When Mathias Crenshaw was just a freshman at Summer Creek High School, he got to know a senior who was going to West Point. Now, Crenshaw has followed that same path. He will study operations research at West Point and make the military his career.
“The application was a lot harder than I thought it would be,” Crensahw said. “Furthermore, most of the workload and paperwork for the application happens after you get accepted.”
The application process includes gathering personal information, including ACT, SAT, PSAT scores and then completing the candidate questionnaire online to open the application. Next, candidates connect with a member of the West Point Field Force, who are local vulture admissions representatives to help guide them through the process. Candidates must interview with the Field Force Member as a part of the process.
All applicants must apply for a nomination, which is required to attend West Point. They can get one from their Congressional Representative, State Senator or the Vice President of the United States. Applicants can also receive a service-connected nomination. This is for sons and daughters of career military personnel, deceased or disabled armed forces veterans, children of Medal of Honor recipients, members of Army Junior or Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program or active duty, reserve, National Guard Soldiers.
Applicants must also complete a medical examination from the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board, a Candidate Fitness Assessment and interview.
As far as his advice to any other students who want to follow in his footsteps on a military academy path, Crenshaw said apply as early as possible and show them you want it. Don’t be afraid to email and ask questions to anybody, Crenshaw continued.
At Summer Creek High School, Crenshaw was the Command Sergeant Major of the Summer Creek Bulldog Battalion. He was also a varsity swimmer, goes to the gym, and enjoys bird-watching.
“I’m really excited to head out to West Point!,” Crenshaw said.