West Point transfer student

[Ranger9879]

I recently transferred from the United States Military Academy to CU Boulder because i didn't like the military lifestyle. If my GPA wasn't all too good there (2.7 GPA) and right now i have a 3.8 GPA at University of Colorado at Boulder, would that pretty much work to my advantage? also, i'm an EMT, volunteer for the ER for 3 years, MCAT 30+, research programs every summer. I'm really worried about submitting that low gpa from West Point and i'm afraid that might hurt my chances to get into a top medical school. Can anyone help me?

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[AStudent]

Yeah, you're trained to kill people....I doubt adcoms would even look past that.

I recently transferred from the United States Military Academy to CU Boulder because i didn't like the military lifestyle. If my GPA wasn't all too good there (2.7 GPA) and right now i have a 3.8 GPA at University of Colorado at Boulder, would that pretty much work to my advantage? also, i'm an EMT, volunteer for the ER for 3 years, MCAT 30+, research programs every summer. I'm really worried about submitting that low gpa from West Point and i'm afraid that might hurt my chances to get into a top medical school. Can anyone help me?

 

[LizzyM]

West Point cadettes do get interviews. Some even get offers. So much for the sarcastic remark from "a student".

Your record will certainly show that you improved over the course of 4 years, Ranger. You should also use part of your personal statement to describe why you made the decision to transfer. In addition, it may help if many of your West Point classes, particulary those in which you did poorly were non-science couses (military tactics, etc).

 

[tigress]

Okay I know this isn't really on topic, but do you have to pay back the school for the years you were at West Point? That would stink 🙁
It's great that you have a better GPA now. You might not get into a "top" medical school (really depends on what that means to you), but it seems to me like you'll be a good candidate to get in somewhere!

 

[mshheaddoc]

Hey, don't beat yourself up. First off, leaving USMA is hard enough. My ex-bf left West point post-yearling (no commitment for repayment for him 😉). It was a tough decision for him but it was best for him. I commend you too if you recognize you do not want that lifestyle. I have a few friends that made it through, some that got kicked out, and some that left. Its a tough life and my heart goes out for those that even endured beast and plebe year.

Honestly though I don't see ADCOMS as holding that too much against you. After all, to get in it takes character and not everyone can excel in that environment. How long were you there for? I'm guessing you left prior to 3rd year as that is the best time to leave no repayment. More time you have at CU will also help. USMA will hurt your GPA rankings but remember you have a chance to prove yourself in other areas (which you are) and you get your personal statement along those lines to explain. You are on the right path. Sometimes pre-meds beat themselves up on the perfect GPA, it really is the "WHOLE" person (including MCATS) not just the GPA stats.

 

[Ranger9879]

yeah. i took that into account. i was finishing my second semester as a yearling (sophomore) so i didn't have to pay back a dime. I have alot of things to talk about in my personal statement. my main reason in leaving was that the mission of the school was distracting me from what I wanted to do in life. Success in war was greatly emphasized more than academics in my opinion over there. every action was based upon leadership ability and skills as a West Point cadet. just to make me feel better, i sometimes think, how many premeds can there be that transferred from a service academy? doesn't that distinguish me enough? jw. thanks for replying.

 

[Medikit]

I think it gives you a lot of depth as a person and shows that you have a good understanding of where your heart is. Keep up the good grades. You are obligated to submit your grades from Westpoint so you don't really have a choice in the matter. Your background should be of great help in writing your personal statement as well.

 

[mshheaddoc]

yeah. i took that into account. i was finishing my second semester as a yearling (sophomore) so i didn't have to pay back a dime. I have alot of things to talk about in my personal statement. my main reason in leaving was that the mission of the school was distracting me from what I wanted to do in life. Success in war was greatly emphasized more than academics in my opinion over there. every action was based upon leadership ability and skills as a West Point cadet. just to make me feel better, i sometimes think, how many premeds can there be that transferred from a service academy? doesn't that distinguish me enough? jw. thanks for replying.

You are right, not many people transfer out. And you are right, they train you to take order and do as told. Its all about the battles and the military philosphy and not about who YOU are. You left for the same reason my ex did. And you will have invaluable skills that will be able to be used in life in general with the experiences you have had. I think it would distinguish you to a point and the academic rigor is different as well. But CU will count more as its recent coursework. Your life experiences will help you though.