West Point

[Thavoice]

Just thought I'd provide a quick update for those that took the time to answer my questions. So my son did get an interview with Jordan's "team" and that took place a few weeks ago. He was very happy with the interview and completely satisfied with his answers and conversations with the interview team. So regardless of what happens, he walked away believing he did his best. In the meantime, he received a letter from West Point inviting him for an overnight visit. I don't think that letter necessarily means much in terms of the interview, I'm guessing that maybe any candidates who got an interview might have received the same letter? So now it's a waiting game to see if he receives a nomination. And also time to focus on plan B.

Good luck to him. Hope he can make it. Have met a few West Point grads and, well, lets just say that will always look good on the resume.

I know many prefer officers who are enlisted first and then make the switch.

 

[eastisbest]

Yes good luck to him, should he decide this is what he wants. I would definitely take that visit. Either way, what a life experience he has had! Nice job Dad.

 

[Kballer]

I have a child as well other family members who attended US Service academies, including my husband who went to West Point. The process is arduous and stressful, but certainly worth it. Our child’s experience was a series of steps forward and backward for a full year- quickly offered an appointment (recruited athlete, 32 ACT, captain for both sports, student leader) then dealing with medical exams proved challenging- ended up needing a waiver for a small issue we weren’t even aware of. Plans B & C were made which almost came into play after a sports related injury just prior to graduation got them medically DQd. At the very last minute, they were cleared and able to attend. It was emotionally draining and that was before we said our goodbyes at the academy- hardest day of my life.

My advice is this- they have to want this for themselves and be committed to wanting to serve. It is an intense path that doesn’t end once they get the appointment- that first summer is brutal, classes are really tough, their schedule is demanding every single day (no summers off- very little time on weekends) and they will not have the same college experience as they see their friends having on social media.

I agree with the above posters- service academy forums are very helpful to answer questions. Appointments are incredibly competitive for all 5 US service academies as are many ROTC scholarships at colleges. It is never too early to start preparing for this- some of the academies offer a week as a cadet for high school juniors to get a sense of life at the academy (also very competitive to get into). Being a part of Boys/girls state, scouts, Jr. ROTC, or other service oriented organizations is helpful. Be physically fit, be an leader at school and on your team, practice the physical test and know how to maximize the score,

Any kid who even tries this path is to be commended- Go Army, Beat Navy!

 

[Kballer]

If I remember correctly you first have to be invited to apply?
I say that because my cousin, again if I remember he received a letter from West Point and also from the Ohio Governor with a congratulation of being invited to apply for West Point.
It does not really matter, what is important is his goals and the honorable pride to strive to go to West Point. You should be proud dad, the feeling is a wonderful thing.

You are somewhat correct- you have to initiate the process of gaining an appointment and from there you get invited to apply. I think for simplification most people refer to starting that process as “applying”. There are multiple steps for gaining an appointment at an academy and one- the USCGA- sidesteps the nomination process altogether and selects their own cadets via applications.

 

[mcm.1019]

So my son received a huge bit of news last night...he received a letter from Congressman Jordan...and has received a nomination to West Point! So he's one step closer now. Has his physical exam next week and now that his football season has ended, he can focus on the physical tests. Needless to say, his parents are excited and pretty nervous.

 

[Thavoice]

Outstanding.

 

[Kballer]

So my son received a huge bit of news last night...he received a letter from Congressman Jordan...and has received a nomination to West Point! So he's one step closer now. Has his physical exam next week and now that his football season has ended, he can focus on the physical tests. Needless to say, his parents are excited and pretty nervous.

Fantastic news! It is a marathon not a sprint- tell him to work on every aspect of the fitness test but to use strategies to maximize his score. Our daughters athletic trainer at her school was a tremendous resource who worked with her on technique and her weaknesses.
Another tip- while dealing with DODMerb- have your son check his spam/junk email frequently- we found emails from different medical board personell disappeared in there due to security settings. She almost missed a couple of important instructions because of this.

 

[mcm.1019]

Fantastic news! It is a marathon not a sprint- tell him to work on every aspect of the fitness test but to use strategies to maximize his score. Our daughters athletic trainer at her school was a tremendous resource who worked with her on technique and her weaknesses.
Another tip- while dealing with DODMerb- have your son check his spam/junk email frequently- we found emails from different medical board personell disappeared in there due to security settings. She almost missed a couple of important instructions because of this.

Thanks for the recommendations and I'll certainly remind him to check all of his email.