Step 1. Confirm Eligibility
Candidates must meet certain requirements specified by public law in order to be considered for admission to West Point.
You must:
- Be at least age 17, but not 23 or older, on July 1 of the year you enter West Point
- Be a U.S. Citizen (See Information for International Cadets for exceptions)
- Not be married
- Not be pregnant
- Not be legally responsible for child support
If you are a naturalized citizen, you must provide documentation.
Step 2. Apply Online
Complete the Candidate Questionnaire (CQ) to open an application. The application window opens February 1st for high school juniors. To open an application you will need:
- Your home address
- Your high school's address
- Your Congressional District
The remainder of the application (essays, recommendations, transcripts, SAT/ACT, etc.) will open the summer between your junior and senior years. The complete application is due January 31st of your senior year.
Step 3. Take College Entrance Exams
Test scores are required, and applicants may choose either the SAT or the ACT with writing. When registering for the ACT select the "ACT Plus Writing".
TIP: Take the tests as many times as you wish. There is no penalty for multiple attempts, and we will super-score your results, meaning we will consider your best performance in each category.
Students may submit the SAT or the ACT with writing. However, students who submit the SAT may be required to provide a timed writing sample.
The West Point Admissions Committee remains committed to a holistic assessment of applicant credentials, which include reviews of academic achievement, academic aptitude, leadership experiences, physical fitness, and other unique attributes during the application process.
Step 4. Connect with our Field Force
West Point Field Force members are local volunteer Admissions representatives of the U.S. Military Academy. Field Force members are an invaluable resource when navigating the application process at West Point. Find your Field Force representative today! All applications must include an interview. A Field Force representative will contact you to schedule the interview.
TIP: Dress as you would for a job interview.
Step 5. Apply for a Nomination
A nomination is required to attend West Point. There are two types: Congressional (your Representative or one of your State’s Senators) and Service-Connected.
You should begin seeking nominations as soon as you have confirmed your basic eligibility to attend West Point.
We strongly recommend that you apply to ALL possible nomination sources. No single nomination path will guarantee your appointment to West Point. Nominations are due by January 31st of the year you start college.
Locate your Congressional Representative or Senator.
Step 6. Get a Medical Examination
The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) will provide the location and date of your exam. The DoDMERB website is useful to Track Your Medical Status
Take your medical exam as soon as possible! It can take several months to get qualified. If you haven’t been scheduled by DoDMERB by the fall of your high school senior year, contact your regional Admissions Officer.
Step 7. Take the Candidate Fitness Assessment
Qualified Applicants will receive an email directing them to the CFA Testing Instructions. The CFA consists of six events:
- Basketball throw (from a kneeling position)
- Cadence pull-ups or flexed-arm hang (women's option)
- 40-yard shuttle run (for time)
- Modified Sit-ups (number completed in 2 minutes)
- Push-ups (number completed in 2 minutes)
- 1-mile run (for time)
You are permitted just one examination, and you should practice the six events prior to taking the examination. For guidance and tips on preparing for the CFA, click here.
