My #1 was the first kid ever to apply to a service academy from his school--but it was a big international school on the far side of the world. We did not know what we were doing and just followed the directions. It worked but all of it was crazy.
#3 has definitely had a different experience. His school hosts a Service Academies Night each year--with reps from each of the five academies, ROTC, and the congressional office. It is an open event so anyone from any school can attend and so helpful. There is another big Catholic school in the area that hosts a night like that in the Spring. (Actually, there is one guidance counselor who is The Man for helping kids get organized for the process and #3 had a different counselor at the beginning of his junior year. During the "Let's talk about college" meeting, #3 said, "I want to go to the Naval Academy" and the counselor said, "Have you thought about Bridgewater?" #3 switched to the other counselor and listened and followed the advice. Such a blessing.)
@vequirxr89 I hope everything works out wonderfully for your son.