How do enlisted soldiers get into West Point through the army's program?

I'm curious about the army program that helps enlisted soldiers transition to becoming cadets at West Point. Does anyone know how this process works? What are the requirements and steps involved for enlisted members to be considered?

This sounds like you're referring to the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS), often simply known as West Point Prep. It provides a program designed specifically for soldiers already serving in the military, referred to as "Prior-Service" or "PS" Cadets.

Now, for enlisted soldiers to get a nomination for West Point, they need to meet the following criteria:

1. Age: Active Duty applicants must be at least 18 but not have reached their 23rd birthday on July 1st of the year they would enter the Academy.

2. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens because West Point graduates are commissioned as officers in the U.S. Army.

3. Academic: Although there are no specific GPAs or standardized test scores to get into West Point, a competitive academic record is required. Applicants should take the most rigorous curriculum available in high school, as this will be considered during the application process.

Once they tackle these prerequisites, they have to follow these steps in the application process:

1. Open a Candidate File: The first step to receiving an appointment to West Point is to open a Candidate File through the Admissions Directorate.

2. Official Transcript & Test Scores: They must have their high school/university send an official transcript to the Admissions Directorate. They can self-report SAT/ACT scores initially, but official test scores sent directly from the testing agency are required before an offer of admission can be given.

3. Complete the Candidate Questionnaire: This is an online application that includes details about them, their family, and their educational background.

4. Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA): This is mandatory for every applicant. It includes six events: basketball throw, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups or flexed arm hang, shuttle run, and a one-mile run.

5. Nominations: Soldiers are nominated directly by their chain of command and are also required to have SAT/ACT scores that reach the current Superintendent's minimum. Soldiers are not nominated by their Congressmen, Senators, or the Vice President.

6. An application to USMAPS: After soldiers complete their online candidate activities, they will be evaluated for a direct appointment to West Point (to include possible offers for Prior Service applicants) and for an offer for an appointment to attend USMAPS.

Please note that attending USMAPS is a privilege and not a right. If offered an appointment to USMAPS and they decline, they will almost certainly not receive an appointment to West Point.

Those who make it through the selection process usually spend a year at the Preparatory School before being reassessed for admission to West Point. This program provides additional academic development, physical training, and leadership experience to prepare them for the unique challenges at West Point.

I hope this provides a general guide to the process. For more detailed information and specific queries, it is always best to reach out to the West Point Admissions Office or a local military recruiter. They have the most updated and accurate information regarding the application process.