<p>timely: I will offer a slightly different opinion and perspective based on the assumption that your son is not intending to seek an appointment as a “recruited athlete”. My son is a USMA plebe ( non- recruited athlete).</p>
<p>For the non-recruited athlete candidate, the heaviest weighted factor ( about 70-75%) used by the academy is academic apptitude and performance. The next factor (20%) is leadership ability and experience. Physical apptitude is weighted 5-10%.</p>
<p>My recommendation is that your son focus on the academics (being in the top 10% of SAT takers would be great) and leadership (show willingness to lead youth/school organizations). </p>
<p>Regarding athletics, have your son continue his cycling (its great exercise) and try his hand at cross country running. I suggest this for a couple of reasons. First, cross country running will compliment his cycling and the “learning curve” for cross country running is closely tied to one’s conditioniing, something that your son has already developed through cycling. Second, if you son can demonstrate some reasonably good times in cross country (ie. 6 minute mile, 13 minute 2 mile ), the academies can directly relate that to a level of physical fitness - something that is more difficult for cycling. </p>
<p>Also have your son exercise to improve his candidate physical fitness test score. Normally, this means lots of pushups and situps. A good score of the candidate test will put your son in good standing.</p>
<p>Good luck to you and your son.</p>