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Military

Military Academies - Application Process

Note: After reviewing the following information, if you have any questions contact Mr. Nelson in the Counseling Department. Interested Seniors should contact me, now.

 

U.S. Military Service Academies PowerPoint



Military Academies –

Seniors Begin the Process Immediately;

Juniors Begin in March.

 

United States Military Academies give full-ride scholarships in exchange for years of military service after you graduate. Seniors, if you’re interested in applying to Military Academies, start the application process now. The Academies include:

 

The United States Military Academies are very challenging to get accepted to. Student applicants are evaluated in the areas of academics, leadership potential, physical abilities, and medical qualification standards. In addition, some Academies (Army) prohibit tattoos and brands on student neck, face, and head areas.

 

Student Eligibility and Qualifications

 

To be considered for admission to a Military Academy, you must:

 

  1. Meet the following basic eligibility requirements:
    • Be a U.S. citizen,
    • Be 17 to 23 years of age (maximum age for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is 25 years of age),
    • Not be married, pregnant, or legally obligated to support a child or dependent.
  2. Obtain a nomination from your U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, the Vice President of the United States, or the President of the United States.
  3.  Qualify academically by taking a challenging high school course curriculum, earning excellent grades, receiving strong SAT or ACT scores, and demonstrating leadership. Competing in athletics and being involved in extracurricular activities are also considered. The minimum SAT scores for the academies are 500 verbal and 500 math. The average SAT scores at the academies are 540-620 verbal and 630-710 math. The minimum ACT scores for the academies are 21 English, 19 Social Studies, 24 Mathematics, and 24 Natural Science. The average ACT scores are 23-27 English; 24-29 Social Studies; 27-32 Mathematics; 28-32 Natural Science (minimum and average scores are slightly

  4. Qualify medically (pass a thorough medical examination).

  5. Qualify physically (pass the Physical Aptitude Examination (PAE ) that tests your coordination, speed, strength, and agility).

  6. Conduct an interview with a military academy representative. All of the above must be completed by March 1 of the year you plan to enter an Academy. 

Application Process - Preliminary Steps

 

  1. Go to the military academy websites listed above and complete the first step in the application process – complete the online “Candidate Questionnaire”, “Preliminary Application”, “PreCandidate Questionnaire” or “Application”:
  2. Based on your completed Candidate Questionnaire or Application, your information will be evaluated and if you’re considered “competitive” (worthy of consideration for admission), you’ll be mailed a complete application package.
  3. Within days of completing the online Questionnaire, start the process to obtain a nomination from U.S. Congressman, U.S. Senator, the Vice President, or the President. Requesting a nomination is a complete process within itself; you need letters of recommendation, grade transcript copies, etc. Interested seniors see Mr. Nelson immediately; Juniors see Mr. Nelson in the Spring before the year you wish to attend.
  4. To apply for a nomination from the Vice President or President see Mr. Nelson. However. Presidential nominations are reserved for sons and daughters of career military personnel.

Additionally, there are military service-connected nominations for sons and daughters of

  • Deceased and disabled veterans
  • Persons awarded the Medal of Honor

 

Application Process - Final Steps

 

If you are named an official candidate for admission (the qualifications on your Questionnaire or Application are deemed competitive (or acceptable) by a Military Academy admission officer) you must complete all the parts of the application package that will be mailed to you. Don’t delay completing all parts of the application. Student applicants are offered admission as their records become complete – so don’t wait.

 

The required application steps include:

  • Completing the full application form, including 3 letters of recommendation, writing an essay, submitting official transcripts, etc.
  • Completing a medical examination directly from the Department of Defense Medical Examination Board (DoDMERB),
  • Completing the Physical Aptitude Examination ( PAE ) given by a recognized official of a Military Academy,
  • Conducting an interview with an Academy representative.

Don’t hesitate to contact your local Liaison Officer for each Academy for help. Liaison Officers are Military Academy representatives assigned to a district or area. They can help you through the entire application process and also serve as one of your evaluators. Their evaluation is very important to your success of getting admitted to a military academy so be courteous and respectful.

 

WARNING! Have a backup plan even if you are accepted to one of the military academies. You should (must?) apply to colleges in addition to the military academies. Why? Because of academy medical qualifications—something could happen that prevents you from meeting the medical qualifications between your acceptance and entrance.

 

Military ROTC

(Reserve Officer Training Corps)

Scholarship Information

 

ARMY ROTC

1-800-USA-ROTC

 

AIR FORCE ROTC

1-800-423-USAF

 

NAVY ROTC

1-800-USA-NAVY

 

MARINE CORPS SCHOLARSHIPS

1-800-MAR-INES

 

 
10 Steps for Joining the Military

 

Thinking about joining the military? Get the scoop, get in the know, and make an informed decision.

 

Step 1: Learn about the military

Find out military basics: what they do, where they go, and who they are.

 

Step 2: Decide if you're ready

Get a handle on the basics of joining: eligibility, benefits information, and branch missions.

 

Step 3: Choose the right path

Find the best point of entry for you: compare services, consider guard and reserve services, compare enlisted vs. officer, and look at your job choices.

 

Step 4: Meet the recruiter

How do you handle meeting recruiters? Find out questions and answers, secrets to visiting a recruiter, documents you'll need, incentives and more.

 

Step 5: Ace the ASVAB

If you will be enlisting, you need to ace the ASVAB! Our special ASVAB section will help you get the best score possible.

 

Step 6: Get the best job

You want to join - now make sure you will be doing what you like! Find an interest matcher, tips on finding the right job, and overviews of all jobs in each branch here.

 

Step 7: Complete the process

Let us take out the fear and confusion about MEPS: find out about medical conditions, waivers, how to handle legal problems, and more.

 

Step 8: Raise your right hand

Your about to swear in: find out about the oaths you'll take, the general orders you need to learn, military ranks, and more.

 

Step 9: Get ready for bootcamp

Are you ready to be challenged? Get the skinny on how to prepare yourself mentally and physically.

 

Step 10: You're in! Make the most of it.

What happens after boot camp? How do you make a success of yourself? Find out tips and get advice from those who have been there.