<p>I just found out today that I have a GPA of 3.2 and a class rank of 174 of 542. This was a lot lower than I expected, and now I am scared out of my mind. Looking on the admissions pages for the service academies including West Point, I see a first fifth, second fifth etc. regarding the class rank. Now I have to shoot for the second fifth, about 21% of the class . Air force is even worse, I think their average is the top 3% or something. My question is who are these second fifth appointments? Are they sports recruitees or are they like me? I’m okay in the other areas(I think) and hopefully my great test scores and the fact that I’ve only taken the hardest classes my school has to offer(IB AP) will salvage a little of my academic aspect. But still I’d like to know if there is anyone who was in my situation who received an appointment out of high school? Also, could someone clear up the whole “alternate route” info about ROTC and possible enlistment? If I’m not accepted to an academy, prep school, or ROTC, I plan to enlist. But I’m hearing from some that this might not be the best idea.</p>
<p>I’m a junior right now and I’ve just put in the Pre-candidate questionnaire for the class of 2011. Which reminds me of something else; I’m going to try to bring my GPA up during the summer and senior year, but I want to get my application in early. How are they going to judge senior year?</p>
<p>Don’t fret too much. I graduated in about the 22% with a 3.4 and change. I don’t know if I would have gotten in straight out of HS (I was medically DQ’d last year). I got in this year after starting college, though first semester I only pulled a 2.67 at Washington and Lee (I did much better second semester, but they didn’t see those grades when deciding). It could be I got in a lot because of my experience with VMI’s ROTC program across town.</p>
<p>Junior year is “the year” for grades and college apps. I had my acceptance to West Point before I even took finals for first semester, senior year. Write a kick ass essay and maybe another letter explaining any extenuating circumstances?</p>
<p>Extenuating circumstances? Like moving or a parent’s loss of a job? If that doesn’t work I’m relying on my core classes. I’ve never taken a core class that wasn’t IB or AP in high school, and my test scores(on the PSAT, at least) are in the 98th percentile. I really want to go right out of high school. I hope that my GPA doesn’t screw me over.</p>
<p>Yah, like that. I had some huge family issues my senior year and had a D in AP Calc. I wrote them a very nice letter talking about my challenges, and not being ready for the class, and what I was doing to remediate, and they still accepted me.</p>
<p>i spent a little more than a year in the CYA and I got in. Anything is possible if you want it bad enough. You’re 17, 18? that’s six more chances to apply.</p>
<p>Actually, I’m 16. If I get in next year I could graduate by drinking age=). I also got a D in AP Calc BC but I am retaking it this summer. I suppose the IB program, my father passing away in 2001, my mom losing her job and my move at the beginning of junior year could help explain my lousy GPA. You guys are making me feel a lot better. It scares me that I could get so depressed about something a year off.</p>
<p>If your SAT and ACT scores are good, and your grades are good (maybe there are a lot of smart people at your school–in my situation, I graduated with NINE people–I was the top, but what if #2 had wanted to apply, I was the top 11.1% all by myself!), and you have quality extracurricular activities, and good recommendations and essays, you’ll be fine. You won’t be sunk simply because of your GPA. There are a lot of classmates I know who were lower ranking than say I was out of HS, but may have scored higher on SAT. It’s the WELL ROUNDED student that USMA wants. Don’t freak out, just make sure everything else is strong. So, pump up those SAT and ACT scores and you don’t need to dwell on grades, but do work hard for the best grades you can 1st Semester Sr. year.</p>
<p>yeah- but they have local juvies for non-violent offenders. i was in the supermaxx of juvies. it was near sacramento, in Chaderjain and it was not a happy place. i guess its called DJJJ or something now.</p>
<p>Some call me a god among men. Seriously though, I had a lot of leadership through Boy Scouts and other stuff. But you know what ****ed me off. Because I had the low GPA they sent me to Prep School in Roswell New Mexico and the kid who went instead of me from my area dropped after 3 days.</p>
<p>haha cadet, that sucks. You’ll definently get a kick when you see all these “hooah” people start crying and just quit. In a sick way its entertaining. (if its anything like basic) Personally i don’t know how people can face their family and friends after they quit. You’ll have to kick me out before I’d face that</p>
<p>We all say that now mrgreenapple, but I gurantee its a lot different for those who decide its time to quit. I mean if you realize an Army career and 4 years at West Point isn’t the way for you to go, why waste anymore of your time, the cadres time, the instructors time, or the tax payers money. Ya know? </p>
<p>I personally agree, I won’t leave lest they drag me out. (and even then I will be fighting to stay…can’t think of any reason why they’d kick me out, but a lot of people get mixed up in things and it spirals out of control) I could face my family, I mean they thought I was a screw up until I got into West Point, and I really don’t like the fact they treat me like I am different person just cause I am going to West Point. Ya know, I am the same man I was 6 months ago, just all of a sudden the paper says something different, and its time to think your kid actually made something of themselves. (And then tell him not to go to West Point???)</p>
<p>Anyways, my point is, there isn’t any shame in leaving in my opinion. Just figure it out as soon as possible, but don’t make any rash decisions to quit. You thought a lot before you came here, and you should think about it a whole lot (I mean I don’t here of many Cadets dropping out and returning at a later date, but I imagine it happens) before you leave. And PLEASE stick through CBT, they expect you to do that much at least no matter how much trouble you are having. In fact, I believe the official policy is to get every New Cadet through it (I am not 100% sure on this). Beast is the hardest part, I understand, so you make it through that, there will be no shame in leaving. Don’t let it be they beat you down, but rather you decided your goals weren’t compatable with the military. (Luckily mine are VERY compatible[infantry], no question there, HOOAH!)</p>
<p>–And you’ll probably do better cause of prep school. I hear those from prep schools are much more prepared for Beast and life at the USMA altogether.</p>