Apply to West Point in 8 Steps

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Step 1. Confirm Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:

  • At least age 17, but not 23 or older, on July 1 of the year you enter West Point
  • A U.S. Citizen (See Information for International Cadets for exceptions)
  • Not married
  • Not pregnant
  • Not legally responsible for child support

Step 2. Gather Personal Information

You will need the following information to complete your application:

A west point cadet wearing a branded beanie hat stands in a crowd of cadets during a football game. His slight smile and focus on the distance conveys a feeling of reverie.
A young man wearing a white t-shirt and glasses sits at his computer to complete an online application.

Step 3. Apply Online

Complete the Candidate Questionnaire (CQ) to open an application to West Point.  We use the CQ to screen applicants for eligibility. The application window opens on February 1st for high school juniors. Open a file as early as possible.

  • All qualified applicants receive their West Point Candidate Portal credentials by email, usually within 24-48 hours.
  • Check your spam folder if you don’t get an email within 48 hours.

Step 4. Connect with our Field Force

West Point Field Force members are local volunteer Admissions representatives of the U.S. Military Academy. Field Force members are an invaluable resource when navigating the application process at West Point. Find your Field Force representative today! All applications must include an interview.  A Field Force representative will contact you to schedule the interview.

TIP:  Dress as you would for a job interview.

A U.S. Army Ranger Colonel wearing the dress blue Army service uniform expressively mentors a West Point Cadet, pointing his blade-hand forward for emphasis; the colonels West Point class ring gleams red. The cadet smiles as he listens to the sage advice.
A smiling President Biden reaches forward to shake hands with a saluting white-gloved cadet during a graduation ceremony.

Step 5. Apply for a Nomination

A nomination is required to attend West Point. There are two types: Congressional (your Representative or one of your State’s Senators) and Service-Connected. Nominations are due by January 31st of the year you start college.

Step 6. Get a Medical Examination

The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) will provide the location and date of your exam. The DoDMERB website is useful to Track Your Medical Status

Tip: Take your medical exam as soon as possible! It can take several months to get qualified. If you haven’t been scheduled by DoDMERB by the fall of your high school senior year, contact your regional Admissions Officer.

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A cadet, dressed in Army combat uniform, smiles as she prepares to climb a rope during cadet basic training.

Step 7. Take the Candidate Fitness Assessment

Qualified Applicants will receive an email directing them to the CFA Testing Instructions. The CFA consists of six events:

Step 8. Take College Entrance Exams

Test scores are required, and applicants may choose either the SAT or the ACT with writing.  When registering for the ACT select the "ACT Plus Writing".

TIP:  Take the tests as many times as you wish.  There is no penalty for multiple attempts, and we will super-score your results, meaning we will consider your best performance in each category.

Instructions for Downloading SAT/ACT Scores

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Students may submit the SAT or the ACT with writing. However, students who submit the SAT may be required to provide a timed writing sample. 

The West Point Admissions Committee remains committed to a holistic assessment of applicant credentials, which include reviews of academic achievement, academic aptitude, leadership experiences, physical fitness, and other unique attributes during the application process.

Track Your Application File to Completion

You are competing against the nation's top tier of high school students for an offer of admission. Check your Candidate Portal frequently for notifications and updates on your application status. Make sure you have uploaded all the required documents. West Point Application files must be complete by January 31st of the year you are applying to enter. Required documents include:

  • Transcripts
  • School official evaluation
  • Candidate statement
  • Candidate Fitness Assessment
  • Medical Exam (DODMERB)
  • Nominations
  • Interview
Apply Now

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