Agree with @Heatherg21 post #30! I repeat, completely agree!
My DD got an email from the area BGO that she was one of the 10 area-wide candidates furthest along with her USNA application, that email was in JUNE. (Class of 2024 USNA & USMMA apps opened 05/01). Her LOAs were between 09/24 and 10/14. All SAs are commenting essentially on your motivation and true interest as well as your competitiveness. The most measurable way is by what you DO, not what you SAY, and DOING means the date of a 100% complete application, TO include FULLY UPLOADED SOES/Recs, CFA, DoDMERB (at least the exams taken, initial qualification result).
Also agree with planning your SAT/ACT window as a rising junior. Take exams in summer and early fall, spillover is it helps with the PSAT. I strongly believe DD was in testing mode and that is how she was National Merit Commended. You will also have your scores for USAFA SS, NASS, SLE, AIM. This may be TX specific but....get your learner's permit as soon as you turn 16, so you make sure you have 6+months, and then get your license right before junior year starts. It's not about the driving, it's just to get one more thing off your plate so you can focus on school, ECs, and college applications.
My DD got an email from the area BGO that she was one of the 10 area-wide candidates furthest along with her USNA application, that email was in JUNE. (Class of 2024 USNA & USMMA apps opened 05/01). Her LOAs were between 09/24 and 10/14. All SAs are commenting essentially on your motivation and true interest as well as your competitiveness. The most measurable way is by what you DO, not what you SAY, and DOING means the date of a 100% complete application, TO include FULLY UPLOADED SOES/Recs, CFA, DoDMERB (at least the exams taken, initial qualification result).
Also agree with planning your SAT/ACT window as a rising junior. Take exams in summer and early fall, spillover is it helps with the PSAT. I strongly believe DD was in testing mode and that is how she was National Merit Commended. You will also have your scores for USAFA SS, NASS, SLE, AIM. This may be TX specific but....get your learner's permit as soon as you turn 16, so you make sure you have 6+months, and then get your license right before junior year starts. It's not about the driving, it's just to get one more thing off your plate so you can focus on school, ECs, and college applications.