<p>p-piper - let me be clear about this - my issue ( and the 3 other parents who pm’d me) with you is with your tone and demeanor, not necessarily of your message. Parents who have been through and going through this process do not need to be treated like they are a “New Cadet” as you act as though you are the “cadre”'. I suppose your status as the parent of a Firstie should lend some credibility to your remarks but your most recent posts are only critical to those who post without offering any real information. BTW - I would have addressed this in private but you have chose not to receive (nor give) private communication.</p>
<p>Moving right along - I also interpreted the OP’s original question as solely about the application process - however I see that the OP does have many questions and is seeking more in depth information.
There is no harm in starting early - in fact the Military Academy encourages it. They like their applicants to be prepared academically and athletically.</p>
<p>Ann’s advice was, as it often is, excellent. I suggest you go to this site:
[USMA</a> Admissions: Start Young](<a href=“http://admissions.usma.edu/startyoung.cfm]USMA”>http://admissions.usma.edu/startyoung.cfm)
in the upper right hand corner sign up for the mailing list.
West Point will send you some information appropriate to your grade level and when you are in 11th grade you will get an invitation to apply to SLS.</p>
<p>My own daughter started young - and no she did not participate in activites that would “look good” on the application. She was already heavily involved in athletics and a community organization sponsored by the state police that would go on to give her many leadership opportunities throughout high school.</p>
<p>I am not convinced that prospective.net would be especially helpful this early - I was on it for two years and the vast majority of discussion revolved around the application itself.</p>
<p>So, 2012 - my advice to you is plan your high school courses carefully, doing well. Honors classes and AP, if your school has them are a plus.
Continue to take classes that you enjoy as well - my daughter took band as well as Art and CAD classes.
Do the activities that you enjoy and be involved. If you are athletic that is certainly a plus since 98% of all West Point cadets have earned a varsity letter. If you did sports in middle school don’t quit now!</p>
<p>Lastly, look at other schools as well. Explore Army ROTC as well. Enjoy high school!</p>