site called Gain Service Academy Admissions

My kid got a 4year AROTC scholarship at the first board without much hocus-pocus at all. The only thing he did was improve his SAT a tiny bit at his second attempt (to a 1280 which is still not out of the park) with Kahn (free). Everything you need is out there somewhere. You just need to find it.
 
I agree that you can do 80% of what a consulting service offers yourself, although you'll always have a nagging doubt that you missed something or you had an incorrect understanding of the relative importance of admissions criteria.

Here's what you can't do on your own. You can't practice interviewing with a military professional who can give you huge amounts of relevant feedback on your performance. Interviewing, by definition, takes two people. You absolutely should practice many times on your own. But, is it worth thousands to test yourself against a serious interviewer? Given the stakes involved, I say it is very much worth the money.
 
I re-roofed my house. It took me eight (8) straight days. I saved $10,000 in labor and got a good farmer's tan.
It rained on the 10th day. No leaks.

My MIDN wasn't a MIDN yet, but he helped on the project. We ate pie (made by Mrs. THParent) every day. It was awesome.
 
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Too bad there are no statistics on those who received appointments and hired a consultant practice interviewing with vs those who received appointments on their own by just being themselves.
 
This website is awesome from so many preparation angles including and especially first hand experiences. Many parts of the country are well-represented with academy alumnae and even folks who didn't attend but served on active duty at the USNA. In Northeastern Pennsylvania, where we live, we've explored local organizations to gain some insights too; the American Legion, VFW, our Masonic Lodge, National Sojourners, and our local police and fire fighters. And we've met people with first hand academy and military service experience that way. In my lodge is one gentleman with a son (Major) on active duty and separately a Navy Mater Chief (Ret.) who served as yeoman to the Commandant sometime back. High school JROTC has been another good source of information. The Marine Corps JROTC lead instructor (colonel) graduated USNA. All these people in the community are giving strong advice on becoming more well-rounded, civically oriented, and teaching lessons in building a solid foundation of good character.

The Bensalem, Pa. JROTC commander has taken the unit to a whole new level adding things I've never seen such as a PT team (that practices the CFA every week), a shooting team (air rifles), and an academic team that practices for the SAT and is competing in the JLAB competition now.

JLAB (link at the bottom) is really neat- 65% of it is SAT practice. Twice a week the team meets for four hours and takes the test again, and again, and again. And they review problem solutions as part of the process. Since it's a school activity, it's free. That having been written, we have found several sources online where one can practice the SAT relatively inexpensively.

One of the things helping our son more-strongly grow in the direction of service is hearing the same forward-thinking, positive advice from independent non-parent sources. Gifting our teenagers relatively unfettered time, through volunteer work for example, with the right seasoned mentors helps them appreciate things their parents say without their parents having to repeat them. And volunteering with organizations likely to have such "right mentors" is also.. free.

Good luck to everyone with a son or daughter aspiring to serve. It's the best character building, patriotic exercise they'll ever experience and they'll have friends for life.

www.army.mil

JLAB expands minds, leadership skills of JROTC Cadets

WASHINGTON, D.C., (June 25, 2018) -- Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadets from across the country competed in battles of knowledge and skill on the campus of the Catholic University of America June 22-25 during the JROTC Leadership and Acad...
www.army.mil www.army.mil
 
FWIW:

How is consulting with a professional on SA different than getting a personal fitness training program for a sport or doing some special courses/classes with an instructor on a subject one wants to improve.

For that matter even the SAs send potential candidates to prep schools so that they can improve in certain areas.

It is all about using resources (whether free or paid) at the end of the day. Folks who don’t come from a military background may find the whole process to be cumbersome or scary ( or both). There is no doubt that this forum is tremendously helpful along with info available at SA website.

For the record: I asked DD if she needs any help/coaching with interview preps, she said no and that she can handle it. Case closed. Did she need some professional help with fitness training (given her background) , absolutely yes and it was provided to her.
 
txfwindian said:
FWIW:

How is consulting with a professional on SA different than getting a personal fitness training program for a sport or doing some special courses/classes with an instructor on a subject one wants to improve.

For that matter even the SAs send potential candidates to prep schools so that they can improve in certain areas.

It is all about using resources (whether free or paid) at the end of the day. Folks who don’t come from a military background may find the whole process to be cumbersome or scary ( or both). There is no doubt that this forum is tremendously helpful along with info available at SA website.

For the record: I asked DD if she needs any help/coaching with interview preps, she said no and that she can handle it. Case closed. Did she need some professional help with fitness training (given her background) , absolutely yes and it was provided to her.
Click to expand...
I don’t think it is any different. At all. It’s great that there is a resource for those that want one.
 
MA Homeschool Dad said:
You can't practice interviewing with a military professional who can give you huge amounts of relevant feedback on your performance.
Click to expand...
With consultants, you often get opinions with very little accountability. (I've read a lot of consulting agreements in my career). There is an old saying about Opinions.....

Some consultants are better than others. Look for their background, performance record, references, then decide yourself.
 
Tom Nicholas said:
This website is awesome from so many preparation angles including and especially first hand experiences. Many parts of the country are well-represented with academy alumnae and even folks who didn't attend but served on active duty at the USNA. In Northeastern Pennsylvania, where we live, we've explored local organizations to gain some insights too; the American Legion, VFW, our Masonic Lodge, National Sojourners, and our local police and fire fighters. And we've met people with first hand academy and military service experience that way. In my lodge is one gentleman with a son (Major) on active duty and separately a Navy Mater Chief (Ret.) who served as yeoman to the Commandant sometime back. High school JROTC has been another good source of information. The Marine Corps JROTC lead instructor (colonel) graduated USNA. All these people in the community are giving strong advice on becoming more well-rounded, civically oriented, and teaching lessons in building a solid foundation of good character.

The Bensalem, Pa. JROTC commander has taken the unit to a whole new level adding things I've never seen such as a PT team (that practices the CFA every week), a shooting team (air rifles), and an academic team that practices for the SAT and is competing in the JLAB competition now.

JLAB (link at the bottom) is really neat- 65% of it is SAT practice. Twice a week the team meets for four hours and takes the test again, and again, and again. And they review problem solutions as part of the process. Since it's a school activity, it's free. That having been written, we have found several sources online where one can practice the SAT relatively inexpensively.

One of the things helping our son more-strongly grow in the direction of service is hearing the same forward-thinking, positive advice from independent non-parent sources. Gifting our teenagers relatively unfettered time, through volunteer work for example, with the right seasoned mentors helps them appreciate things their parents say without their parents having to repeat them. And volunteering with organizations likely to have such "right mentors" is also.. free.

Good luck to everyone with a son or daughter aspiring to serve. It's the best character building, patriotic exercise they'll ever experience and they'll have friends for life.

www.army.mil

JLAB expands minds, leadership skills of JROTC Cadets

WASHINGTON, D.C., (June 25, 2018) -- Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadets from across the country competed in battles of knowledge and skill on the campus of the Catholic University of America June 22-25 during the JROTC Leadership and Acad...
www.army.mil www.army.mil
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These are amazing resources. And in a lot of communities, even small rural ones like where our DS attended school, they are available. But one has to seek them out.
The American Legion, their Oratorical Contest, and their Boys/Girls State programs are all run by active members who have military experience. I would imagine, that in most instances a candidate could approach them and ask if they could host mock interviews.

At their core the Legion's mission is helping others, as is stated in their 2020 mission statement: "To enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness."

Our state's West Point parent group is represented at Service Academy Admissions seminars every year. They keep track (via sign-up sheet) of candidates and emails. They reached out to our DS and other candidates the last cycle and offered mock interviews. Our son took advantage, it was no joke, and the feedback was just what he needed to hear to tweak some things and be prepared for his interviews. Possibly look into state parent groups for resources.

I am happy to stay on the forum and participate as a way of paying forward all of the insight and knowledge we gained from those who contribute. Whether NROTC, Reservist, Active duty enlisted, Commissioned officer, retiree, spouse of a service member, parent of a mid or cadet, there is something here for everyone IMHO. Our rural school now has a junior who received an athlete recruit letter, he only had heard of USNA from our son's appointment. Now, he and his mom have a local resource to aid them if he chooses to participate. Our son offered his help and I offered mine to his parents, only if they want it.

I would not choose to pay for consulting, but that's just my personal choice. There are no guarantees of the end game, no matter what price is paid. And in my personal opinion, it's the journey to the appointment/decline that sets the stage for real success at any SA or in any active duty service; heck, for life in general.

If you don't know the answer, find a resource. If you find a resource, put that info/plan into action. If you are the smartest person in the room, leave and find a room where you aren't. As a candidate or prospective candidate, surround yourself with mentors, peers who excel and expect success. Problem-solving, effective written and verbal communication, and learning to strategize are critical life skills. Sadly, they are sorely missing in so many today.
 
Heatherg21 said:
These are amazing resources. And in a lot of communities, even small rural ones like where our DS attended school, they are available. But one has to seek them out.
The American Legion, their Oratorical Contest, and their Boys/Girls State programs are all run by active members who have military experience. I would imagine, that in most instances a candidate could approach them and ask if they could host mock interviews.

At their core the Legion's mission is helping others, as is stated in their 2020 mission statement: "To enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness."

Our state's West Point parent group is represented at Service Academy Admissions seminars every year. They keep track (via sign-up sheet) of candidates and emails. They reached out to our DS and other candidates the last cycle and offered mock interviews. Our son took advantage, it was no joke, and the feedback was just what he needed to hear to tweak some things and be prepared for his interviews. Possibly look into state parent groups for resources.

I am happy to stay on the forum and participate as a way of paying forward all of the insight and knowledge we gained from those who contribute. Whether NROTC, Reservist, Active duty enlisted, Commissioned officer, retiree, spouse of a service member, parent of a mid or cadet, there is something here for everyone IMHO. Our rural school now has a junior who received an athlete recruit letter, he only had heard of USNA from our son's appointment. Now, he and his mom have a local resource to aid them if he chooses to participate. Our son offered his help and I offered mine to his parents, only if they want it.

I would not choose to pay for consulting, but that's just my personal choice. There are no guarantees of the end game, no matter what price is paid. And in my personal opinion, it's the journey to the appointment/decline that sets the stage for real success at any SA or in any active duty service; heck, for life in general.

If you don't know the answer, find a resource. If you find a resource, put that info/plan into action. If you are the smartest person in the room, leave and find a room where you aren't. As a candidate or prospective candidate, surround yourself with mentors, peers who excel and expect success. Problem-solving, effective written and verbal communication, and learning to strategize are critical life skills. Sadly, they are sorely missing in so many today.
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Thank you for your inputs and insights. It's helping us stay on track (y)
 
Usnaprospectivestudent said:
I found this relatively new site called https://www.gainserviceacademyadmission.com/, and they claim to have a couple of high ranking SA grads. They have a lot of information that isnt on other sites like “CFA calculator” or specific information about the VP nomination. I was just curious what you guys thought of the site and if they information they present is accurate or if they are trying to scam people. They also partnered with a fitness site called Platoon fitness when I click on the CFA dropdown which I thought was a little strange. Anyway, what do you all think?
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That is a very good source of information. LC Kirkland is very knowledgeable in all that involves the device academies as well as the ROTC Scholarships. My DS used them just before the start of his Senior year this year for some interview prep. Worked with Colonel Lee Reynolds there for several weeks on his interview techniques, questions he would be asked, and just an overall experience of knowledge in completing his application and interviews with both his MOC and the personal with the academies & scholarships. DS has so far received the full NROTC Scholarship and a LOA with the USNA. I believe that the work he did with them helped.
One thing they can do that you can not just Google is actually sitting and practicing speaking and interviewing with military professionals. They will work with a youngster and give excellent feedback. A regular 17-18 year old just isn’t used to sitting in front of Lieutenant Colonels and US Congressman and getting asked questions about life and a future that most of them have just begun to think about.
 
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Hope to be Navy dad said:
That is a very good source of information. LC Kirkland is very knowledgeable in all that involves the device academies as well as the ROTC Scholarships. My DS used them just before the start of his Senior year this year for some interview prep. Worked with Colonel Lee Reynolds there for several weeks on his interview techniques, questions he would be asked, and just an overall experience of knowledge in completing his application and interviews with both his MOC and the personal with the academies & scholarships. DS has so far received the full NROTC Scholarship and a LOA with the USNA. I believe that the work he did with them helped.
One thing they can do that you can not just Google is actually sitting and practicing speaking and interviewing with military professionals. They will work with a youngster and give excellent feedback. A regular 17-18 year old just isn’t used to sitting in front of Lieutenant Colonels and US Congressman and getting asked questions about life and a future that most of them have just begun to think about.
Click to expand...

What specifically did they do or recommend that helped get the LOA?
 
Hope to be Navy dad said:
That is a very good source of information. LC Kirkland is very knowledgeable in all that involves the device academies as well as the ROTC Scholarships. My DS used them just before the start of his Senior year this year for some interview prep. Worked with Colonel Lee Reynolds there for several weeks on his interview techniques, questions he would be asked, and just an overall experience of knowledge in completing his application and interviews with both his MOC and the personal with the academies & scholarships. DS has so far received the full NROTC Scholarship and a LOA with the USNA. I believe that the work he did with them helped.
One thing they can do that you can not just Google is actually sitting and practicing speaking and interviewing with military professionals. They will work with a youngster and give excellent feedback. A regular 17-18 year old just isn’t used to sitting in front of Lieutenant Colonels and US Congressman and getting asked questions about life and a future that most of them have just begun to think about.
Click to expand...
A BGO/ALO can also help with this. For readers, reach out to resources. There are so many that are available for free.

I agree the interview work is certainly helpful. Just getting comfortable speaking in any interview situation is important. This can be accomplished by practicing. But you can practice with any HR type person who hires people. Or similar. Your school counselor can probably assist with interview resources as well.

Just don’t think, if you don’t hire someone, that you are at a disadvantage. Everything you need to compete successfully can be done for free. In all of my exposure to Mids (my own, their friends) and applying (through our state parent club, etc), I don’t know anyone that has paid for a consultant.
 
Hope to be Navy dad said:
One thing they can do that you can not just Google is actually sitting and practicing speaking and interviewing with military professionals. They will work with a youngster and give excellent feedback.
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Yikes...I looked at the site and saw that you pay $100 for an INITIAL 30 minute consultation, which I'm sure is mostly a sales pitch for the services. Your BGO will happily connect you with local retired academy grads who will do practice interviews, for free. An hour or so on SAF will get you a list of interview questions. Unless you're in a very rural community, your high school sports coaches have probably given hundreds of CFAs over the years and will help you assess where you are now and what you need to work on before the CFA. My son was amazed at how much adults he barely knew wanted to help because they were so impressed that a HS senior was saying no to keg parties etc. "Scam" implies dishonesty, which probably doesn't apply for the "consulting", but I sure wouldn't admit to anyone that you paid for that.
 
Most kids will do fine without coaching. Interviewers understand they are talking to 17-year-old kids. And, for some, practicing can make them either more nervous or sound rehearsed during the real thing.

That said, it is true that some incredibly bright and talented kids don't interview well -- at all. However, that is a skill that can be improved free of charge. First step, painful as it is, is to video yourself. That helps get rid of nervous ticks, such as "like," or "um." Most parents have friends or others who would be willing to do practice interviews. That said, if you think you'd benefit from paying for help and can afford it, go for it.

Finally, not all people on MOC committees are high-ranking officers. My mother did it years ago -- she was a former teacher; never served in the military. And it is extraordinarily rare (if not unheard of) for the MOC him/herself to conduct interviews.
 
As an additional "Oh by the way", I find the concept that they know the "secret interview questions" to be a little curious. I've seen dozens of candidates on SAF report what their questions were over the years and I don't think any of them were questions that I or others that I've interviewed with have used across decades of interviewing. The thing is that I and the others that I've interviewed with generally ask different questions each time. One thing that they are NOT is detailed tests of the candidates knowledge about tactics, aviation, ship driving, etc. I might ask a question about what branch or warfare community a candidate is interested in but I certainly don't expect detailed knowledge about their intricacies. I'm looking for poise, ability to think and respond along with (hopefully) genuine desire to serve.
 
OldRetSWO said:
As an additional "Oh by the way", I find the concept that they know the "secret interview questions" to be a little curious. I've seen dozens of candidates on SAF report what their questions were over the years and I don't think any of them were questions that I or others that I've interviewed with have used across decades of interviewing. The thing is that I and the others that I've interviewed with generally ask different questions each time. One thing that they are NOT is detailed tests of the candidates knowledge about tactics, aviation, ship driving, etc. I might ask a question about what branch or warfare community a candidate is interested in but I certainly don't expect detailed knowledge about their intricacies. I'm looking for poise, ability to think and respond along with (hopefully) genuine desire to serve.
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Well said OldRetSWO. The BGO interview "is an evaluation of a candidate's ability and motivation to succeed in an extremely competitive environment and suitability to become a competent officer in the Naval Service." The goal is to help USNA Admissions make good selections. It's not a trick interview. I would not expect young men and women to be perfect interviewers...they should be prepared and presentable.
 
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I would think that practicing your answers to whatever questions you expect a nomination board to ask, would be be a silly waste of time.
If you can't answer simple questions about yourself and why you are made of the right stuff to be nominated, then no amount of practice is going to make you seem like the right choice for them.

Edit: Wait a minute! If we're talking about a BGO interview, I think the whole point is moot. That particular interview is designed to give the candidate someone (who knows something about USNA) to bounce questions off. At least I thought it was.

I have never thought of a BGO's recommendation amounting to much in the admissions process, unless they categorically say that "this candidate would be suited more to digging ditches, as opposed to being a Plebe." In that case, the BGO's notes may keep you out, I expect there may be other factors that make you a less-than-stellar candidate which will stand out way above the weight of a BGO interview.

Nothing but love to you BGOs out there, though. Seriously.
 
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THParent said:
I would think that practicing your answers to whatever questions you expect a nomination board to ask, would be be a silly waste of time.
If you can't answer simple questions about yourself and why you are made of the right stuff to be nominated, then no amount of practice is going to make you seem like the right choice for them.

Edit: Wait a minute! If we're talking about a BGO interview, I think the whole point is moot. That particular interview is designed to give the candidate someone (who knows something about USNA) to bounce questions off. At least I thought it was.
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I was referring to my Congressional/Senatorial Interviews.
My BGO interviews are a bit more directed at understanding the candidate and I absolutely encourage them to ask me questions as well.
 
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