Hello, my names Andrew. I just finished my freshman year last month and I'm heading into my sophomore year. I knew I wanted to join the military since I was young. After talking to the Navy, Army and Marine recruiters I realized that getting accepted into one of the service academies (preferably West point or Naval academy) was what was best for my future. I want to spend my entire life in the Military and reach the highest ranks in what ever branch I choose to go into. At the beginning of this year my grades were pretty solid, I was getting 90's and over in just about every class. But as it grew later and later into the year I slacked off, by the end of the year I received a GPA of only 88. I don't take any AP classes, my town only has about 600 people in it so my school doesn't have much to offer also with only 18 kids in my entire grade I am afraid that will give me a huge disadvantage in my class rankings, this also means I don't have the same opportunities as most of the people getting into the service academies, I only have a few electives that I can choose myself. I don't have organizations I can get into, but I am looking into community service. I want to log at least 100 hours by the end of my sophomore year (hopefully). I might be moving to a big city in July which I think will help me achieve my goal. I played varsity football this year, I also did track and basketball. If I go to a bigger school next year I will only be playing football and I will try out for the wrestling team. I hope to letter in both by the time I am a Junior. As far as leadership positions go I am not involved in any organizations as my town doesn't have any to offer( like I said). It is extremely hard for me to get around my father works all the time so he cant drive me places. Basically I want to know EXACTLY what I need to do, I know my future is with the military and I am dead set on getting into one of the service academies. I know my GPA was horrible this year, it will be straight A's for now on, but did my low GPA this year totally kill my chances of getting in? If I end up staying with this school what are my chances of getting in? What do you think I need to do to get accepted into one? When should I focus on getting recommendations from my congressman is there any way around that part? What are the most important things I need to focus on if I want to get accepted? I am willing to do anything to get in as long as it is in my power to do so. I know I have a future and I know that future is with the Military. I'm sorry I have so many questions but I just get anxious and I know most people that get in are committed and have been working on it since there freshman year. I already missed a whole year in my eyes so it worries me. Thanks for reading all of this and taking the time to reply to me, any feedback is appreciated, once again thanks!!