West Point strives to reflect the diversity of America. If you are a member of an under-represented minority and meet our admission requirements, we encourage you to apply. 

You can contact the Diversity Outreach Officer working with prospective cadets from your region of the country using the Regional Map.

What You Can Expect

As a cadet, you will be challenged to excel during your four years here - in the classroom, in your military and leadership training, and on competitive sports teams. If you have the academic, physical and mental ability to do well here, our faculty and staff will help you succeed. Class sizes are small, and faculty members are available outside of class time, too.

At graduation when you throw your hat into the air, you will have acquired:

• A superior education fully funded by the U.S. Government
• Ethical leadership and decision-making skills
• The best military training in the world
• Adventure and travel
• A strong bond within the Corps of Cadets
• The prestige of being part of “The Long Gray Line” of West Point graduates
• A very promising future as an officer in the world’s finest Army

How to Prepare

Start now to become familiar with the application process.

• Improve your academic, leadership and fitness skills

• Follow the advice outlined in the Prospective Student section of this site.

• If you have questions about anything, contact the Diversity Outreach Office. We will mentor and support you in becoming a competitive applicant.  In evaluating all applicants, the Admissions Office gives appropriate consideration to particular strengths and cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Imagine yourself as a West Point cadet!

 - Meet the Diversity Outreach team -

Soldiers who are currently serving in an Active Duty, Reserve or National Guard capacity are encouraged to apply to West Point to further their education. West Point is committed to helping qualified Soldiers reach their full potentials and secure commissions in the Regular Army.

Soldier Experience

West Point believes Soldiers enhance the Corps of Cadets, and we value the life experiences you have earned as a Soldier. If you want to be an officer in the U.S. Army, West Point will give you an excellent education and the training you need to lead Soldiers as you continue to serve.

If you want to apply, start by allowing enough time for the process. Classes start each July, so it’s best to apply the preceding summer to allow enough time to complete the entire admissions process.

Next, consider whether you meet the basic eligibility requirements. Those who have achieved SAT scores greater than 1000 or ACT composite score of 20 or higher, and achieved average grades or better in high school are especially encouraged to apply.

Second, as a Soldier you must be recommended by your company or lowest-level unit commander (click here for a commander's endorsement). While this endorsement constitutes a nomination, Soldiers are also strongly encouraged to obtain additional nominations from your congressional nomination sources.

If by chance you are academically disqualified, as a Soldier you will be automatically considered for admission to the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS). You may later be considered for admission to West Point.

For more information please visit our Soldiers FAQ page.

West Point Cadets enjoy the opportunity for more clubs and activities than most any college in the country.

We know that many think West Point is all work and no play, but there is considerable evidence to the contrary. Whether your interests are in club sports, fishing, the arts, choir, model UN, travel to other countries or throughout the U.S., volunteering – the list goes on and on – West Point has something to suit your interests.

Cadet life is also about where you live. Cadet “barracks” are the residence halls of West Point. During your first year, privileges in the barracks and options to eating in the mess hall are limited, but as you progress through the years, there are more opportunities for meals off campus, and extra amenities in the barracks. When you visit West Point be sure to take the opportunity to eat with cadets in the mess hall and see the barracks.

Click here and check out all there is to offer and to do.

When considering West Point as a place to start your career, think about the members of the “Long Gray Line” of West Point graduates who came before you. West Point graduates include…

• 2 U.S. Presidents – Eisenhower and Grant
• 18 astronauts including Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon
• 74 Medal of Honor Recipients
• 90 Rhodes Scholars …
• and the list goes on …

… Current Government Officials

• General (Retired) Eric Shinseki, Secretary of Veterans Affairs

… Leaders of today

• Bob McDonald, CEO of Proctor & Gamble
• Alex Gorsky, CEO of Johnson & Johnson
• Joe DePinto, CEO of 7-Eleven
• Jim Kimsey, Chairman and co-founder of AOL
• Mike Krzyzewski (“Coach K”), Duke University Head Men’s Basketball Coach
• William Foley, II, Chairman of Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
• Major General (Retired) Ronald Johnson, NBA Senior Vice President, Referee Operations
• Kelly Perdew, Winner of Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice 2

… Celebrated Military Leaders from the Civil War to the present include

• General Ulysses S. Grant
• General Robert E. Lee
• General John J. "Blackjack" Pershing
• General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson
• General Dwight D. Eisenhower
• General George S. Patton
• General Douglas MacArthur
• General Omar Bradley
• General Henry H. "Hap" Arnold
• General Maxwell Taylor
• General William Westmoreland
• General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr.
• General Stanley McChrystal
• General John Abizaid
• General James "Jumping Jim" Gavin
• General Joseph Stilwell

Where do you see yourself?

West Point Association of Graduates (AOG)