Stay Informed While You Wait

Learn More About West Point and What It Means to be A Cadet

While waiting to hear back from the United States Military Academy (USMA), it’s important to stay proactive and focused. The admissions process can take time, and how you use this period can make a real difference in preparing for success as a prospective West Point cadet. First and foremost, continue working hard in your classes. Your academic performance, especially in your senior year, can influence final admission decisions, so keep your grades strong and stay committed to your coursework.

Maintaining physical fitness is equally important. West Point places a high value on physical readiness, and arriving in top shape will help you start strong. Stick to a regular workout routine, focusing on strength, endurance, and activities that prepare you for Cadet Basic Training.

Leadership development is another key area to focus on. Stay involved in extracurriculars like student government, sports teams, clubs, or volunteer work. Look for ways to take on more responsibility and demonstrate initiative. West Point looks for well-rounded candidates who show leadership in action, not just in title.

Finally, use this time to learn more about West Point and what it means to be a cadet. Talk to current or former cadets, explore the academy’s values, and reflect on your motivations for serving as an Army officer. This will not only help you feel more confident and informed but also prepare you for interviews or follow-up questions that may come your way.

Waiting can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity. Stay focused, stay ready, and continue to grow - mentally, physically, and as a leader.

Contact Your Field Force Rep

Who better to speak with than an engaged and well-informed graduate? Your local Field Force Representative is a great source of information and your advocate throughout the admission process. All applications must include an interview with their representatives. You can locate your Field Force member’s contact information after starting your application.

USMA recommends:

You dress as you would for a job interview.
Come prepared to discuss why you want to attend West Point and why you make a good candidate for admission.

Visit West Point

Throughout the year, West Point offers tours for prospective and current applicants. As a current applicant, you’ll shadow a cadet for a day and experience life at West Point first-hand.

Schedule a visit Take a virtual tour

Attend Summer Leaders Experience (SLE)

Attending SLE is an unmatched opportunity that provides rising high school seniors with a first-hand experience of cadet life, military training, and academics at West Point. To apply for SLE, complete and submit your application to USMA and complete the SLE Checklist by mid-April.

Explore what SLE offers

Connect With the Community

USMA is more than an educational experience. It's a community of shared interests, cooperative efforts, and mutual respect. You can see the excitement on the faces of sports fans, the devotion of the Long Gray Line, and the enthusiasm of cadets and faculty as they conduct workshops, activities, and competitions across the United States.

Visit the West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) Learn about academy events

Follow USMA Admissions