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Fact check: What are the admission requirements for West Point?

Checked on September 23, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The admission requirements for West Point are multifaceted and highly competitive, involving initial eligibility, application requirements, and deadlines [1]. To be considered, applicants must meet basic requirements, take the ACT or SAT, submit an application, obtain a nomination, complete the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), pass a medical exam, and complete a candidate checklist [2]. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1331, and the average GPA is 4.0, with West Point being extremely selective, having an acceptance rate of 12% [3] or 14% [4]. West Point requires SAT or ACT scores for admission, with a 'middle 50' range of 1250-1450 for SAT scores and 28-33 for ACT scores [5]. General eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship, age, marital status, and moral character [6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key aspect of the West Point admission process is the nomination requirement, which can be obtained from congressional representatives [7]. Additionally, applicants should be aware of the obligation to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation [7]. While the sources provide a comprehensive overview of the admission requirements, they do not explicitly discuss the weight given to different factors in the admission decision, such as academic performance, leadership skills, and physical fitness [4]. Furthermore, the sources do not provide information on support services for students once they are admitted to West Point. It is also worth noting that the admission process may vary slightly from year to year, so staying up-to-date with the latest information is crucial for prospective applicants [1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement does not provide any potentially misleading information, as it simply asks about the admission requirements for West Point. However, some sources may present the admission process as more or less competitive than it actually is, which could impact applicants' decisions [3] [4]. The sources cited are generally reputable, but US News [4] [5] may have a bias towards presenting information in a way that is easily digestible for college applicants, potentially oversimplifying the complexity of the admission process. On the other hand, official West Point sources [2] may present a more detailed and accurate view of the admission requirements, but may also have a bias towards presenting the academy in a positive light. Congressional representatives [7] may also have a vested interest in presenting the nomination process in a certain way, which could impact the information they provide to applicants.

Want to dive deeper?
What are the minimum GPA and SAT requirements for West Point applicants?
How do I get a nomination to attend West Point from my congressional representative?
What is the physical fitness test required for West Point admission?
Can international students apply to West Point, and what are the requirements?
What is the acceptance rate for West Point, and how competitive is the admission process?