Hi! I’m a freshman in high school but am already set on going to a service academy, but my top choice is USMA. Since they’re all very competitive schools I really want to get a head start on making sure I’ll have a good application. I’m not all that worried about my grades this year. 3 years may seem like a lot but I know I need to start trying to get into better shape soon, any advice on how to increase running distance/ speed? I’ve also never been able to do a pull up in my life for some reason, even at times when I could pump out pushups on the spot, any exercises I could do to help me with that( I don’t have an actual pull up bar in my house). I’m also not worried about extracurriculars in school because I think I’m on the right track with that, and I’m on the track team and will be joining the air rifle team this year. I’m trying to find some sort of military based program I can join. My school doesnt have a jrotc program and the closest school that does is about a half hour away and not in a great area. From what I’ve found online the army doesn’t seem to have a program like young marines, naval sea cadets or civil air patrol cadets, so if anyone knows of one that would be helpful. There is a Young Marines unit near me but it is very small and most of the kids seem much younger so I don’t think that’s my best option. I’m having a hard time deciding if I should join Naval Sea Cadets or Civil Air Patrol Cadets. Both seem like good programs although Sea Cadets seems more intense and fitness based. In the end I want to join the group that will give me the best experience and help me with my future most. Will one of these look better than the other on an application? Either should give me community service and hopefully leadership positions but would learning about aerospace be more helpful than learning about seamanship or vice versa? If anyone has been in either of these programs what exactly are they like and how will they help me?
Advice for HS Freshmen?
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milmomsomeday
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I'll get you started with these tips:
-Find things to be involved in that are meaningful to you. Don't just pick things that give a checkmark on your application because you'll need to be able to portray the motivation that you have in choosing these activities. I would imagine that Sea Cadets and CAP look the same to most committees because those things are often dependent on what's available to the individual. Some areas have them and some don't. I think they would be a great opportunity for you and if you have more interest in one over the other, do that one. Work hard and look for leadership opportunities.
-There's lots of good threads on this forum about physical fitness. I ordered my son a copy of a book by Stew Smith that breaks down the CFA and gives tips for training and improving each part. You have plenty of time to work toward your goals for this, but I would say consistency is the key here. Start working now and keep working.
-Take the SAT and ACT early and often. I think many students learned a hard lesson this year about not taking theirs early enough. No one expects a pandemic, but if you know this is your goal and there are no limits on how many times you can take them, you should take advantage and start putting up numbers early. Take each one to see which one you like and then use your test scores to study and practice practice practice.
-9th grade is often the year that breaks the GPA, so work hard not to fall into that statistic.
Good luck and work hard!
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Take a deep breath.
Study and do well in your courses. Monitor your grades...if you see you are not getting the grades you want, talk to your teacher or use Khan Academy for extra help. Practice more problems.
Get involved in a sport. If you haven't up until now, the cross country/track would be great.
Get an actual pull up bar in your house. People on this forum say to try to do pull ups every time you pass it.
Any one of those programs would be fine IF you are interested. They are not mandatory.
You could think that maybe Young Marines would be good because you may get a chance to lead the younger members.
You could think Naval Sea Cadets or Civil Air Patrol Cadets might be good because you could be in it with peers.
Neither of these are "better'...what is better is what you are interested in.
Quite frankly if you got involved in one of these I would consider 1) How convenient to get to for you & your family 2) Interest in the topic.
You may find you like the regimentedness of those organization. You may not, But it will give you an idea if you like that type of lifestyle.
Study and do well in your courses. Monitor your grades...if you see you are not getting the grades you want, talk to your teacher or use Khan Academy for extra help. Practice more problems.
Get involved in a sport. If you haven't up until now, the cross country/track would be great.
Get an actual pull up bar in your house. People on this forum say to try to do pull ups every time you pass it.
Any one of those programs would be fine IF you are interested. They are not mandatory.
You could think that maybe Young Marines would be good because you may get a chance to lead the younger members.
You could think Naval Sea Cadets or Civil Air Patrol Cadets might be good because you could be in it with peers.
Neither of these are "better'...what is better is what you are interested in.
Quite frankly if you got involved in one of these I would consider 1) How convenient to get to for you & your family 2) Interest in the topic.
You may find you like the regimentedness of those organization. You may not, But it will give you an idea if you like that type of lifestyle.
Moonmonkey1000
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As a current senior, there are a few things that I wish I had done in preparation for my application (for me, USNA).
Firstly, find just a few clubs or extracurriculars that you are passionate about, and try and get leadership roles within them. Don't spread yourself too thin by joining more than you can handle, or by joining clubs that you don't care about.
Secondly, in my area, the local recruiters oftentimes run PT for their future enlistees/poolees...however, they are open for anyone who is interested, including those who are looking to become officers. During these sessions they also incorporate drill and knowledge. If this is available to you, I would really recommend it; I've been going to a USMC office all summer, several times a week, and have gotten in much better physical shape, and have learned a ton. So maybe try reaching out to a recruiter; just be aware that they will probably try to recruit you.
Finally, stay focused. Worry less about what your peers think, if they aren't maintaining the same standards for themselves that you are upholding for yourself. Make sure that your grades are above average, and take the SAT frequently and early. Know that the application process is tough, but entirely possible.
Good luck!!!
Firstly, find just a few clubs or extracurriculars that you are passionate about, and try and get leadership roles within them. Don't spread yourself too thin by joining more than you can handle, or by joining clubs that you don't care about.
Secondly, in my area, the local recruiters oftentimes run PT for their future enlistees/poolees...however, they are open for anyone who is interested, including those who are looking to become officers. During these sessions they also incorporate drill and knowledge. If this is available to you, I would really recommend it; I've been going to a USMC office all summer, several times a week, and have gotten in much better physical shape, and have learned a ton. So maybe try reaching out to a recruiter; just be aware that they will probably try to recruit you.
Finally, stay focused. Worry less about what your peers think, if they aren't maintaining the same standards for themselves that you are upholding for yourself. Make sure that your grades are above average, and take the SAT frequently and early. Know that the application process is tough, but entirely possible.
Good luck!!!
All excellent tips and advice here. For school you should take every honors/AP course you can to challenge yourself, not just because it looks good on an application, but because it will help prepare you for the rigor of a service academy or college in general. Do well your freshman year in high school, its the easiest year after all. Like what others said here, take an extra curricular that interests you, not just because it checks a box. Seek leadership opportunities (student government, associated student body, team captain, youth group leader, etc.). Physically, if you are doing track it will help you run and get into better shape, but you will need to buy a pull up bar to build upper body strength. Since you cannot do one pull up, go to your local sports store (Big 5, Dick's, etc.) buy a bull up bar they are like 25 dollars. Watch videos by Stew Smith on YouTube, he has a great video on how to do one pull up. I personally think the best sport for both conditioning and strength is wrestling, but I am biased lol. If USMA is your top choice, but you want to serve nonetheless, apply to all five service academies and see what happens, I can guarantee you won't get it in if you don't try. Get into contact with your FFR early and ask him for tips and advice as well, he will help mentor you to get to your goal, and it will also show interest to West Point, as he is a representative of the academy. Go through past threads on here and read up, learn about the process of an application, being 3Q'ed, nominations, medical, CFA, etc. (use the search function to do this). Probably the biggest tip for a SA application is test well and often on the SAT and ACT. Take both see which one you like better, and do better on then focus on that one. Buy the prep books which are filled with practice tests, that is really the only way to improve your scores, practice, practice, practice. It is good you are on SA forums early, people on here are amazing and will help you on your journey, just be sure to research yourself too. Ultimately, have fun in high school, live your life, but keep your goals in mind.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Sixes
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I'm also a freshie as well, but I have learned a few things and have info to share.
Physical aspect - Try to get into sports that fit your body type, and, your interests. If your interested in trying to improve your running speed or even try to work on other parts, I've learned that cross country, track, and football are great sports for that. If you are trying to do this individually though, I recommend running a mile a day and amp up your speed to better yourself and keep you in top shape. I also struggle with pull-ups as well, but excel at push-ups like you do. For that, I would say try doing core and uppers workouts because that is mainly what is involved when doing a pull-up (i.e. sit-ups, crunches, jackknives, etc.). But doing this just once, or for once year is not going to get you to where you want to be, it is all about repetition and dedication.
Academic aspect - If you maintain high grades (As and maybe one or two Bs) it should not be too hard for you to get into there from what I've been told by an officer who is currently attending USMA.
Extracurricular aspect - I believe that maintaining leadership roles and community service will look really good on your record, as well as making them think highly of you. But for the Auxiliary part, I would say choose what you think best fits you. One cadet from USAFA once told me that it doesn't matter if you do CAP and then go Navy, as long as you enjoy it and put effort into it it will look good.
I hope that this helped you, even though I did not go there or do not have much experience. I know that with hard work and determination, you go this. Best of luck!
SF68
Physical aspect - Try to get into sports that fit your body type, and, your interests. If your interested in trying to improve your running speed or even try to work on other parts, I've learned that cross country, track, and football are great sports for that. If you are trying to do this individually though, I recommend running a mile a day and amp up your speed to better yourself and keep you in top shape. I also struggle with pull-ups as well, but excel at push-ups like you do. For that, I would say try doing core and uppers workouts because that is mainly what is involved when doing a pull-up (i.e. sit-ups, crunches, jackknives, etc.). But doing this just once, or for once year is not going to get you to where you want to be, it is all about repetition and dedication.
Academic aspect - If you maintain high grades (As and maybe one or two Bs) it should not be too hard for you to get into there from what I've been told by an officer who is currently attending USMA.
Extracurricular aspect - I believe that maintaining leadership roles and community service will look really good on your record, as well as making them think highly of you. But for the Auxiliary part, I would say choose what you think best fits you. One cadet from USAFA once told me that it doesn't matter if you do CAP and then go Navy, as long as you enjoy it and put effort into it it will look good.
I hope that this helped you, even though I did not go there or do not have much experience. I know that with hard work and determination, you go this. Best of luck!
SF68
Insipired by @SuperFalcon68, here my 2cents. Aim to do well on whatever you do, do not spread yourself too thin on too many things. I see many suggest applicants do 3 or more sports. My DS only listed tennis (captain for the last 2 years) and is still luckily awarded a scholarship. He did not list cross country since he only did that in the 9th grade. He spent lots of time on community service, and did well on SAT. To prepare for 1.5mile run, he runs 3miles+ each time to build the stamina. For SAT, make sure to spend time reviewing the mistakes on the practice tests (CB Blue book, or Khan Academy), and try to solve each math problem with different methods so you can double check during exam time. Oh, do not forget to do and hand in your homework each time, that is the easest way to gain/loss grade in school.
Computerman21
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I'm a senior and was in your very position as a freshman. When I was your age, I couldn't do a single push up or pull up. What helps me for the pull ups was getting bands and using the bar in my room. I put on as many bands as I needed and worked my way down. I got 6 pull-ups (which is kinda mediocre) on my CFA today.
Academics: Take hardest classes possible; APs and the corresponding AP exams and do well. Early, with writing/essay at least once and at least passing (6-6-6, 8-8-8-8) for SAT/ACT. Ideally, have your submission ready scores by Fall junior year, so that you are completely done with them and have them for SA summer program applications (USAFA SS was Dec of Jr yr - verify). Get a copy of your school profile. In all measures, score above the average, do not rely on the rigor to just make you competitive, use rigor to show how you are academically advanced/superior/very sound. Your GPA, class rank (if any), SAT/ACT, APs scores should all line up, but worst case is you use one to explain a shortfall in another. You really only have 3 years, submitting 6th semester grades for SA consideration. Because of this, your grades are nearly anchored as early as 3rd semester, or Fall of sophomore year, and it's hard to move the dial significantly after that. But that works really well in your favor. If you have great grades in 9th grade, but MORE importantly, if your study habits and process are in place, you will do well. Process is the driver, grades are the outcome.
Sports: Good choice with track. Air Rifle is nice. Do track all 4 years. Achieve the highest level possible. On USAFA app, you only list 10-12, but for sports they also want 1st or 2nd place for any major level competitions (city, district, regionals, state etc). Good running shape is key.
ECs: Don't pick an activity because it will look good or have a military aspect. SAs really don't care if you have any background, but what you do with what you have/leadership. Demonstrate interest, be interesting, and inspire interest in what you have/are doing. You can only do that if you have a genuine interest.
Physical Fitness: Agree with the pull up bar. Pull up conditioning is a deliberate process, and it's also really easy to get out of pull up shape very quickly. At this point, make it a daily habit, so that you aren't starting from zero if/when you lose a bit of conditioning. Ideally you will be increasing your base fitness, and then by the time you actually focus on a 3-4 month period for the CFA, your goals are a bad day is hitting average, and expected goal is to hit max scores!
Comment on convenience: You mentioned things being close to you, far away, not in good area etc. Don't chose based on convenience; where there is a will, there is way. If something really interests you, then go for it! It can also be a competitive advantage, showing your ability to adapt to difficult circumstances and overcome obstacles.
Sports: Good choice with track. Air Rifle is nice. Do track all 4 years. Achieve the highest level possible. On USAFA app, you only list 10-12, but for sports they also want 1st or 2nd place for any major level competitions (city, district, regionals, state etc). Good running shape is key.
ECs: Don't pick an activity because it will look good or have a military aspect. SAs really don't care if you have any background, but what you do with what you have/leadership. Demonstrate interest, be interesting, and inspire interest in what you have/are doing. You can only do that if you have a genuine interest.
Physical Fitness: Agree with the pull up bar. Pull up conditioning is a deliberate process, and it's also really easy to get out of pull up shape very quickly. At this point, make it a daily habit, so that you aren't starting from zero if/when you lose a bit of conditioning. Ideally you will be increasing your base fitness, and then by the time you actually focus on a 3-4 month period for the CFA, your goals are a bad day is hitting average, and expected goal is to hit max scores!
Comment on convenience: You mentioned things being close to you, far away, not in good area etc. Don't chose based on convenience; where there is a will, there is way. If something really interests you, then go for it! It can also be a competitive advantage, showing your ability to adapt to difficult circumstances and overcome obstacles.
same
Lots of tips so sorry if I repeat anything. I myself am also a Freshman...
Make sure to go to the academy webpage and read through every single drop down and page there is. It will give you a great idea of what the academies are looking for. Plan ahead, but don't get too caught up with USMA until mid way through your Sophomore year, that doesn't mean, don't worry about grades or community service, but don't get too obsessed, give yourself some HS experience. Make sure you sign up for leadership position in clubs, and sports teams. This will reflect well on you, and show you are a well suited future leader. Use this forum, it's very very useful. The people here have lots of answers, and there are so many resources linked here. Start studying for your SATs and ACTs NOW! JROTC is not a requirement for any SA, so if it's out of reason for you, you don't necessarily need to do it. With sports, try to join team sports, rather than track or cross country. SAs are very big on finding a team leader, and someone who can work on a team. Start doing your community service, and try to get at least 20 hours a year. Aim for more, definitely, but I'd call that around bare minimum. Don't take on too much, in the start of this year, I join Robotics, Speech and Debate, Branch Out, Interact, USY Board, and NHS. This is wayyyyyyyyyyyyy too much, and I've already dropped some. Do what's reasonable for you, and put your grades first. Good luck, hope to see you in 2024.
Make sure to go to the academy webpage and read through every single drop down and page there is. It will give you a great idea of what the academies are looking for. Plan ahead, but don't get too caught up with USMA until mid way through your Sophomore year, that doesn't mean, don't worry about grades or community service, but don't get too obsessed, give yourself some HS experience. Make sure you sign up for leadership position in clubs, and sports teams. This will reflect well on you, and show you are a well suited future leader. Use this forum, it's very very useful. The people here have lots of answers, and there are so many resources linked here. Start studying for your SATs and ACTs NOW! JROTC is not a requirement for any SA, so if it's out of reason for you, you don't necessarily need to do it. With sports, try to join team sports, rather than track or cross country. SAs are very big on finding a team leader, and someone who can work on a team. Start doing your community service, and try to get at least 20 hours a year. Aim for more, definitely, but I'd call that around bare minimum. Don't take on too much, in the start of this year, I join Robotics, Speech and Debate, Branch Out, Interact, USY Board, and NHS. This is wayyyyyyyyyyyyy too much, and I've already dropped some. Do what's reasonable for you, and put your grades first. Good luck, hope to see you in 2024.
This is so true. Although they do not have a determining final decision on if you can get the appointment, they do have pull with RC's. On an information Facebook event, Cpt. Kim even said that many call him and can really attest to how badly a candidate wants to get in. Building these bonds early will really show how determined, prepared, and dedicated you are to achieving an appointment.
Hi, its great to here from another freshman! yes I think I have spent many hours looking throughout their entire website and am starting to do that with the Air Force Academy's. Unfortunately I can't really join a team sport because my school is 7th-12th grade and if you aren't on the junior high team you will definitely not get onto a jv or varsity team, and the reason i didn't do any team sports then was because I did karate from 1st to 7th grade, and didn't have much time for other sports. But I have a family friend who just graduated that said that right now air rifle is a good choice, as long as I'm good and can hopefully get a leadership position someday, since they actually just sent some former cadets to the Olympics. If you have any advice on other ways to show that I'm a team player though that would be really helpful. (Also any non-school related community service ideas- I'm really lacking on that). Thanks for the reply, hope to see you then too.
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That might be what other kids have told you but I seriously doubt it. Coaches (and teams) want to WIN and if you are good enough to help pthem, they would be going against their own mission to not let you in. Trust me on this, I can assure you that there aren't people coming and/or going on and off the teams after the start of 7th grade. Now that might take some significant work/effort on your part but using track as an example, if you're able to keep up in practice and are on a par with or hopefully faster than the slowest members of the team then the coach will let you in.
I say this as a former athlete, coach and parent of athletes. Identify a team that you'd want to join and then go and talk to the coach.
The best deal in Summer STEM/Military opportunities for lower classmen High Schoolers:
www.same.org
SAME STEM Engineering & Construction Camps
www.same.org
Ya, ever hear of NHS (National Honors Society)? It's a great, normally school run program. A fair amount of cadets are apart of it in HS (and it gets you community service hours depending on your project). It sounds like it might be hard to get involved with sports at your school. I'd suggest that you find sports teams that play competitively. For example, if you are interested in soccer, there are lots of club sport teams for soccer. But you really need sports on your application.
Drenns3
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Years in advance I also looked at my MOCs service academy nomination application to get a feel for their essays and what they are asking for. Most MOCs applications may be closed by now but it on your calendar to look at in May. Look at your 2 senators and District Representative.