I'm applying to the Naval Academy for a second year. Hopefully someone can second, or improve my suggestion. From my understanding of the process, the academy's care most about test scores and grades (academic's). I read somewhere that those in admissions convert as much as they can into a point system. The make up of the point system I believe is 60% academic's, 30% leadership, and 10% fitness. After this, they read your personal statement and recommendations.
I suggest to study and take the ACT or SAT as many times as possible. It took me 5 attempts to get my ACT score up to a 29 English, 27 Math. Take it often and study.
I highly suggest taking on leadership positions. Become a team captain in at least one of those sports. I was team captain and now I'm an assistant coach and assistant scout master. If you are in Scouts earn your Eagle! My project took forever to plan and I barely got my paper work in before my 18th birthday. Take on as much leadership as possible, maybe class president, or president of a club. What do you like doing?
Over the summer, keep studying your ACT. Practice the CFA every day and try to max out everything in practice. I was able to max out everything during practice (not including b-ball throw) but during the test, it gets tougher and tougher the longer it goes. During the real test, I scored average on the b-ball throw, was .3 seconds off from maxing shuttle, and was a little slower than average on the mile. Also, Talk to your guidance counselor now about boys and girls state and try to attend summer seminar for the academy of your choice if possible.
The most difficult part of the process for me is applying for nominations. It's another whole application process. The more leadership and better grades you have the better your chances are of receiving a nomination and an appointment.
Get your application in as early as possible!
Finally, I'm not implying you will or will not get accepted. But, if you are not accepted your first year, like me, TRY AGAIN. If you really want to attend the Air Force Academy, and believe that no other college could compare to the AFA. It will be worth every year of reapplying.
I apologize for the lengthy reply, and good luck to the both of us!
