Admissions

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

SUBJECT: USMA International Cadet Program

PURPOSE: To provide information about the USMA International Cadet Program.

1. The revision of Title X of the U.S. Code in 1983 authorized up to sixty (60) International Cadets to study at USMA at any given time. Eligible countries are selected on an annual basis by the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Department of Defense.

2. Each year, usually in mid-summer, the U.S. State Department/U.S. Department of Defense send via message, the notification to the invited nations (through the USDAO in their American Embassies) of their selection to nominate up to six (6) candidates per country to compete for admission. Limited by law to a maximum of sixty (60) International Cadets at any time, USMA presently has sixty (60) International Cadets enrolled who represent thirty-seven (37) different countries from around the world. Central to their success is full-assimilation into the Corps of Cadets and a four-year experience that is identical to that of U.S. Cadets. USMA has implemented a support system that is based on this policy of full-assimilation, but which also provides appropriate assistance to ensure transition to Cadet Life.

3. One hundred and fifty-eight (158) nations were invited to nominate Candidates for the USMA Class of 2013. This expanded list of nations is one of the largest numbers in this program's history. Thirty-seven (37) countries nominated a total of one hundred-twenty-seven (127) candidates. Twenty candidates (20), representing fifteen (15) different countries were fully qualified for admission. Ten of the twenty qualified applicants were extended an offer of admission. All ten (10) accepted those offers of admission. Full waivers of tuition were offered to nine of the ten candidates. Tuition assistance is based on the GNP of any given country in accordance with the Global Economic Index.

4. The application procedures for International Candidates are essentially the same as that of U.S. citizens. General requirements include:

a. Sponsorship/nomination from a government official;

b. Be between the ages of seventeen (17) and twenty-two (22) years of age;

c. Not married, and;

d. Not pregnant, nor any legal obligation to support a child or children.

5. The assessment of an International Candidate's potential for admission is based on the candidate's background in academics, leadership, and physical aptitude; therefore, evaluations are made in the following areas:

a. Academic Potential:

1. An above average high school or college academic record;

REPLY TO

ATTENTION OF:

2. Strong performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT)--NOTE: The mean scores for the International Candidates who were offered admission to the USMA Class of 2011 were:

a. SAT: Verbal: 504

Math: 625

b. ACT: ACT-E:

ACT-M:

ACT-SR:

ACT-R:

(NOTE: No offered international candidates took the ACT)

3. English proficiency and strong performance on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)--NOTE: The mean TOEFL scores for the offered International Candidates for the USMA Class of 2011 were 87 out of 120 (5 candidates), 203 out of 300 (1), and 566 out of 677(2).

b. Leadership Potential:

1. Active participation in extracurricular activities;

2. Accomplished performance in varsity and/or intramural/community athletics; and

3. Strong endorsements/recommendations from high school/college faculty members.

c. Physical Aptitude:

1. Above average strength, endurance, and agility; and

2. Adequate performance on the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)--NOTE: The USDAO administers the CFA to all International Candidates. The standards for International Candidates are the same for U.S. Candidates.

d. Medical Fitness: A medical certificate is required for all International Candidates attesting to their soundness of both physical and mental health. All must be medically competent and free of communicable diseases.

6. All non U.S. citizens who are interested in applying for admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point are advised to first contact the U.S. Defense Attaché Office located at the American Embassy in their native country. The USDAO generally serves as the link between the student, the host nation, and the United States Military Academy.

Thomas E. Tolman

Major, U.S. Army

International Admissions Officer