Definitely a lot of good advice here. But for those interested in the academy, and not specifically to the original poster; one thing I can not say enough times however, is that if you have to prepare for the military academy in such a way that it is totally foreign to your personality; then you may want to think hard if a military academy and military service truly is your calling. I'm not talking about working harder to improve on what you already do to make yourself more competitive. That's good. I'm speaking about doing what's not normally in your nature, for the sole purpose of trying to get into a military academy. Here is a short list of attributes that most military academy students share. It is not all inclusive and there are definitely some exceptions. But overall; if some/most of these attributes aren't what you're about because that's not who you are and you'd be this way normally; then please think hard about the academy as a school and being a military officer as a career.
1. Takes the most challenging classes offered to them in school and excels in them.
2. Very active in team sports.
3. Strives for positions of leadership
4. Naturally wants to be part of team activities.
5. Is very goal oriented.
6. Likes having authority over them, yet wants to be that authority themselves someday.
7. Enjoys helping others. (Doesn't matter if it's less fortunate, peers, team mates, etc...)
8. Has a positive attitude because they trust in the bigger picture.
9. Always puts the team ahead of themselves.
10. Love challenges; loves to be challenged; knows how to handle defeat to learn from.
Many times, people come to the various forums and ask why is high school sports so important for the resume to the academy. Part of it is indeed about being physically fit. Athletics ensures that. But the main reason is because the academy and the military in general is the 'Ultimate Team" environment. Lives truly depend on the team attitude and environment. And the closest a person can come to this way of thinking and preparation for such teamwork is through team athletics. It can't be found with a part time or full time employment. It can't be found within most clubs or organizations. It can be found to a certain extent in activities such as girl/boy scouts, ROTC, CAP, etc... But it's not quite the same. The entire concept of winning, losing, crying, celebrating, SHARING; realizing that you can't do it by yourself, that it takes a team, that sometimes you aren't the best on the team to get the job done, to be able to curb your ego and pride and realize that you aren't in total control of accomplishing the goal, and mainly that you will give everything you have to the others on that team to ensure success. That is what the military is all about. And that is what a true team sport is about. The difference is that the military/academy takes it a little further and makes it a 24/7 way of life and not just a few hours a day.
The military/academy is definitely not "A School" or "A Job". It's a way of life. It's something that you will always be part of that is larger than yourself. So definitely listen to the great advice that all these knowledgeable posters have provided. But realize that the perspective of the academy should not be; "I want to go to the academy, what do I need to do to get in?" It needs to be closer to; "This is the type of person I am, and these are the things I really enjoy and strive for. The academy seems like the perfect place to continue with this type of personality". And of course the desire to service one's country. But there's a lot of people who serve via enlisted; ROTC; OTS; and many Non-Military methods. And remember; this is an OPEN comment and not meant specifically for the original poster, but for anyone interested in attending the academy or military service in general. Best of luck. Mike...
just kidding. I hope to be able to meet you in person at the afa. Go get em!
