U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School

The U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) provides focused academic, military, and physical instruction in a moral-ethical environment to prepare, motivate, and inspire cadet candidates in order to qualify for admission to USMA.

U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School

The U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) provides focused academic, military, and physical instruction in a moral-ethical environment to prepare, motivate, and inspire cadet candidates in order to qualify for admission to USMA.

View of the back of USMAPS

Welcome to USMAPS

The U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School - known as USMAPS, the Prep School, or West Point Prep - was formally established in 1946, but the history of "prepping" soldiers for West Point has been done since Congress enacted legislation in 1916 authorizing Soldier appointments to West Point.  

The school exists today as an avenue of opportunity for a carefully selected group of Soldiers and civilians by providing them with the academic, leadership, and physical skills that will prepare them for success as cadets at the U.S. Military Academy.

Usma Crest
USMAPS cadet candidate listens to an academic lecture.
Usma Crest

USMAPS Academics

The USMAPS Academic Department challenges students to meet and exceed West Point’s rigorous admissions standards.

Usma Crest

USMAPS Military Preparation

USMAPS develops the foundational professional and physical attributes needed to excel at West Point and for growth as an officer in the U.S. Army.

USMAPS cadets line up.
Usma Crest
Usma Crest
USMAPS football
Usma Crest

USMAPS Athletics

The USMAPS Department of Physical Education and Athletics provides cadet candidates with a world-class physical developmental program, led by top-tier staff and faculty focused on developing leaders of character.

im Cadet candidates line up on USMAPS R-Day TACs sit on the back of an Army vehicle, smiling.
Cadet on the athletic field prepares his gear. Cadet candidate with her company

Cadet Candidate Life

The purpose of USMAPS is to prepare candidates selected by the U.S. Military Academy Office of Admission for the academic, physical, and military challenges of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point (USMA). Selected students (cadet candidates) are high school graduates or enlisted personnel from the Active, Reserve, or National Guard force.

USMAPS prepares cadet candidates with a foundation that will last them beyond admission to USMA and well into the future as leaders of character for the Nation. 

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