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Learn more about the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Advance your career at West Point.

As the home of many of America’s most decorated officers, the name West Point is synonymous with the finest U.S. military traditions. Since 1802, the academy has educated, trained and inspired many of the Army’s greatest leaders.
 
West Point offers two special programs for current enlisted Soldiers seeking admission to the academy. Qualified Regular Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard Soldiers may be eligible for the Soldier Admissions Program to the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, NY, or the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) at Monmouth, NJ.

The Soldier Admissions Program allows enlisted Soldiers to receive a fully funded four-year West Point education (valued at about $450,000), a Bachelor of Science degree and upon graduation, a commission as a second lieutenant in the Army.

The United States Military Academy Preparatory School is a 10-month program that prepares candidates selected by the USMA admissions office for the academic, physical and military challenges of the United States Military Academy.

Each year, only 85 cadetships go to Army National Guard or Army Reserve Soldiers—so naturally, these awards are extremely competitive. Soldiers must be recommended by their company (or higher) commanders. Admission to both programs is determined by the West Point admissions committee.

Eligibility Requirements

In addition to having a sincere interest in attending West Point and becoming an Army officer, applicants to either program must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen at the time of enrollment
  • Be at least 17, but not older than 23 years of age on July 1 of the year entering USMA (or not older than 22 on July 1 of the year entering USMAPS)
  • Be unmarried with no legal obligation to support a child or dependents. Pregnant applicants will not be admitted.
  • Be medically qualified by DoDMERB
  • Be a high school graduate or have a GED
  • Be of high moral character and never have been convicted of a felony by a civilian or military court
  • Submit official scores on the standardized ACT exam or the SAT with Writing test
  • Be nominated by the commander
  • Be eligible for re-enlistment
  • Have completed Basic Combat Training prior to admission. Completion of AIT is not a prerequisite.

Soldiers are especially encouraged to apply if they meet the basic eligibility requirements and have achieved:

  • SAT scores greater than 1500
  • ACT composite score of 20 or higher

Get more information.

Soldiers: To apply, and to learn more details about the Soldier Admissions Program and the United States Military Academy Preparatory School, visit the West Point website. 

States and Territories: Contact CPT Brian Wire at Brian.Wire@usma.edu for packet details to include Commanders Endorsement examples and packet completion.

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