West Point: Elan

How College Solutions Helped

Elan has always wanted to help people and make a difference, but hasn’t always been sure what that might look like for him. After a research deep dive into West Point and a meaningful tour of the campus, Elan quickly realized that a service academy was the right path for him. “I fell in love with what I was reading about,” Elan said. “At West Point, everybody has a purpose and everybody's driving towards a single goal, and that was amazing to see. They're all people that really know how to dig in and work hard, which is something that I really admire. That's what really pushed me to apply to West Point.”

However, he wasn’t sure that his school counselors would be able to help him navigate the multifaceted service academy application process. After reaching out to College Solutions for guidance, Elan was ready to make a plan. The service academy application process can be a lot more involved than the typical application process–candidates must complete extensive applications, physical fitness testing, medical evaluations, and secure a congressional nomination.

“It’s a long process,” Elan explained. “I was submitting essays in June of my junior year, but I was still completing physical fitness testing and medical testing in the fall of my senior year.”

During the complex process, College Solutions helped Elan thoroughly prepare for interviews and write essays. “Writing the essays was pretty challenging,” Elan recalled. “The military have different speech patterns–the writing is very matter-of-fact.” With his counselors and writing coach, Elan worked to adapt to the language of the service academy applications.

Further, College Solutions helped Elan in his preparation for the nomination interviews that are required for service academy applicants. Elan worked closely with his counselor to anticipate the types of questions congressional panels often ask candidates. “Preparing for interviews with my congressman’s panel was a big part of it,” Elan said. “We went over possible questions and what they look for when they’re evaluating candidates.”

However, to Elan, the most significant thing about working with College Solutions was being able to uncover what it means to him to serve. Elan worked with the military admissions specialist at College Solutions to bounce ideas back and forth.  “One of the biggest things was being able to bounce back ideas about what it means to be a leader in the Army and what it means to serve,” he said. “Talking with someone who has actually been in service helps you understand what works versus what’s just being a little bit of an ideologue.”

Result

As Elan progressed through the application process, there were a few signs that signaled that his goal might soon become a reality. One was receiving an invitation to stay overnight at West Point and experience cadet life firsthand. “That’s when I realized my application was probably going to go through,” he said. “It was the realization that this could actually happen.”

The biggest moment came when Elan received his principal nomination from his congressional representative. “That was the first real jumping-up-and-down moment,” he said.

With the support of College Solutions, Elan was excited to receive his official appointment to West Point in January of his senior year. He will start cadet basic training in June. For students who are also considering a service academy, Elan encourages starting early and reaching out for guidance. “Every congressional district has a field force officer,” he explained. “Write them an email, introduce yourself, and ask if you can talk. They’re a great resource, and they’re there because they want students to succeed.”

What Elan had to say

“Talking with somebody in service who’s able to reflect on the ideas you’re giving them—and talk about how that actually plays out in the Army—was really helpful. 

In going to West Point, I'm really excited to work with like-minded individuals who are really willing to embrace something that, for lack of a better word, sucks–and push through anyway. I think it's a mentality that's really important, and I want to surround myself with people like that. I'm really excited to learn some new skills and start a new chapter of my life.”

What His counselor had to say

“Elan approached the service academy process with a rare combination of humility, discipline, and genuine curiosity about what it means to serve. What made the difference was his willingness to fully engage with the guidance and structure we provided at College Solutions. This is a uniquely complex application process, and Elan trusted the process, put in the work, and grew tremendously along the way. His appointment to West Point reflects not only his perseverance, but also the strength of the strategy and preparation behind his application.”