Recent content by Jetbill

BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR DS!!! Another inspirational self-prep success story at MMI....2 appointments, and now a big decision! Hard work, sacrifice, and determination rule the day!

Funny, I drilled that line into my Son's head so many times...."squeaky wheel gets the grease", that after awhile, especially if he'd complain about the process, I'd just ask him loudly, "Who gets the Grease" ??? If you don't tell someone you want something, they'll give it to someone else...

Excellent outlook for your son! There are no guarantees, and he'll really have to apply himself, and commit to an all out effort. But, rest assured, good results will follow! MMI is an amazing place!!! Your son will be happy for the opportunity and experience. Self-prep at MMI was the best...

Priority Boarding on flights. Especially Southwest Airlines. Just show your ID to the gate agent.

You sound a lot like my son was. Probably lacking in "leadership examples" just as you stated. You will have very good opportunities to improve on your WCS (whole candidate score) at MMI. Including leadership opportunities. Corp of Cadets, etc. You'll have very objective advantages in gaining...

We have a similar story. 2 years of rejections, and not much positivity from AOs about how to improve, what to do, etc. DS decided for one more round of apps anyways. 3rd time applying he self-preped at MMI, and received 3 appointments, to ea of the 3 SA'S he applied to. I hold MMI, and...

Was supposed to be a PM. Opps. Can't figure out how to delete. But not really concerned. Anyone can contact me.

Yes, and my son reports that at West Point at least, being a qualified swimmer is the most important consideration for tryouts/interviews for Triathlon Club. Even though he's done an olympic Triathlon, and finished 1st in his age group, he didn't make Triathlon last fall tryouts. However, the...

I'd like to point out that intramurals and club sports at Service Academies are indeed incredibly competitive. At West Point anyways, it's quite difficult to make these teams in tryouts. (You don't just sign up). Tryouts and interviews. Keep in mind that, while you may infact be a Div1...

Sorry to hear this. I know precisely how you feel. We went through 2 years of rejections with my son prior to him attending MMI for round 3, last year. He is currently excelling as a Plebe at West Point. In the end, he actually told me he was "glad I didn't get in until after I went to Marion"...

My son has had great success with Garmont boots. (AR670-1 approved). We ordered from Amazon. In case fit wasn't right, Amazon has liberal, easy returns. GARMONT T 8 NFS 670 Lightweight Combat Boots for Men and Women, AR670-1 Compliant, Military and Tactical Footwear https://a.co/d/9LaZx6Z...

To be clear, actually two years INCLUDING MMI. (MMI is a college). Three years applying. He applied in HS. Then went to Northwestern Prep and second semester local college. Then MMI. He wouldn't "settle" for ROTC at Reg University. To his "advantage", he graduated HS young, age 17. So he's...

If it's really your dream, do a year of self-prep at Marion Military Institute. It took DS 3 years applying to SAs. Once he attended MMI, he received appointments to all three SAs that he applied to. It's not a guaranteed path, but if you really work incredibly hard, you'll have huge advantages...

Colonel Bowen has been excellent about contacting my son (and myself), before, during and even now while my son is at USMA as a Plebe. Often by phone. He is the real deal! He genuinely loves the young Americans he works with to help them gain appointments. And is still doing his part to serve...