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About Bill Taylor
Expertise
I can answer questions about admissions to West Point; about the history of West Point; about how to travel to West Point, where to eat, where to stay, etc.; and about West Point`s alumni organization, the West Point Association of Graduates.
Experience
I am a 1970 Graduate of West Point. I served six years on active duty and another 8 years in the active reserve. I have been actively involved as a Field Admissions Representative for over 15 years and have participated on my Congressman's Academy Selection Panel for over 20 years. I am actively involved in West Point Alumni affairs, serving in roles both with the West Point Association of Graduates and the local alumni chapter in Annapolis, MD. I also have two sons who graduated from West Point in 1995 and 2001. Both are veterans of the Iraq war and continue to serve on Active Duty in the Army.
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You are here: Experts > Education > College Life > US Military Academy at West Point > Admissions
Expert: Bill Taylor - 10/18/2009
Question
Mr. Taylor,
I am currently a junior in high school who has been looking into West Point. I have visited this site before, and your answers have been very helpful. I am planning on starting the application process in the spring this year. I was hoping that you can give me a general and honest impression of what you believe my competitive level might be, with my accomplishments that I have or will most likely have, by the time I will be seeking a Congressional Nomination. Please let me know if you believe any of the three areas listed below are weak. Academics: Class rank top 2/5, gpa 90- 91 or a 3.5 - 3.6
Athletics: Participate in Varsity Tennis, JV Cross Country, and JV Wrestling. I have a Varsity Letter in Tennis.
Leadership: Participate in a community activity involving the police department called the Police Explorers. Have a leadership position where I help coordinate and run events. Awards in Program: Explorer of the year award, 100+ hours of community service award, a Character Education Award, and a community service award from the Police Explorer Board of Directors for the county. I also have a certificate from the mayor for helping out in a community activity with the program.
Other: I have attended a National Student Leadership Conference and I am a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Also in my experience with the Police Explorers, becoming three years, I have two awards for perfect attendance, If they look at that.
I did not mention the SAT above because I have only taken the PSAT so far, where I received a 1100 on the math and critical reading section combined. I plan to make that score higher for the SATS.
Thank you for your time,
Sean
PS: I have a learning disability which I don't take medication for. Will this still be an issue? Also I read somewhere that the application process would continue, even if any medical issues showed up, as long as they are waivered by R day. Is this true? Thank you for your time, and sorry for the long message.
Answer
It's good to hear from you, Sean. Thanks for your interest in West Point. I apologize for the delayed response as I have been slammed with work and travel.
As you seem to well understand, West Point is looking for well rounded young men and women who are good students, good athletes and good leaders. Having a balance in all three areas is important.
I would assess your athletic and leadership accomplishments as very competitive. You likely need to work on the academic area in order to maximize your competitiveness. I would take both the SAT and ACT as many times as you can stand it. Admissions takes your individual scores no matter how many times you take the test(s). Also, seek out the toughest course load you can schedule and perform to the best of your ability in everything you do. When you succeed with the suggestions above, you will most definitely be competitive for admission in your senior year.
Now, for your specific questions at the end: The learning disability issue will most likely not be an issue provide you have not taken any medication AND your have performed successfully in high school. The application process does generally proceed pending final determination of any medical waivers needed for admission.
Good luck in your quest, Sean.
Best Regards,
Bill Taylor
Gambrills, MD
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