Prior Service Army to West Point

Darklightfade · 11-01-2009, 10:29 PM

I am a 22 year old SGT with ~4.5 years of service in the Active Army. I am applying to West Point and would like to see what the experience here believes my chances are.

I was mediocre at best in High School, unfocused and lackadaisical. I was in the lower half of my graduating class. I joined the Army straight out of High School and have had a pretty decent career thus far. I have been the honor graduate of Infantry School, EOD School and the Basic Non-Commissioned Officer course (BNCOC). I was also on the Commandant's List in Warrior Leader Course. I also received the Iron Man award and Leadership Award at BNCOC. I have a very academically oriented job within my career field and that fact is reflected on NCOERs and my Nomination Letter from my MAJ(P) CO.

My SAT scores are: 650 Critical Reading, 620 Math, 590 Writing

My CFA scores are: 75' BB Throw, 18 Pull Up, 9.3 Shuttle, 95 Sit up, 75 Push up, 6:21 Mile

My first NCOER reflects an off duty mistake and says needs improvement under Competence. My next NCOER is 1/1 with substantiated excellence in everything. I am going to the SSG Promotion Board on 3 NOV and expect to pick up my 6 on 1 DEC. Points for my MOS havent moved off of 450 in years and I have 525 without the Board.

I have no law violations over a moving violation.

Any thoughts, critiques or suggestions are welcome.

Thank You.
SGT A.

majmattmason · 11-02-2009, 07:12 AM

For what it's worth, I would say you have a decent shot at it. Your SAT scores are not bad, though you are on the lower side of things. Certainly in the close category being active duty. Your prior service is something the high schoolers do not comprehend nor appreciate the value of, yet. They are focused on the usual things. Depending on where your birthday falls might have a determination whether you go to Prep or straight to the Academy. From what you described, you would benefit from a year at Prep, but that might affect your eligibility due to your age. Don't know.

CFA scores are fine, as one would expect of a SGT.

The Army loves a success story and to see someone who has overcome their own demons. It sounds like you have taken charge of things and that bodes well for you. Now get some other opinions from sources you trust.

mombee · 11-02-2009, 07:41 AM

Age is most definitely an issue. You are too old for MAPS. So long as you are not yet 23 years old by July 1, 2010, you are eligible for an appointment with the class of 2014.

Prior enlisted are all unique so you will not get much useful information from this site. The only thing you can do is apply and find out. Your study habits, which only you understand thoroughly, are probably your greatest determinant of success at this time.

Darklightfade · 11-02-2009, 08:19 AM

For clarification I am young enough to go to the Prep Academy, if need be. My birthday is in August. I appreciate the responses. My packet has been completed as of yesterday. Another aspect that I forgot to mention is my performance in EOD school. It is an academically intensive course, there are over 70 tests in phase 2 alone. Passing is an 85. I was one of the 4 people in 2007 to complete the school without failing a single test. All 4 services attend the school ~1000 students go through each year. The graduation rate is not spectacular either. I received an Army Achievement Medal with this as the criteria. I believe that this speaks volumes about my commitment to studying.

mombee · 11-02-2009, 08:24 AM

At present, are you 21 yrs old or 22 yrs old? If you are, as you stated on your first post, 22 yrs old, then you are too old for prep school.

Darklightfade · 11-02-2009, 09:41 PM

Must be 22 as of July 1st. I will be 22 until August 10.

majmattmason · 11-02-2009, 10:06 PM

That works for USMAPS with some time to spare. If you do get the opportunity to go to Prep, I think you would enjoy it. First, it's much more like the RA than West Point, so that will be a plus. And, it will give you a chance to get back into book mode.

Darklightfade · 11-02-2009, 10:08 PM

Scratch that. My interpretation was off.

Darklightfade · 11-02-2009, 10:11 PM

What am I saying? Got me second guessing myself.

Q: Are there age waivers?
No. You must not be older than 23 years of age on July 1 of the year entering USMA (22 on July 1 of the year entering the Prep School).

majmattmason · 11-02-2009, 10:14 PM

You're fine and so is your math. You turned 22 on August 10, 2009.

mombee · 11-03-2009, 12:40 AM

US Code Title 10, Section 4346

Quote:

STATUTE-
(a) To be eligible for admission to the Academy a candidate must
be at least 17 years of age and must not have passed his twenty-
third birthday on July 1 of the year in which he enters the
Academy.

The above statute would preclude your attending MAPS next year since on July 1 of 2011, you would have passed your 23rd birthday. During the early 90s, age waivers were granted for soldiers actively involved in Desert Storm but I am unaware of any waivers due to the present conflict.

Darklightfade · 11-03-2009, 02:30 AM

Well this has been decidedly confusing. I now agree that you are right mombee. That FAQ I pulled off of West Point Admissions website is misleading. You can be 23 as long as you start on your birthday. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

majmattmason · 11-03-2009, 07:57 AM

She's right, I'm wrong. Sorry for the misdirection.

JustAMomOf4 · 11-03-2009, 08:25 AM

Darklightfade - The West Point admissions office has an officer who is solely dedicated to soldier admissions. I highly suggest that you contact him. West Point is allowed 85 nominations from active duty soldiers which are never filled.
West Point actively encourages soldier admissions and I am sure he can help you out.
You get one shot - this year, make it a good one. Good Luck.

Darklightfade · 11-04-2009, 10:13 AM

thanks for the help, I guess this is the one shot. I have been in contact with the major from West Point and my packet is complete. Ill wait on results now. Also, I am officially a SGT Promotable as of yesterday.