Start now to gain admission!

You’ll need a well-rounded background to be successful, so an early start will give you your best chance. There are three areas in which you should prepare.

Start now to gain admission!

You’ll need a well-rounded background to be successful, so an early start will give you your best chance. There are three areas in which you should prepare.

# 1 - Academic Preparation

Since USMA is one of the most highly rated colleges in the country, the first area, of course, is ACADEMIC PREPARATION. West Point encourages you to take a strong college preparatory academic program if you hope to be competitive for admission. 

Your high school subjects should include: 

  • Four years of English, with a strong emphasis on composition, grammar, literature, and speech 
  • Four years of math: algebra, geometry, intermediate algebra, and trigonometry 
  • Two years of a foreign language 
  • Two years of a laboratory science such as chemistry, biology, or physics 
  • One year of U.S. history 
  • Courses in geography, government, and economics will be helpful as well, as will precalculus/calculus and basic computing

# 2 - Physical Preparation

PHYSICAL PREPARATION is the next area you’ll need to consider. To prepare for the rigorous West Point military training, physical education, and intercollegiate and intramural athletic programs, you should make sure you have the necessary physical strength and endurance by: 

  • Participating in vigorous competitive team sports 
  • Participating in individual sports that require sustained physical effort 
  • Running regularly; two-mile runs are recommended 
  • Performing strenuous conditioning exercises – pushups, pull-ups, and sit-ups 

Start off slowly and build on your physical accomplishments. If you start early, you’ll be well-prepared to deal with the physical aspects of the West Point challenge. 

Check out information about the Candidate Fitness Assessment, a requirement for admission to West Point. 

# 3 - Leadership Preparation

Since the purpose of West Point is to educate and train young men and women to be officers in the U.S. Army and lead Soldiers, you can understand the importance of the third area: LEADERSHIP PREPARATION. 

To demonstrate your potential as a leader, you should participate in extracurricular activities during high school that provide valuable leadership experiences and responsibilities, such as:

  • class, club, or student government organizations
  • academic societies, such as the National Honor Society
  • athletics
  • public speaking
  • scouting
  • JROTC 

USMA considers it more valuable for you to achieve distinction in a specific activity than to participate in numerous activities without any evidence of leadership achievement, so always seek out leadership positions in the activities you choose.

If you have to work to provide financial assistance for your family, USMA views that experience as a demonstration of your leadership potential, even though it limits participation in other activities.

Start Preparing!

Yes, it’s challenging, but if you have what it takes and you prepare yourself, West Point just might be the place for you.

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