| Barracks | The residence facilities where Cadets live while at West Point |
| Beast | The last week of the 6-week basic training for Cadets |
| Bugle Notes | The “plebe bible” |
| Cadet Honor Code | The pledge that all cadets live by, that a cadet will not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do |
| Cadre | Upper Class cadets orienting new Cadets |
| Candidate | Someone, typically High school seniors and/or juniors applying for West Point |
| Candidate Kit | An online “package” of forms and instructions you need to complete your application |
| Candidate Portal | A portal where current candidates can access their application files online, a password-protected site where you find your Candidate Kit |
| Candidate Questionnaire | An initial candidate application which is considered "starting a file" |
| Candidate Statement | Three questions that the applicant (Candidate) answers in essay form as part of the application package (Candidate Kit) |
| CFA Candidate Fitness | Physical assessment that you must pass to be considered for admission to West Point |
| Companies | The groups of cadets that you live with |
| Corps of Cadets | The population of Cadets at West Point |
| Corps of Cadets | The student body at West Point |
| Cows | Cadets in their 3rd year at West Point, similar to being a college junior |
| Cullum Number | Reference and identification number assigned to each graduate, often referred to as the "C-number" |
| DAD | Directorate of Admissions or the Admissions Office |
| DMI | Department of Military Instruction |
| DoDMERB | Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board which schedules the required medical exam prior to acceptance consideration at West Point |
| First Captain | Highest ranking Firstie, also known as the Brigade Commander |
| Firstie | Cadets in their 4th Year at West Point, similar to being a college senior |
| Full Bird | A Colonel in the US Army |
| Goat Engineer Game | A football game between the "Goats" (the bottom half of the senior (Firstie) class academically), and the "Engineers" (the top half). Held just before the Army-Navy game |
| IOCT | Indoor Obstacle Course Test |
| JAG | Judge Advocate General - the ‘law firm’ of the Army |
| Letter of Assurance | Communication to an applicant (Candidate) that he or she will most likely be offered admission upon completion of their application (Candidate Kit) |
| Ma'am | How to address a female officer |
| Mess | The Mess Hall is the facility where cadets eat their meals every day |
| Nomination | A formal recommendation from a Congressional member or other authorized official that is required for admission |
| ODIA | Athletics |
| Parents Almanac | Helpful information for parents that is posted on the Candidate Portal, usually in February or March |
| Parents Clubs | A support network for families of cadets located throughout the U.S. |
| Personal Data Record | A basic form that the applicant (Candidate) fills out as part of the application process (Candidate Kit) |
| Plebe | Cadets in their 1st year at West Point, similar to being a college freshman |
| Prospectus | The "viewbook" is available in print and online, it explains requirements and important aspects of a West Point education. |
| Reception Day or R-Day | The day that the incoming class of cadets reports to West Point, usually the last Monday in June |
| Scrambling | The changing of companies |
| Sir | How to address a male officer |
| SLS | Summer Leadership Seminar, a week-long immersion experience for prospective students the summer before their senior year of high school |
| Thayer Award | Given annually by the academy since 1958, the award honors an outstanding citizen whose service and accomplishments in the national interest exemplify the academy’s motto, “Duty, Honor, Country” |
| The Area | Designated area of the cadet barracks courtyard |
| The Howitzer | Annual yearbook |
| The Long Gray Line | The prestigious corps of West Point graduates who represent high achievement and the promise of outstanding, ethical leadership |
| USMA | United States Military Academy, also synonymous with West Point |
| USMAPS | United States Military Academy Prep School |
| West Point Field Force | Active duty, retired Army officers, or civilian members who help recruit future cadets |
| WPPSP | West Point Preparatory School Program |
| Yucks or Yearlings | Cadets in their 2nd year at West Point , similar to being a college sophomore |