Starting this journey with my son...

ArmyVet

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Mar 19, 2016
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Hello! I have been stalking for a few weeks, trying to get as much info as possible. This site has been invaluable so far, so THANKS!

I am an Army MP veteran (stationed at USMA for several years ~ so any questions, don't hesitate to ask) and mom to a rising sophomore with dreams of military aviation. He is open to considering all his options to make that happen. We are exploring service academies and ROTC options with all branches for now. Hoping to narrow it all down in the coming months.

Just want to introduce myself...I'll probably be around quite a bit.
 
my most basic advice is he should work on getting his GPA through the end of junior year as high as possible. that part takes the longest and is arguably the hardest to do. secondly prep for sat/act. like it or not that is what is used to determine "competitiveness". a high score might not get him an appointment or scholarship, but a low one will keep him from getting one. beyond that he should participate in activities that he can point to to show he is motivated.
 
ArmyVet -- be sure to look at the 6 Senior Military Colleges (SMCs) as part of your ROTC investigations. Norwich, VMI, Citadel, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech and Univ. North Georgia. Great schools with a "corps of cadets" structure that provides an advantage for selection to Active Duty if part of Army ROTC.
 
ArmyVet -- be sure to look at the 6 Senior Military Colleges (SMCs) as part of your ROTC investigations. Norwich, VMI, Citadel, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech and Univ. North Georgia. Great schools with a "corps of cadets" structure that provides an advantage for selection to Active Duty if part of Army ROTC.
+1 Falcon A

I will add that it's really important to visit all colleges he's interested in. You've got lots of time since he's a sophomore. Good luck on your journey!
 
We are exploring ALL options ~ and honestly, it's quite overwhelming. Lol. I think he will narrow things down over the next year, but I still feel pressure since timelines begin so early with these things. As of now:
Plan A - Service Academy
Plan B - ROTC Scholarship for "out of state" school (Embry Riddle being #1 choice for aviation program)
Plan C- Texas A&M (he already has a full-tuition scholarship at any TX public school through the Hazelwood Act due to my veteran's benefits)
 
my most basic advice is he should work on getting his GPA through the end of junior year as high as possible. that part takes the longest and is arguably the hardest to do. secondly prep for sat/act. like it or not that is what is used to determine "competitiveness". a high score might not get him an appointment or scholarship, but a low one will keep him from getting one. beyond that he should participate in activities that he can point to to show he is motivated.
That is definitely his focus ~ he has a 3.9 GPA and is in all AP courses, and a year ahead in his math and sciences courses. He already took PSAT and we are waiting on results. He's taking a SAT prep class next year as an elective.

The hardest part is trying to balance it all. He plays 3 sports and want to get his private pilot license as well. There is a CAP program locally and we are considering getting involved but it may interfere with sports...so how do you prioritize activities?
 
IMHO . . . Academics first.

Varsity/high level club or travel team sports second with Varsity letter and team captain as a goal

Leadership positions in school, CAP, Boy Scouts, Church and community service also second

Other things third. Private pilots license is nice, shows interest, but is not a swinger
 
Get one decent CFA early. You can always go back and re-do but one sports injury at the wrong time can tank the whole effort.
 
He may wish to consider taking the ACT. Some students score higher on this test then SAT. I believe the SA's take either one (or look at both then "superscore.") I seem to remember several threads on this.
 
First, thank you for your service. For what it's worth (probably not much), as a Dad of a DD at USNA class of '19 and DS entering VMI this August on a 4 yr NROTC Marine Option scholarship, I agree with Falcon A on priorities.

Sounds like your DS is on the right track with academics and sports. The only things I would add (in the list of 3rd priorities) is to have him seek opportunities to improve his essay writing and interview skills. Mock interviews or public speaking opportunities should help the interview skills. Being able to clearly communicate his goals and capabilities will serve him well. Also, make sure he owns the process of applying. It's OK to proof read and help in some ways, but he needs to own it. It's a long, difficult process but maneuvering it on his own will help build some of the skills he will need to be successful.

Just having a goal at his age is a big plus for your DS. Fortunately there are many paths to his goal and I'm sure one will work out, hopefully his Plan A SA of choice. Good luck.
 
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