Generals Ulysees S. Grant and Robert E. Lee were West Point graduates.
The U.S. military academies include the United States Military Academy at West Point (Army), the United States Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy. The academies serve two purposes: train those attending for their post-college duties as officers in their respective military branches and provide a world-class education to their students in a range of academic disciplines. The process for admissions is daunting but not insurmountable.
Instructions
1. Check the academies' websites for information on applications. The application process varies slightly from academy to academy. The Coast Guard Academy and Merchant Marines Academy have online applications, for example, while West Point has a preapplication with further instructions. Whichever academy you are interested in, its website provides the first steps for application.
2. Compose a resume of high school activities, including extracurricular activities. The academies are particularly interested in leadership, academics and athletics. Professionalism is vital. A school guidance counselor can help you prepare a solid resume or direct you to resources to assist you.
3. Take standardized tests, namely the ACT and SAT. The exact scores required for academy acceptance change somewhat year to year. Contact your academy for specific minimum scores. An excellent high school grade point average also is helpful in gaining admission.
4. Take the various cadet fitness tests. These are more or less standardized across the academies and include six events: kneeling basketball throw, pull ups for men and women (women also have the option of a flex-arm hang), shuttle run (sprinting), modified situps, pushups, and one-mile run. Workout and practice for these events. The test can be administered by a gym teacher or nearby ROTC cadre.
5. Take a Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board physical. This is a rather extensive medical exam that can be performed at your nearest military base. Be truthful when answering the exam's questions. Be aware, however, that if you have not been formally diagnosed with a disorder, you do not have it for the purposes of the exam.
6. Obtain a nomination. Most of the academies require the nomination of either a U.S. representative or senator, or the vice president. It is best to apply through every channel possible. Your resume will be useful here.
7. Participate in follow-ups. The DODMRB may have follow-up questions and most congressional nominations require interviews. In any interview, be honest and confident. Speak slowly and clearly, sit up straight, make eye contact with whoever you are speaking to and give a firm handshake when greeted.
Tips Warnings
Some senators and representatives advise you to apply to all of the academies, as this indicates to them that you are serious about an academy education and serving your country.
Student government, JROTC/ROTC, and being a club officer are evidence of leadership experience for resume purposes.
Most word processors have resume templates to help you write your resume.
If you are already in college, you can take ROTC classes to familiarize yourself with cadet life and guide you in getting in shape.
Do not panic if you are an alternate for admission. Many alternates get into an academy, particularly if her senator or representative was a graduate of a military academy.
Do not panic if you find yourself accepted to the prep school for your academy (called P-schools). The P-schools provide extra schooling to get you up to speed on academic requirements. Most P-school graduates get into the academy the next academic year.
Lying on any part of the application to the academies or public officials is a felony. Do not perjure yourself.
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