Current Soldiers
As a Soldier, you have already proven yourself in the Army, where you have gained the skills and experience that West Point values. Your classmates will look to you not only as a peer, but as a mentor.
Current Soldiers
As a Soldier, you have already proven yourself in the Army, where you have gained the skills and experience that West Point values. Your classmates will look to you not only as a peer, but as a mentor.
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Whether you're a soldier currently serving on Active Duty, in the Reserves, or in the National Guard, we encourage you to apply to West Point. You already know what it takes to be a soldier and you’ve seen your leaders in action. Now it’s time for you to answer your Nation's call and become the leader you’ve always aspired to be.
At West Point, you'll be pushed academically, physically, and mentally, giving you the confidence and self-assurance that come with succeeding through hard work and determination.
As a cadet, you'll develop into a leader of character with a strong moral and ethical foundation, an appreciation for discipline, a sensitivity to the needs of others, and a commitment to a demanding code of ethics as an officer.
Contact Admissions Team
First Steps
Consider whether you meet the basic eligibility requirements and complete the first part of the West Point Application. Classes start each July, so it’s best to apply the preceding summer or earlier to allow enough time to complete the entire admissions process.
Next Steps
As a soldier, you must be assessed by your company or lowest-level unit commander. Commanders are highly encouraged to download the Information for Units and Commanders document. While this assessment constitutes a nomination, Soldiers are also strongly encouraged to obtain additional nominations from your congressional nomination sources.
Never Say Never
Follow all seven steps to admission. If you are academically disqualified, you will be automatically considered for admission to the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS), where you may later be considered for admission to West Point.
Application FAQs
Apply as soon as possible. The class starts each year in July which means admissions decisions are made usually no later than April. It is best to apply early (Aug/Sep) to give yourself time to complete required tests and evaluations and to complete the admissions packet.
By law, West Point has a number of appointments reserved for Basic Training Qualified Soldiers (Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard) who meet West Point's qualification standards, meaning most Soldiers compete for admission against other Soldier applicants. If you're a high performing Soldier with drive to succeed, you should apply.
Keep in mind there is not a dedicated score as we evaluate several areas. Academics are 60% of our evaluation while 30% is your leadership potential (based on high school and solider experiences) and 10% is your physical aptitude. Competitive scores for USMAPS in the past were SAT 1100 and ACT 23.
West Point only accepts the SAT or ACT. You can use your post education center for the test. They have study materials and offer more test dates than are available for civilians. No ASVAB scores are required.
You can apply with a GED. Be aware your SAT/ACT score will carry more weight in your academic evaluation.
No, there are no age waivers for soldiers. We used to offer a very limited number of waivers for soldiers at the height of the Global War on Terrorism in consideration of the successive deployments soldiers often endured. However, now that the Army's operation tempo has slowed considerably in this area, we no longer offer such waivers. Soldiers, like all candidates must not be older than 23 years of age on July 1st of the year entering West Point (22 on July 1 of the year entering the Prep School).
Your first-line commander should complete the assessment form (typically your company commander). The commander's assessment is initiated within your applicant portal, by inputting your commander's information. A message will be sent directly to your commander with instructions on how to complete the assessment.
USMAPS FAQs
It is ten months long and is located at West Point, New York.
Yes. You will receive pay at your current enlistment grade (Regular Army Soldiers only). The time at USMAPS counts as time in service, too. At West Point, you receive cadet pay, but your time at West Point is not counted as time in service.
General FAQs
Yes. Soldiers are directly admitted to West Point each year. One has to have a strong academic, leadership and physical background. Most Regular Army Soldiers have been out of high school for a while which makes the Prep School a logical start.
Yes, you must have enough time remaining in your enlistment that extends 13 months past the scheduled USMAPS graduation (usually late May). If directly admitted to West Point, you must have enough time to complete one year.
Tuition at USMAPS and West Point are fully funded by the Army.
No, but the value of your education at West Point (over $250K) will far exceed your GI Bill benefits. Additionally, you can use the GI Bill for graduate school after West Point.
Every year we work with Soldiers who are forward deployed. Many of these areas have education centers and medical facilities. You still can complete the admissions process while deployed. It is imperative to start early and do as much as possible while in garrison.
If accepted to USMA or USMAPS, your current ETS date remains the same until you start your Cow (Junior) year. At that point, you will incur the same service obligation as all other non-prior service Cadets, which is an 8-year commitment (5-years active duty and 3-years reserve).
If accepted to USMA or USMAPS your current enlisted contract will continue to run concurrently with your time at West Point until your Cow (Junior) year at West Point. Once you enter your Cow (Junior) year at West Point you will incur the same contractual obligation as all other non-prior service Cadets which is an 8 year (5-year active duty/3-year reserve) commitment.