Class of 2025 Setting Up for Success

[zblalock]

I’m currently a Freshman in High School and I want to know what I can do to become more competitive so when I get there I’ll look better to earn an appointment. I have a 3.5 cumulative GPA, and I take all honors courses. (My GPA is going to be higher the next years of High School) I played Football this year aswell. I’m playing on joining the National Honors Society next year and playing Football again and maybe another sport but I’m still thinking. Just wondering what I can do to look better to the Academy. Just want to get a good start. Thanks

 

[2021mom]

-Find your passion, pursue it, seek leadership positions, make a difference. Don't try to be everything and do everything. Focus on your passion and areas where you can contribute and make a difference.
-Study, earn good grades, take the most challenging classes you can handle.
-Study and prepare for SAT/ACT. Retake as needed. Don't underestimate how much your scores matter.
-Be personable, build relationships with your teachers, coaches, and other adults in your life. Be kind and humble and have a positive attitude. Your character counts. You will need to ask the adults in your life for recommendations.
-Make good choices and stay out of trouble.
-Integrate physical fitness into your life.

Chances are you are doing most if not all of these things already, but it can be helpful to stay focused on your priorities when you have choices to make.
Good Luck to you!!!

 

[migs]

Here is my simple advice. Keep working hard on your studies, get ready for ACT/SAT, continue sports, look for positions of leadership in clubs, work, etc. But most of all, relax, and the time will come quicker than you think. If serving is what you want to do, explore ROTC scholarships as well. Good luck to you.

 

[zblalock]

Thanks I appreciate it!

 

[cudi2000]

Get involved in volunteering and leadership activities such as student government!

 

[eagle2falcon2022]

I’m currently a Freshman in High School and I want to know what I can do to become more competitive so when I get there I’ll look better to earn an appointment. I have a 3.5 cumulative GPA, and I take all honors courses. (My GPA is going to be higher the next years of High School) I played Football this year as well. I’m playing on joining the National Honors Society next year and playing Football again and maybe another sport but I’m still thinking. Just wondering what I can do to look better to the Academy. Just want to get a good start. Thanks

I am a 22 appointee, I don't know everything but here are my takeaways from my application process. The fact that you're thinking about this now sets you ahead of a lot of people(I know that I wasn't at this time.) What everyone has said thus far is excellent advice (keeping grades and sports,) but here are my two cents.

-Depth NOT breadth. It is much better to be super involved in a few things than kinda involved in many things. Don't spread yourself too thin.

-Don't get too far ahead of yourself. Focus on what is in front of you, focus on building your resume now.

-Familiarize yourself with your MOCs. They will host service academy days once a year. It can't hurt to go to them now, I would HIGHLY encourage you to attend all of them your Junior and Senior year.

-It also can't hurt to contact your ALO and get your name out there. There is nothing they can do for you now, but like I said, it can't hurt.

-Don't get attached. I went through with the mindset of "I'm going to put my all into this and whatever happens is OK." It is also a good idea to have backups. Think about other SAs and ROTC scholarships, they all will get you a commission and applying to all just opens more doors. I have no proof of this, but I would assume that applying to all commision sources makes you seem more dedicated to the admissions councils.

-Your goal is to get an appointment but it should also be to feel that you did everything you could do once you submit your application.