West Point Increases Opportunities for Army National Guard Soldiers.
For Army National Guard Soldiers wanting to earn a degree from the country’s preeminent military leader-development institution, The United States Military Academy at West Point has made a way.
Members of the Army National Guard are able to study at West Point to earn their undergraduate degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard. West Point, which has been educating, training and inspiring the Nation’s military leaders for more than 200 years, reserves 85 slots annually for reserve component prior service applicants. This includes Army National Guard, Army Reserve and U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) Cadets. West Point admissions officials have noted that the academy values the inclusion of reserve component Soldiers, as their prior experience enhances West Point’s Corps of Cadets.
There are two unique programs that place Army National Guard Soldiers on the path to West Point. The first is the Soldiers Admissions Program. Soldiers in this program receive a fully funded four-year education at West Point (valued at about $450,000).
The second program, USMAPS – also know as West Point Prep – is available to Soldiers who have been selected by the West Point admissions staff and who do not qualify for immediate admission, but have scores worthy of further consideration. Established in 1946, USMAPS is a 10-month preparatory program that provides a dynamic curriculum, which closely coordinates with West Point’s syllabus. USMAPS offers a second chance for a select number of Soldiers, preparing them for the challenging curriculum taught at West Point. After successfully completing USMAPS, candidates may reapply for admission into West Point.
As prior service applicants, ARNG Soldiers have a unique advantage as their military qualifications separate them from civilian applicants. Pre-existing military credentials – such as awards, platoon or squad experience and/or being an honor graduate from Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training or leadership schools – stand out among West Point’s thousands of applicants. Guard Soldiers also have the added benefit of the required nomination letter from a current company commander. Nomination by a military officer also stands out among candidates.
To be considered for admission to West Point, Soldiers must be U.S. citizens, no older than 22 on July 1 of the year entering West Point, not married, not pregnant, have no legal obligation to support a child or dependent, be eligible for re-enlistment and have completed Basic Combat Training. A high school diploma or GED is also required. When applying, Soldiers must submit high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. If a Soldier has not taken the ACT or SAT, it is recommended that they reach out to their State Army National Guard Education Office in order to find the nearest testing center, as scores are a requirement of the application process.
Earning a degree at West Point is an opportunity that can lead to long-lasting, positive impacts on a Soldier’s military career and life. With the Soldiers Admissions Program and USMAPS, National Guard Soldiers can become a part of the lasting legacy that is West Point.
By Staff Writer Tatyana White-Jenkins
