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.
Thank you responding to the numerous candidate questions here regarding West Point. I am currently a Junior in Whitney High School, one of the 200 distinguished school in California. West Point is at the top of my list for college. My goal is to eventually go in medical school so I could serve our armed forces as a physician. I’m not the top student academically nor the top athlete in my school but I have a well-rounded background that could get me accepted in my first goal, the 2010 West Point SLS. Below is a summary of my background and accomplishments.
ACADEMICS
1. My GPA is 3.3 and my class ranking is on the upper third.
2. PSAT scores were average – Math 51, Reading 55, Writing 60. I will be retaking PSAT again next month and plan on taking SAT at least twice, next year and as a Senior.
3. Currently a Cadet Captain rank (squadron commander), member of the Kitty Hawk Air Society (honor society), member of the Color Guard team in the AFJROTC. I plan to apply for a cadre position in my senior year. The AFJROTC of Whitney High have received the Distinguished Unit Award for six consecutive years.
ATHLETICS
1. Member of the XC team for one semester. I plan to join again for another semester of XC and track in my senior year
2. Played soccer for one summer league
3. Ran two 5K races
4. Finished in 2 hrs 15 minutes my first half-marathon in San Jose Rock N’ Roll last year as my 15th birthday gift
5. Currently training for my first marathon this December. I turn 16 on October, so running CIM with my Dad will be 16th birthday gift. I plan to run the Big Sur marathon with my Dad again in my senior year (April 2011).
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
1. My family started hiking 5 years ago. I averaged 30 miles on 10,000 ft of elevation gain during the first two years. The past 3 years is between 100 to 120 miles on 20,000 ft of elevation gain. I have logged 102 miles on 26,000 ft of elevation gain so far this year.
2. My father introduced me to mountaineering this year. I made my fist climb of Mt. Shasta (14,112 ft elevation) 3 months ago. I look forward to climbing it again next year. This is a real technical climb with ropes, ice axe, and crampons.
MISCELLANEOUS
1. I participate in the various Youth Group activities and fund raising for my church.
2. Volunteered my services in convalescent homes caring for the elderly.
I would appreciate your suggestions and recommendations on how to improve my chances of acceptance in West Point.
Regards,
Dominic Laurente
Answer It's good to hear from you, Dominic. Thanks for your interest in West Point. I apologize for the delayed response as I was traveling all last week.
You seem to understand well that 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 competitiveness.
As to the Summer Leadership Seminar, understand that the PSAT score is the dominating measure for selection. So, by all means take the PSAT again to maximize your competitiveness. Don't worry, though, if you don't make it. It would be great, but many who don't make the SLS are still competitive and gain admission.
My best advice is to seek out the greatest challenges you can find in all three areas and perform to the best of you ability in everything you do. Take the toughest coursed and succeed in them. Earn that varsity letter in XC. Continue you excellent work in extracurricular and community activities. Succeed at that in all areas and you will most assuredly be competitive for admission in your senior year.
