Progress Over Perfection: Lessons From My Transcripts
Beginning with grades, USMA (and any institutions for that matter) really look for two key things: first, are the courses you are taking rigorous, and second, are you able to perform well in them. Based on my experience, I would argue that progression is the third and incredibly important factor.
The individuals reviewing transcripts recognize that not everyone has access to AP classes, the ability to take courses at local colleges, and that not every school offers the same level of rigor. They are also adept, however, at telling when students take deliberately easy courses to try and artificially boost their GPA. Strive to take a course load that challenges you, but one that you can succeed in as well. Taking 5 AP courses and getting all B's likely isn't as meaningful as taking 2 AP courses and other general education courses, but excelling in the more moderate schedule. In some ways, spreading oneself too thin demonstrates a lack of self-awareness, exactly the opposite of the intended goal of demonstrating excellence! Be mindful.
I was not at one of the schools that didn't offer many AP courses, yet I only took a total of four (many of my peers took 6+). I highlight this because I deliberately opted to spend my time elsewhere, where I thought would have higher returns. Be deliberate about your schedule, and don't fall into the trap of trying to do everything and performing well at nothing.
More importantly, and less frequently discussed, progression has proved to be an essential component of my academic career. If you find yourself having a weaker transcript, progression is the key to overcoming any setbacks you may have faced.
When I first got to high school, I had been used to performing well academically without significant preparation. I was relatively complacent and did not have a clear direction in my academic career. At the end of my sophomore year, I discovered West Point and realized just how badly I wanted to attend the school.
While it really sucked that I had an academic year that was so much weaker than the performance I was capable of, I made absolutely sure that I sought out rigor in the following semesters. I distinctly remember thinking that earning a C+ in a math course and a B in a culinary arts course (I don't even know how I managed that) would doom my application, yet here I am today writing this site.
Progression helped balance out this poor performance. It's worth noting that the transcript alone does not capture the amount of additional work I took on (see more in the resume section).
Let's look at this again with West Point:
In my first year at West Point, I fell back into old patterns and relied on the rigor of my high school education rather than working hard. This worked until it didn't – once more, in sophomore year. Not only that, but it is dramatically harder to laze your way through a computer science degree than it is to make it through high school. At this time, I discovered the Graduate Scholars Program that West Point offered and became hell-bent on getting into one of these programs. It was incredibly frustrating to realize I had put myself in the same position again, but in a way, comforting to remind myself that I still could work incredibly hard.
To put this advice in the simplest possible terms: set yourself realistic yet challenging goals. If you fail, for any reason, demonstrate an ability to grow and work through setbacks. If you can confidently discuss your weak points openly and earnestly, they truly can become your strengths.
I would be remiss not to mention another core piece of advice: avoid putting yourself in these situations! It makes life way more stressful. No matter what you are doing, there is never an appropriate time to ease off the gas. Starting off and continuing to perform well does not stop you from demonstrating progression, but you can start from a higher level than I and accomplish even more awesome things.
Don't take the easy route, don't self-select, and don't quit. West Point, the military, and seemingly other academic institutions value all of these aforementioned things more than any one grade.