The United States Military Academy Admissions: Everything You Want to and Need to Know
Overview of the United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy is a federal service academy situated in West Point, NY. West Point is very selective, and the application process is different from most higher education institutions. The institution has a large selection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students to select from. Students are backed by a 7 to 1 student/faculty ratio, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations.
Enrollment
- Total Enrollment: 4,589 (all undergraduates)
- Gender Breakdown: 77 percent male/23 percent female
- 100 percent full-time
Cost of Attendance Information
- West Point is a federally-funded military institution. All cadet expenses, including tuition, room and board, and supplies are paid for. In exchange, all graduates must serve no fewer than 5 years in the United States Army.
Academic Programs Offered
- Most Popular Majors: Accounting, Business Administration, Elementary Education, Family Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Marketing, Psychology, Nursing, Fine Arts, Public Relations
Retention and Graduation
- First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 97 percent
- Transfer-Out Rate: 4 percent
- 4-Year Graduation Rate: 81 percent
- 6-Year Graduation Rate: 85 percent
NCAA Athletic Programs
- Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Rifle, Rugby, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Wrestling
- Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Rifle, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball
- The West Point Black Knights play in the NCAA Division I Patriot League.
Overview of United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Admissions
The United States Military Academy is one of the most selective colleges in the country. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. Applicants must complete an online application, and send test scores from either the SAT or ACT and high school transcripts. Glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the admissions offices mean range. After applying, students will receive a message from an admissions counselor about the next steps of the application process. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices.
Admissions Data
Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, West Point had an acceptance rate of 11%. For every 100 students who submitted applications, 11 students gained admission, making West Point’s admissions procedure highly competitive.
SAT Requirements and Scores
Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, 88% of students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of West Point’s students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. 50% of admitted students scored between 550 and 660 on the evidence-based reading and writing part, while 25% scored under 550 and 25% scored over 660. 50% of students scored between 590 and 690 on the math part, while 25% scored under 590, and 25% scored over 690. Applicants with a cumulative SAT score of 1350 or higher will have a competitive advantage at West Point.
ACT Requirements and Scores
Throughout the 2018-19 admissions phase, 80% of students provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of West Point’s students fall within the top 14% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of admitted students to West Point received a cumulative ACT score between 27 and 33, while 25% scored over 33, and 25% scored under 27.
Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission
If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for The United States Military Academy, then it should be easy for you to gain admissions to the schools below. If The United States Military Academy is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.
University of Alabama, Colorado State University, Quinnipiac University, Ohio University, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Arlington, California State University Long Beach
Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission
If you’re a competitive candidate for The United States Military Academy, then you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Drexel University, University of California, Davis, Syracuse University, Penn State University Park, University of Cincinnati, Hofstra University
Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge
These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than The United States Military Academy. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.
University of California, Santa Barbara, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Washington, Stony Brook University, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, University of Connecticut, University of California, Irvine
Applying to The United States Military Academy
Application Deadline: February 28
Undergraduate Admissions Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions
Undergraduate Application Link(s): https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions/apply-now