High School Juniors
West Point develops the whole person – academic, military, physical and ethical – all the elements of great leaders. We offer an amazing college experience that you will find nowhere else – from the classroom to club sports to drill training and weekend socializing, West Point has it all.
To become a West Point cadet, start the application process now. Envision it as putting together pieces of a picture puzzle. The academic piece, the nominations piece, the fitness and medical pieces – keep going until your application picture is complete.
Admission Tips
- Start Early
- Applying to West Point takes more time than applying to other colleges. Don’t wait until deadlines are looming and it’s too late to meet them.
- Explore the Campus
- Schedule a campus visit to help decide whether West Point is right for you. Learn everything you can at the academy while you’re here.
- Attend the Summer Leaders Seminar
- Apply to attend our week-long Summer Leaders Seminar the summer before your senior year. You’ll experience firsthand a bit of what it means to be a cadet. Click here to download our free SLS brochure.
- Sharpen Academic Skills
- Take college-preparatory and Advanced Placement courses in high school to sharpen your academic abilities.
- Take the SAT or ACT exam in your junior year. Take the exam multiple times if you like – West Point will only consider your highest scores.
- Be a Leader
- Assume responsible positions in school, church, scouting and community activities. Show us you have experience to build upon.
- Get Fit
- Improve your physical conditioning through cross-country running and swimming. Join a strenuous team sport. Practice for the Candidate* Fitness Assessment, required for admission.
