I’m an Academy grad and active in volunteer recruiting. You are definitely on track. Where you live is relevant. In some congressional districts competition is fierce in others not so much. West Point likes varsity sport team captains. Sparring means boxing? Reach out to your local field force representative. You should be able to find him or her on the admissions website. Practice for the CFA test as it has some frankly odd things it tests. Visit your congressmans local office and meet the assistant who is responsible for academy nominations. Also, build a strongapication for a range of selective colleges. Don’t bank on getting into the academy