatched in any other profession.

Each year, West Point or the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, offers admission to approximately 250 soldiers (Active, Reserve Component, and National Guard) and more than 100 military dependents. USMAPS prepares soldiers for success at West Point through an intensive curriculum focused on English and mathematics.

For a dependent to be eligible, he or she must be the son or daughter of a military member in one of the following categories. First are career family members. These are members of an armed force (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard) who are on active duty (other than for training) and who have served continuously on active duty for at least 8 years or who died while they were retired with pay or granted retired or retainer pay. Second are service members currently serving in the Reserve Component who are credited with at least 8 continuous years of service computed under Section 12733 of Title 10, United States Code (i.e., at least 2,880 points). Third are reservists who are entitled to retirement pay when they reach age 60, including those who have died.

Applicants must be--

* U.S. citizens.

* Unmarried with no legal obligation to support dependents.

* High school graduates.

* Under 23 years of age before July 1 of the year entering USMA (under 22 years of age prior to July 1 of the year entering the Prep School).

* Of high moral character.

Most importantly, the applicant must have a sincere interest in attending West Point and becoming an Army officer.

Soldiers and dependents who meet the basic eligibility requirements, have achieved SAT scores greater than 1,000 or ACT composite score of 20 or higher, and have earned good grades in a college preparatory high school curriculum are especially encouraged to apply. All application requirements must be submitted by 1 April 2002 to be considered for appointment to West Point or the USMAPS in July 2002. Those who are interested should contact Captain Cliff Hodges at (DSN) 688-5780 or (845) 938-5780, email: tc2324@usma.edu, or fill out the request form at http://forms.admissions.usma.edu/cb.