The United States Military Academy (West Point), founded in 1802, trains officers for the U.S. Army. Located on the Hudson River, West Point's rigorous program blends academics, physical training, and leadership development. Cadets graduate with bachelor's degrees and commissions as second lieutenants. The academy's engineering and cybersecurity programs are nationally ranked.
West Point's honor code??? cadet will not lie, cheat, or steal?shapes character. Alumni include generals, presidents, and astronauts. The institution's Thayer Monument and Cadet Chapel are iconic symbols. For those committed to service and leadership, West Point offers an unparalleled education.
United States Military Academy Acceptance Rate
United States Military Academy (West Point) is one of the most selective universities in the USA. With an acceptance rate of 13.98%, the institution utilizes a Holistic Review process to identify students with exceptional intellectual depth.
Admissions Guidelines
- Elite Standards: Admitted students typically rank in the top 2-5% of their high school class.
- Curriculum Rigor: AP, IB, or Honors courses are essential to validate academic readiness.
- Character & Impact: Beyond grades, leadership, research, and unique 'spikes' in extracurriculars drive decisions.
At this level of selectivity, meeting average GPA and test scores is considered the 'baseline.' Because West Point values intellectual curiosity, your supplemental essays and personal recommendations are critical in distinguishing your application from thousands of other high-achieving candidates.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
United States Military Academy Admission Requirements
West Point GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at West Point is 4. It means that West Point is very selective in terms of the GPA. (Most schools report a weighted GPA, which is out of 4.0. However, some schools may use unweighted GPAs. For exact information, contact the school admission staff).
With an average GPA of 4, West Point requires you to be near the top of your class. You need to score mostly A's in all classes to have good chances of admission. Additionally, AP or IB courses related to your chosen field (e.g., math, calculus, physics for engineering) will strengthen your application.
West Point GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Extreme selectivity; requires elite academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: High Course Rigor (AP/IB/Honors) to validate the grade.
Admissions at West Point utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 4, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 4.00 – 4.00 | Academic Target | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.80 – 3.99 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.60 – 3.79 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.59 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At West Point, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
United States Military Academy (West Point) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
United States Military Academy Average SAT Score: 1355
The average SAT score of the admitted students at United States Military Academy is 1355 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1355 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1430 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. United States Military Academy allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1200, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to West Point. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 665 | 600 | 730 |
| SAT Reading | 650 | 600 | 700 |
| SAT Composite | 1355 | 1200 | 1430 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1200 then you are below most of the admitted students at West Point and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1430 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1350
Can I get into United States Military Academy (West Point) with a 1450 SAT?
With a 1450 SAT Score, your chances of admission at United States Military Academy (West Point) are good but the admission staff at West Point tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
United States Military Academy (West Point) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at West Point is 31.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes United States Military Academy very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 31 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 30 | 27 | 32 |
| ACT English | 31 | 27 | 34 |
| ACT Composite | 31 | 28 | 33 |
Can I get into United States Military Academy with a 33 ACT?
With a 33 ACT Score, your chances of admission at United States Military Academy are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 31.West Point Profile
Name: United States Military Academy (West Point)
Accredited by: EXEMPT (EXEMPT)
Elite Strategy: The 'Spike' Approach
To be successful at a world-class institution like West Point, you must move beyond being 'well-rounded' and demonstrate that you are institutionally necessary.
Elite schools favor 'pointy' students; those who are world-class in one niche. Achieve national-level recognition or produce original research rather than joining ten generic clubs.
Demonstrate 'self-driven learning.' This includes graduate-level coursework, mastering a complex skill independently, or attending top-tier summer programs (RSI/TASP).
Avoid safe, cliché topics. Use the supplemental essays to showcase creative risk-taking, quirky intellectualism, and authentic personality.
Admissions officers prioritize 'Founders' and 'Change-makers' over 'Office-holders.' Document quantifiable impact—what did you build that didn't exist before?
Does a degree from West Point Worth It?
Getting into West Point can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. West Point offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at West Point is USD: and unemployment rate is %.
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than United States Military Academy. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| University of San Francisco | University of San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield University, CT | 1323 | 31 |
| Florida State University | Florida State University, FL | 1323 | 29 |
| Lake Forest College | Lake Forest College, IL | 1309 | 30 |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | Indiana University-Bloomington, IN | 1308 | 30 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as United States Military Academy. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | United States Air Force Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1345 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than United States Military Academy. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Colorado School of Mines, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | American University, DC | 1392 | 31 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Area Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Frequently Asked Questions About United States Military Academy Admissions
Answer: The acceptance rate of United States Military Academy is 13.98 which is low, typically between 10% and 20%. Admission is very competitive, and a strong academic profile is necessary.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 4. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.7, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.7, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.7 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.6 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to United States Military Academy if my GPA is below 3.6
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 4, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to United States Military Academy is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1355 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1200-1430
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by United States Military Academy.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.