West Point invites soldiers, dependents to apply - News Updates - Brief Article

Army Reserve Magazine, Winter, 2001

The United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. invites Army Reservists and dependents wishing to attend of one of the world's premier institutes of leader development to apply for admission. Graduates not only receive a Bachelor of Science degree but also a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Each year, approximately 250 soldiers (Active, Reserve, and National Guard) and more than 100 military dependents are offered admission to West Point or the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School (USAMAPS) located at Fort Monmouth, N.J.

For a dependent to be eligible for the prep school, he or she must be the son or daughter of a career military member. The prep school prepares soldiers for success at West Point through an intensive curriculum focused on English and mathematics. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, unmarried with no legal obligation to support dependents, high school graduates, under 23 years of age prior to July 1 of the year entering USMAPS (under 22 years of age prior to July 1 of the years entering the Prep School), of high moral character and must have a sincere interest in attending West Point and becoming an Army officer.

Soldiers interested in attending West Point and becoming an Army officer must be U.S. citizens; unmarried with no legal obligation to support dependents; under 23 years of age prior to July 1 of the year entering US MAPS (under 22 prior to July 1 of the year entering the Prep School); a high school graduate or have a GED, and of high moral character.

Soldiers who meet the basic eligibility requirements, have achieved SAT scores greater than 1000 or ACT composite score of 20 or higher and achieved average grades or better in their high school curriculum are especially encouraged to apply.

Soldiers must also obtain an endorsement from their company or lowest-level unit commander (See sample endorsement at www.usma.edu/admissions/Sample.asp). While this endorsement constitutes a nomination, soldiers are also strongly encouraged to obtain additional nominations from their congressional nomination sources (See nomination information at www.usma.edu/admissions/Step2.asp).

All application requirements must be met by April 1, 2002, to be considered for an appointment to West Point or the USMAPS in July 2002. For more information about West Point or USAMAPS visit the website at www.usma.edu/admissions/ contact Capt. 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.