Questions on USMA

[Bing]

Is anyone here a graduate or student at USMA? I have a couple of questions to ask if you could spare the time. Anyone who isn't a student but knows this info, your help is very much appreciated as well. Thanks

1.) (ok allow me to explain myself before i ask the question), this was something my parents asked me and it got me curious too. What if i quit before my four years of education are over, what kind of punishment or recourse will i have to pay? Of course i don't intend to but it's just something i'd like to know

2.) besides a nomination from a congressman, who else can i get a nomination from?

3.) I know i'd need to serve on reserve duty after active duty, but i got two different numbers. One was one year on reserve and the other was two years, which is it?

If you know any of this, please help. thanks!

[Apogee]

1. You're first two years are without penalty. Basically, if you go to your first class of cow year (junior) then you start owing time.

2. You can recieve a nomination from a unit commander, Senator, Representive, the Vice President, and the President. If you are regular Army, your unit commander is the best way to go. If not, then do with the Congressional ones, unless you are from a military family.

3. There are two options for this one. You can do 5 active and then 3 IRR (inactive ready reserve). Or just 6 active.

Hope that helps. Let me know if you've got any other questions.

[Bing]

thanks USMA_SCUBA, i'm guessing from your name that you're a student from USMA, what year are you in right now?

[Apogee]

I'm a yuk, aka sophmore

[Bing]

Hey USMA_SCUBA, i got a reply after answering the candidate questionaire. I know I need to contact my state senator/representative, but in writing a letter to them, how should i write it? Like what kind of things should i include? leadership qualities that i've demonstrated? Should i just blatently ask for a nomination? Sorry about the barrage of questions, but getting into USMA is important to me, i'm sure you understand my sentiments. Oh yea, is the physical aptitude test difficult? thanks in advance

[USMA Pistol]

The best source of info (other than USMA cadets/grads) is probably www.usma.edu and the USMA liaison officer for your particular region (call (845) 938-4041 for that info).

In terms of your first question, after you begin your second-class (junior) year, you may begin to owe time (in the Army, for five years as a specialist non-promotable), or money (a full West Point education has a value of more than $200,000) if you decide to leave or are thrown out (exception: medical or academic discharge). Figure that in before you make your decision...

In terms of owed time to the Army after graduation, the website does say 5 active/3 reserve, but I could've sworn it was 5 active/2 reserve for me...is USMA trying to fleece me?!? :o

The admissions packet you receive should have the format for writing the letter to your Congressman. It's been a while and I forget the exact format, but it should be very formal and not long-winded. Definitely ask your area's liaison officer or look at the format in the admissions packet for a better idea.

The Physical Aptitude Exam, unless they changed it, was a kneeling basketball throw, pull-ups, pushups, a 300-meter shuttle run, and a broad jump...I think. If you are in good shape now, playing a varsity sport, you should be good to go. You can always start practicing now...

BTW, how old are you, and have you looked at other colleges? If not, you should.