INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Your recipe will usually tell you how much saffron to use, but there are some general rules that are good to know. Saffron is usually measured in grams, the number of threads, or "pinches." A "pinch" typically means 20 medium-sized threads of saffron. Use a food scale or count the threads to measure out the saffron. Adding too much saffron can ruin a dish, so it's best to err on the side of too little. You can always add more if the taste and color isn't to your satisfaction. Counting the saffron threads usually offers the most accurate measurement. If you're adding saffron on your own, the rule of thumb is usually to add three strands for each person that you're serving. Three strands is approximately a teaspoon. For saffron to really shine in your dish, you need to ensure that its flavor and color are released. The quickest way to do that is to break down the threads. Saffron threads are very delicate, so it's easy to crush them with your hand. Use your thumb and forefinger to gently grind the threads into pieces. However, if you prefer a more uniform look to the pieces of saffron in your recipe, use a mortar and pestle to crush the threads. Crushing saffron for use in recipes typically works best if you're making a recipe that already has water or another cooking liquid in it, such as risotto or paella. Keep in mind that crushing saffron by hand or with a mortar and pestle doesn't offer the most attractive appearance because the threads are no longer in tact. However, you can still get a strong flavor, aroma, and color from crushed saffron. Once you've crushed the saffron threads, simply mix them into your recipe. It's best to add crushed saffron as early on in the cooking process as possible. That way, there's enough time for its flavor to infuse the other ingredients and its color to deepen the recipe. Make sure that there's already some type of liquid in your pot or pan before mixing in the crushed saffron threads.

SUMMARY: Measure the saffron threads. Crush the threads. Add to your dish.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You should plan to take the SAT or ACT test (or both) early in your junior year. You can take these tests more than once; West Point admissions will only consider your highest scores. Make sure to have your SAT or ACT scores sent to West Point. The average ACT scores of those admitted to West Point are 29 (English), 29 (Math), 28 (Writing). The average SAT scores of those admitted to West Point are 627 (Reading), 645 (Math), and 608 (Writing). You can take the PSAT during your sophomore year as a way of preparing to take standardized tests during your junior year. A West Point field force representative can serve as a contact point for any questions you may have about applying. The West Point website maintains a list of field force representatives in your area, which you can search by ZIP code. You can interview or email the field force representative in your area. The West Point application process entails many components, so it is critical to start early and plan ahead. The application opens in January of your Junior year, and you can update it throughout the subsequent year. This document serves as an initial screening point, helping you and West Point determine if you are eligible to apply, by meeting some basic requirements such as: You must be at least 17 but not yet 23 You must not be married You cannot be pregnant or have a legal obligation to support a child You must be a U.S. citizen unless you are applying as an international cadet (a process that has additional requirements) If you are a interested in studying at West Point as an international cadet, contact the U.S. Embassy in your area; each embassy can nominate up to 6 individuals for admission. West Point limits the number of international cadets at any one time to 60. If you are applying as an international cadet, you must also: Be sponsored by a national-level government official Be between the ages of 17 and 22 Not be married or pregnant Have no legal obligation to support children You may be eligible for admission to West Point if you are currently serving in the U.S. Army. Applicants who are currently soldiers must meet West Point's regular admissions requirements. In addition: You must be recommended by your company or lowest-level unit commander. Your commander can fill out a special recommendation form on your behalf. You are encouraged to have a recommendation from a member of congress (a senator, representative, territorial delegate, the Vice President, etc.). You can begin contacting these members early in the process of applying to West Point. If you do not qualify academically for admission to West Point, as a Soldier you can be automatically considered for admission to the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS). After attending USMAPS, you can later be considered for admission to West Point. The SLE is an optional, week-long program attended by certain applicants the summer before their senior year of high school. It is a good way to get a sense of what life as a student at West Point is like. The SLE provides a variety of academic, athletic, military and social activities that exemplify the offerings at West Point. The SLE accepts a limited number of applicants. The deadline to apply to the SLE is April 1st.

SUMMARY:
Take the SAT or ACT. Contact your regional field force representative. Start your application early. Complete the candidate questionnaire. Apply as an international cadet. Apply as a current soldier. Apply to attend the Summer Leaders Experience (SLE).