Expert: Bill Taylor - 10/12/2009

Question
Dear Mr. Taylor,

I am in my junior year of high school, attending one of the top ten or fifteen schools in California. I am taking a difficult course load and earning good grades. My G.P.A. is around a 3.75, which is the current average for West Point applicants.

In those regards I am an average applicant. Yet athletically, I have a very different background than most. I am a coxswain for a relatively prestigious crew (rowing) team that is not associated with my school (and therefore cannot earn a varsity letter). I am not a rower, but I lead a group of eight guys for around three hours every day of the week except sunday. I work out with the team, and can pass the CFA. I was wondering if coxswaining for a varsity crew team in high school would count as a "sport". I get the physical exercise, yet my main job is to lead the rowers, telling them what to do, when to do it, encouraging them, etc.

From my limited research, all I have really been able to dig up is that West Point crew is only a club sport for them, so I'm worried that I won't be considered as a serious applicant because 1) I'm not a rower, and 2) rowing at W.P. is not intercollegiate, and therefore possibly not as important to the USMA Admissions.

However, the one thing that encourages me is that West Point has to get their coxswains from somewhere, and I am searching for exactly where that is. Are they walk-ons? or hopefully recruits?

I would be extremely thankful if you could shed some light on the subject for me and any other coxswains out there who are looking to be admitted.

Thank you very much,

A.D.S.

Answer
Hi, Alexander, it's good to hear from you.  Thanks for your interest in West Point.  I apologize for the delayed response as I have been slammed with travel and work.

As you know, 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 to maximize your competitive position.  

Indeed, while Crew is only a club sport, it certainly counts towards the athletic component of being well rounded.  No matter that you are a coxswain, you are part of a team in a rugged sport.  It will still count.

To the best of my knowledge West Point does not recruit per se for crew, but it will be noted and will count towards your overall evaluation.  You need to get a letter from your crew coach noting your participation and level of success, and certifying that if it were a school sport you would have earned that varsity letter.  That approach works very well.

My best advice is simply to do your best in everything you do and work on your test scores to become as competitive as possible.  In the end, your crew accomplishments may just make the difference in you receiving an offer of admission.

Good luck in your quest, Alexander.

Best Regards,

Bill Taylor
Gambrills, MD