Cadet Candidate Life

Cadet candidates experience a wide range of amazing developmental experiences to help prepare them for admission to the U.S. Military Academy (USMA).

Cadet Candidate Life

Cadet candidates experience a wide range of amazing developmental experiences to help prepare them for admission to the U.S. Military Academy (USMA).

Life at USMAPS

Cadet candidates live, learn, train, play, forge friendships, and make amazing memories on the West Point grounds, just inside Washington Gate and steps away from both the West Point Golf course and Victor Constant Ski Area on the banks of the scenic Hudson River, about 60 miles North of New York City.

A Day in the Life

Morning

A cadet candidate starts the day early; breakfast is served in the Dining Facility at 6:15 a.m.  Immediately following breakfast, cadet candidates report to morning accountability formation, then it's straight to class until mid-day when they break for lunch.  

Afternoon

After lunch, cadet candidates return to class to finish out the academic portion of their day.  In the afternoon, three hours of athletics follow the academic day, where teams and clubs use the various athletic facilities located at USMAPS.  

Evening

Dinner is available in the evening, then it's time to hit the books for Evening Study Period.  A cadet candidate ends each day in his or her barracks room with TAPS and "lights out" in order to properly rest for the next day's events.

Clubs & Activities

USMAPS offers variety of Margin of Excellence programs for cadet candidates to participate in.  These programs provide unique opportunities that allow cadet candidates not only to relax, but also allow cadet candidates to foster friendships and develop leadership skills that will serve them well in life--both at USMA and beyond. 

  • Honor Flight
  • Film
  • Photography
  • Golf
  • Wargaming
  • Community Service
  • Cross Training
  • Officer's Christian Fellowship
  • Yearbook
  • Cheerleading
  • Hiking
  • Skiing/Snowboarding
  • Culture
  • The Pep Band
  • Corbin Forum
  • Army Ten-Miler
  • RWB/300
  • Powerlifting
  • CrossFit
  • Cooking Club
  • Vanguard Leadership Project (VLP)
Academics

The USMAPS academic program aligns with the USMA core curriculum and provides tailored instruction to best meet the needs of individual cadet candidates.

Learn more about academics at USMAPS
Athletics

The USMAPS Department of Physical Education and Athletics provides cadet candidates with a world-class physical developmental program, led by top-tier staff and faculty focused on developing leaders of character.

Learn more about athletics at USMAPS
Military Training

Military training begins on the first day the cadet candidates arrive and is integrated into the academic year curriculum through a military science program. Military training also includes a focus on character development. 

Learn more about military training at USMAPS