USMA ESSAY TIPS: ESSAY #1

Academy Endeavors gives tips on every Service Academy essay question…

Here we go…USMA Essay #1 up first!

USMA Essay #1 question: Explain why you want to attend the United States Military Academy and serve on active duty as an Army officer. (2500 character limit)

AE Guidance: First, start with when your desire first began. This will lay the helpful background upon which your desires are founded. Use concrete examples (such as attending SLE, visiting a Army base, etc) to show that your desires are credible.

Next, state 1-2 reasons why you want to attend USMA, and mention specific USMA offerings (such as CBT, CFT, etc) as supporting examples.

Lastly, state your career goals. Research Army officer MOS’s (Military Operational Specialty) and choose one or two that interest you. Then mention why it intrigues you. To tie loose ends, mention a USMA major that interests you (and perhaps will prepare you for that career).

Overall, you want an essay that is personal to you, specific to USMA, and passionate. Your career path should be coherent and your reasons for attending should be crystal clear.