HopefulUSNA,
You remind me of myself a couple years ago! I received my appointment to USNA in February for the Class of 2016! Here is some of my advice that I think boosted me! Like everyone has already said, make sure that you join a sports team and give one hundred and fifty percent so by the time your a junior or senior you will be the captain. Make sure that you know your classmates and have a great personality. You may laugh but your classmates will play a vital role in your application. They are the ones who elect you and allow you to put those appointed positions on your application. If you do not necessarily want to fly, there are other options like JROTC, and Sea Cadets. I did Sea Cadets and they are an amazing experience. Also, when the time arises apply for Boy's state and NASS. The next couple summers though, make sure that you apply for other camps, seminars, and conventions. Try to get in touch with your BGO officer...it's never too early! Stay on your game academically! Take AP courses, Honor classes, and vocational classes if offered. I can not hound you enough to take the ACT/SAT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!! Retake it over and over and get self-help books! They will become your best friends. Try and start a club at your school. (EX. at my school: Teens Fighting Animal Cruelty-TFAC, Students against violation of the earth-S.A.V.E., Supporting our Soldiers-S.O.S.) Find a job! If you aren't old enough there are always plenty of odd jobs you can do around your neighborhood. These will be the people willing to write a letter of recommendation when the time comes. Also, it is never to early to get in touch with your senators and congressman. There is one piece of advice I cannot stress enough..."The squeaky wheel gets the grease." Your senior year, after you submit your application to your senators and congressman continue to send them letters with your updates! I sent a letter weekly to all three until I heard their final decision. By the way, they all gave me a nomination..so I don't know if that had a large part in it? All I can say is, be the best that you can be and stay involved in everything that you possibly can!!! Best of luck to you and I hope to see you in three years!