kel52

I'm hoping to gain perspective from someone who is attending or has attended West Point. Currently I am a high school senior, about to graduate, enrolled in SUNY Binghamton for the fall of '09. However, I have been contemplating whether or not I want to pursue my academic career there or apply to West Point. West Point has always been a thought in the back of my head but I was always unsure on deciding whether or not it was right for me. I was thinking that maybe I could do a year at civilian college and then apply to West Point. But I'm hoping to gain perspective on how you decided to attend West Point. How did you decide it was right for you? And, yes, I know this is an individual's decision and everyone has a different deciding factor, but I'm wondering if you were 100% sure of your decision? If I do decide to apply to West Point, what would you suggest to do during my year at civilian college to make sure I have an advantageous application?..How would I go about doing that? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Dadandgrad

I grew up in Oneonta not too far from Binghamton. Went to West Point from high school. I would recommend visiting to see what cadet life is about. That will help you decide if it's right for you. If you do decide to apply you need to start RIGHT NOW for the class of 2014. My oldest son is a high school junior. He is applying to the service academies and he's well into the process. I would recommend a strong courseload focused on math and science. Stay physically fit. You don't need to be on a NCAA team but participate intramurals or work out on your own. You need to be a good runner. Pushups/pullups/situps are also exercises you want to be proficient at. Finally get involved at college in service groups and have some leadership roles. West Point looks at the whole person (academic, physical, leadership, ec.) Again, the application process is lengthy and you need to get the ball rolling now. Good luck!

JPWPUSMA

His advice was great but also remember your going to SUNY Binghamton which doesn't have an ROTC but it is a member of Cornell University Army ROTC; I would suggest you do Cornell University Army ROTC for the year while your at SUNY. Everything he said will help you get into West Point but you need to be in ROTC to get a better idea of this is for you.