I am pp who asked about AF Academy. Thanks to all who gave ton of information.

I was accepted to West Point back in the day (1998). I didn't go because ultimately it's the kind of lifestyle you have to be 100% certain you want, and I just wasn't.

I did have to get a Congressional nomination. I forget how I applied but I do remember having an in-person interview. There was also a physical test where I had to meet certain standards that is not a requirement for regular colleges. It used to have sit ups, a shuttle run, and a flexed arm hang (instead of pull ups) for women. There may have been something else too.

My local area (in PA at the time) had a group for the parents of applicants that helped them navigate the process. I once again forget how my parents found out about it but I know they were involved.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents of anyone with a son or daughter who has gained admission to any one of our national service academies, my rising high school sophomore son says he might be interested in looking at West Point or Annapolis. I'm trying to provide him with some guidance, but I have no idea where to even begin. Questions include how does the application process differ from the regular college application process, how difficult was it to get into, what are they looking for, is is true I need our state senator to nominate them? We woud greatly appreciate anyone who can help answer these questions, and otherwise point us in the right direction.

Didn't read the whole thread, but you do understand there is a 6 year commitment in the military after graduation? Make sure you are cool with that before applying.

That is incorrect. The service obligation is 5 years Active Duty, and 3 years inactive Reserves. There is extra time owed if you go straight to graduate school, or become a pilot in any of the SAs.

During the first two years, any Cadet/Mid can absolutely walk free and clear. The Service Obligation only becomes binding if you attend the 1st day of class Junior year. If you quit/get kicked out after that, you must reimburse the Academy for its costs and/or serve the owed time as an enlisted.

Gee, the PP was off by one year. It is only a five year active duty committment.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents of anyone with a son or daughter who has gained admission to any one of our national service academies, my rising high school sophomore son says he might be interested in looking at West Point or Annapolis. I'm trying to provide him with some guidance, but I have no idea where to even begin. Questions include how does the application process differ from the regular college application process, how difficult was it to get into, what are they looking for, is is true I need our state senator to nominate them? We woud greatly appreciate anyone who can help answer these questions, and otherwise point us in the right direction.

Didn't read the whole thread, but you do understand there is a 6 year commitment in the military after graduation? Make sure you are cool with that before applying.

That is incorrect. The service obligation is 5 years Active Duty, and 3 years inactive Reserves. There is extra time owed if you go straight to graduate school, or become a pilot in any of the SAs.

During the first two years, any Cadet/Mid can absolutely walk free and clear. The Service Obligation only becomes binding if you attend the 1st day of class Junior year. If you quit/get kicked out after that, you must reimburse the Academy for its costs and/or serve the owed time as an enlisted.

Which is the easiest to get into.

Anonymous wrote:Parents of anyone with a son or daughter who has gained admission to any one of our national service academies, my rising high school sophomore son says he might be interested in looking at West Point or Annapolis. I'm trying to provide him with some guidance, but I have no idea where to even begin. Questions include how does the application process differ from the regular college application process, how difficult was it to get into, what are they looking for, is is true I need our state senator to nominate them? We woud greatly appreciate anyone who can help answer these questions, and otherwise point us in the right direction.

Didn't read the whole thread, but you do understand there is a 6 year commitment in the military after graduation? Make sure you are cool with that before applying.

Is there an ED for the service academies?

Just google the name Service Academy Forums, it's the first thing that comes up. It's the College Confidential for applying to the service academies.

Anonymous wrote:Check out Service Academy Forums. Lots of good info there on the application process and what a kid can be doing to be s competitive candidate.

Can someone post some links, please?

Check out Service Academy Forums. Lots of good info there on the application process and what a kid can be doing to be s competitive candidate.

My high school sophomore says he really wants to leave serve, and his goal is to attend West Point. I am a single mom, and have no close friends or family who have served. Are there resources I can check out for more info? Are there things I should be doing for my son to help him with this process? TIA.

Anonymous wrote:Np. I went there. I can answer any questions you have. A lot of the info in this thread is good, and a lot is wrong or misleading.

What are the big whoppers of wrong or misleading?

Np. I went there. I can answer any questions you have. A lot of the info in this thread is good, and a lot is wrong or misleading.

Go to www.google.com and type in "usna blue and gold officer program". It's the very first search result ?

Anonymous wrote:USNA has a program called blue and gold officers which are alumni that are trained to help applicants navigate the admissions process. I'm sure the other academies have similar programs. Not sure if it's been mentioned here as I haven't read the entire thread- bit something to look into. They often are the representatives at the college fairs and there are many in the DC metro area.

Where can I find more info about the blue and gold officers?