I have a 13 year old young man who has set his sights on the academy. I want to help him use the next 5 years to be as well prepared as possible. Any advice is welcomed!!
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The best advice I can give someone is never, never, never quit. I'm about finished with the process myself, and an appointment is looking very good for me. With that being said, I never really thought it was possible.
Your son is going to mature greatly during the process, I can promise you that. There might also be a lot of changes in his goals, just make sure he doesn't quit because he will get a little discouraged at times. I started out the process wanting the naval academy, soon it was West Point, West Point, West Point. That's all I really wanted. But, as the process progressed I ended up with a good nomination to the Air Force Academy, and I couldn't be happier. My point is, it's a long, winding road. There are days where he will feel more confident than ever, and there are days where he might wake up and feel like he can't do it. But if he wants it, and does everything he can to make it happen, he has a very good chance. In my opinion, anyone who even applies is a winner, and I connect with any academy candidate when I meet them in person. I have to say, even if something bad happens and I don't make it to the academy (granted, I would be devastated) but I do know that it definitely made me into a better person, and I am proud that I went as far as I did. I commend your son for starting upon a path that most kids his age wouldn't even dare think about. You are going to see how fast time goes by when he is sitting waiting in the congressional office for his interview, trust me it comes fast.
But I stress it again, never, never, never quit. If he doesn't quit and he does what he knows he has to, he has just as good a shot as anybody. Best of luck to you and your son. Happy New Year!
Oh, and start looking into "Boys State" as early as possible. You go at the end of Junior Year if you get selected by the legion post in your town. It was the BEST experience that has happened to me on my journey to an academy, and it helped me greatly.