Is there more to it than academics?

FalconsRock, remember USNA will look at school profile heavily. If she is in a class of 44 and 10 of those end up at Ivies or similar type schools that pulls alot of weight. School profiles will probably really help her here. Also, not having a school sport might be a hit, but she has so much other great stuff. I think its key that her coach from equestrian really highlight at what level she is competing and her leadership skills she has shown. Also teacher and girl scout recommendations for things that demonstrate her ability to work within team activities and lead. I imagine as a GS awardee she has led lots of projects and events. Even though her school might not have certain things I would imagine she has tons of experience through other avenues that can demonstrate her leadership ability. Equestrian is an ECA at USNA, so no Blue Chips.

OP, you have a great resume. I think you know the areas you could use a little boost in. Continue to push on the ACT scores. Also, focus on leadership things. They don't have to be formal things like team captain, they certainly help though. You can lead volunteer things for your team like helping little leagues out, holding clinics, etc. These are volunteer opportunities and leadership challenges if you step up and coordinate and lead them. Habitat for Humanity over the summer, food pantries, soup kitchens, animal shelters, church volunteer outings, etc. All chances to volunteer and step up to lead. I think if you want to be an officer and go to a SA, absolutely apply.

NavyHoops, thanks for the information. I'm not familiar with Blue Chips, but it must be something good. We are aware that at both the USAFA and USNA, equestrian is a club sport so she will definitely be doing intramural sports if she attains the privilege and honor of being appointed. She is applying for the USAFA this year.
 
I'm a junior in high school with a GPA over 4(top 10% in my class) and a 31 on my ACT. I've played baseball for four years with three varsity letters and have about 20 hours community service, including a spot on the National Honor Society. I've been talking to my dad who was a lifer in the Air Force and he told me that the academies looked a lot for leadership and community service, which he says I lack. He says I need more leadership to add and I really am not sure how I would get started on doing that. However my brother is in the Army and he works with grads and tells me that I'm nearly at all the requirements. I'm not sure whether or not I should start rushing to get a lot of community service hours or if it's even too late.

It's honestly never too late for anything right now. You can get leadership positions over the summer. You can start earning community service hours right now. Better yet, you can combine the two and earn leadership positions while volunteering. Ex: earning a leader position at a local hospital. Academics are 60% of your WCS, but then again, even if you max out this category but lack other categories, that's 40% of your application in the deep end. Since you play baseball and it's in season right now, I would try to get the position as varsity captain or team manager.
 
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