[edit] Admission
The admission process consists of two parts. Candidates must apply directly to USMA for admission, and they must obtain a nomination. The majority of candidates receive their nomination from their congressman.[98] The nomination process is not political and applicants do not have to know their congressman to be nominated. The nomination process typically consists of writing essays, obtaining letters of recommendation, and a formal interview.[99] Admission to West Point is selective: 12.75% of applicants were admitted (total of 1292) to the Class of 2012.[100][101] Candidates must be between 17 and 23 years old, unmarried, and with no legal obligation to support a child. Above average high school or previous college grades and strong performance on standardized testing is expected.[102] The interquartile range on the SAT was 1100–1360 and 68% ranked in the top fifth of their high school class.[5][101] To be eligible for appointment, candidates must also undergo a Candidate Fitness Assessment[103] and a complete physical exam.[103] About 15 candidates are admitted each year from foreign countries at the expense of the sponsoring nation.[104] Candidates may have previous college experience, but they may not transfer, meaning that regardless of previous college credit, they enter the academy as a fourth class cadet and undergo the entire four-year program.[105] If a candidate is considered qualified but not selected, he may receive an offer to attend to the United States Military Academy Preparatory School.[106] Upon graduation from USMAPS, these candidates are appointed to the academy if they receive the recommendation of the USMAPS Commandant and meet medical admission requirements.[107] The West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) also offers scholarship support to people who do not initially make it into West Point. The scholarships usually cover around $7000 to civilian universities; the students who receive these scholarships do so under the stipulation that they will be admitted to and attend West Point a year later. Those who do not must repay the AOG. New Mexico Military Institute, Marion Military Institute, and Valley Forge Military College are three colleges that students often attend on the AOG scholarship prior to admission to West Point
