How to Apply to a Service Academy

The United States has five federally funded Service Academies: the Naval, Military, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine Academies. Students receive a free education in exchange for a five-year commitment to serve in the military upon graduation. Competition for an appointment to a Service Academy is stiff. Interested applicants should begin the process early. In addition to normal college-entrance requirements, applicants need to pass a physical fitness test, a medical examination and secure a Congressional nomination (except for the Coast Guard Academy, which does not require a nomination).

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet connection
• Computer

1. Ensure you meet the basic eligibility requirements. You must be a U.S. citizen, be of good moral character and be at least 17 but not yet 23 on July 1 of the year you enter the Service Academy. Applicants who are married, pregnant or have dependents will not be accepted.
2. Take the SAT or ACT college-entrance exams. Although in most cases the Academies do not have a minimum required score, GPA and SAT/ACT test scores play an important role in the selection process.
3. Start the application process in the spring of your junior year of high school. Fill out the initial online application from the Service Academy's Web site. In most cases an initial screening is done based on this application. If you pass the screening you will become a candidate and receive further instructions.
4. Apply for a nomination from all available sources, including your local Congressperson and U.S. Senators from your state. Check with your representatives for the application process and requirements on their Web sites. Nominations are based on merit, not political connections. The Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination.
5. Get in shape physically. Prepare for the fitness test through conditioning exercises and running. Continue to exercise throughout the application process in order to be ready for the requirements of a Service Academy.
6. Finish the application process as soon as possible upon receiving the candidate kit. The kit will explain how to set up the fitness test and the medical exam. The kit will also ask for other paperwork, such as a writing sample. The Academies vary in their desire for the kit to be completed online or through the mail.
7. Interview with the Service Academy Liaison Officer. Discuss your goals, qualifications and reasons for wishing to attend the Service Academy. Do not wear shorts or jeans.

Tips & Warnings

• Take advanced science and math classes, get good grades, do your best on SATs and ACTs, participate in sports and assume leadership roles in extracurricular activities throughout high school.
• Fill out your paperwork early. It shows motivation and gives you time to address any problems that may arise.
• Talk to recent cadets/midshipmen about their experiences. Visit the Service Academy if possible in order to get a feel for life at the Academy.
• Attend the Naval Academy Summer Seminar if possible in order to get a feel for life at the Naval Academy.
• Apply to more than one Service Academy if interested. Only one medical exam needs to be taken.
• The Service Academies have different terms for their candidate packages and liaison officers, but their application processes are essentially the same.
• Follow directions and do not miss deadlines.

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