Welcome, new member! I love your avatar. Are you in middle school?
You are totally correct, rising 9th grades can apply for summer Stem! Our DS became interested in middle school and loved STEM. That was his first visit to the yard and he fell in love with the lab classrooms. Fast forward 8 years and he is a 2/C majoring in Aerospace and he loves the wind tunnel lab!
 
Welcome, new member! I love your avatar. Are you in middle school?
You are totally correct, rising 9th grades can apply for summer Stem! Our DS became interested in middle school and loved STEM. That was his first visit to the yard and he fell in love with the lab classrooms. Fast forward 8 years and he is a 2/C majoring in Aerospace and he loves the wind tunnel lab!
I am and I actually am in the STEM program at my school and they took us on a field trip to USNA which got me intrested. I also like to go to the campus on weekends with my dad.
 
I am and I actually am in the STEM program at my school and they took us on a field trip to USNA which got me intrested. I also like to go to the campus on weekends with my dad.
That is incredible, how lucky are you to be so close! If you are planning a trip, send me a private message and maybe my MIDN could show you cool places on the Yard on a Sunday (assuming he has an hour to spare).
 
I am and I actually am in the STEM program at my school and they took us on a field trip to USNA which got me intrested.

That is incredible, how lucky are you to be so close! If you are planning a trip, send me a private message and maybe my MIDN could show you cool places on the Yard on a Sunday (assuming he has an hour to spare).
no offense but i dont really know you so im gonna have to decline
 
no offense but i dont really know you so im gonna have to decline
No offense taken. I hope my offer for him to possibly be a tour guide didn't come across the wrong way. Current Midshipmen do act as defacto tour guides for candidate visits and athlete visits. There are awesome Docents on the Yard who do excellent tours.

You are smart to have found this forum early on, it is a great resource for future applicants.
 
No offense taken. I hope my offer for him to possibly be a tour guide didn't come across the wrong way. Current Midshipmen do act as defacto tour guides for candidate visits and athlete visits. There are awesome Docents on the Yard who do excellent tours.

You are smart to have found this forum early on, it is a great resource for future applicants.
thanks!!
 
No offense taken. I hope my offer for him to possibly be a tour guide didn't come across the wrong way. Current Midshipmen do act as defacto tour guides for candidate visits and athlete visits. There are awesome Docents on the Yard who do excellent tours.

You are smart to have found this forum early on, it is a great resource for future applicants.
no its fine
 
Scouts and athletics. Eagle scout is big. It provides lots of leadership opportunities. Foreign language, excellent grades of course. Music also provides lots of leadership chances as well as making you more well rounded. Good luck. It isn’t too early to start your path to excellence regardless of where you may end up.
 
My daughter attended the West Point Middle School STEM program in the 7th grade https://www.westpoint.edu/centers-a...-in-stem/middle-and-high-school-stem-workshop

At WP MS STEM she learned about and attended a couple of GEMS programs https://www.usaeop.com/program/gems/

She learned about Civil Air Patrol when applying to WP MS STEM. She joined CAP and loved it. I would highly recommend it. https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets

My daughter ultimately decided not to apply to West Point but applied to and was accepted at both USNA and USAFA. She is now a Doolie at USAFA and loves it. WP MS STEM was the program that set her down the path to USAFA.

Outside of these programs make sure you pursue sports and seek out leadership positions everywhere.

Good luck!
 
My daughter attended the West Point Middle School STEM program in the 7th grade https://www.westpoint.edu/centers-a...-in-stem/middle-and-high-school-stem-workshop

At WP MS STEM she learned about and attended a couple of GEMS programs https://www.usaeop.com/program/gems/

She learned about Civil Air Patrol when applying to WP MS STEM. She joined CAP and loved it. I would highly recommend it. https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets

My daughter ultimately decided not to apply to West Point but applied to and was accepted at both USNA and USAFA. She is now a Doolie at USAFA and loves it. WP MS STEM was the program that set her down the path to USAFA.

Outside of these programs make sure you pursue sports and seek out leadership positions everywhere.

Good luck!
Awesome!! Thanks I will look into it USAFA is my #2.
 
Scouts is great. Depends on the quality of the troop (adult leaders). 8th grade works too but if you are on the path to Eagle, it will be more challenging (but doable). Don’t join Scouts just because you think it will burnish your application. You can spot them a mile away. The path to Eagle should be one of personal growth so keep your powder dry and your options open for what you want to do in the future. My son probably didn’t even know where the Naval Academy was in 8th grade. I second athletics - now is the time to think about high school sports. And swim (and swim and swim and swim). Take stroke lessons even if you think you are a strong swimmer.
 
I know that @Don't Give Up the Ship already answered this but I figure this may help others. Sooo what can a middle schooler do to get on the path for USNA? 7th Grade I say the previous because in 8th you can do summer STEM.
It's impressive that at your age you have the interest. DS who is a current plebe showed interest around same age after visiting with scout troop.
Lots of good advice already mentioned, but I'd advise you to be a kid. Enjoy 7th & 8th grade and have fun don't rush to the future.

Once you are in HS the Admissions page has all the info you need. There is a nice chart/road map on this page that offers advice as to what you can do in each year of HS to receive an Appointment. https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Apply/General-Advice-for-Grades-9-12.php#tenth

Enjoy MS & good luck once you get to HS.
 
Very impressive that someone is organized enough to start this planning so early - bravo!

In general you should look to distinguish yourself as someone who is a a scholar (tough courses, top grades, AP courses where available), athlete (varsity participation, organized HS level teams, captain position), leader in the classroom, leader on the athletic team and court/pitch/field/pool, leader in civic/ community change, leader in organizations/ student government, clubs. also be able to articulate how you lead, mentor, and innovate. There are specific activities that depending on the service academy or ROTC program application, specifically are called out in some cases- boys/ girls state, Eagle scout for all genders, gold star girl scout, national honor society, varsity letter, captain, JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, Special honors (all-state), etc.

For now, take the harder math courses that will allow you to take more advanced Calc and Physics in HS, even AP. for Navy-option NROTC or USNA mids, a foundation in this material is very helpful.

I will say overall make choices that allow you to put together an application that puts your best foot forward. Mock interview. get support on your essays. Stay out of trouble, make an impact in your community through the channels above.

If this is your dream, then best of luck to you. My son could have been described as a future military aviator at your age too - he earned his Eagle scout, is now a commercial pilot/ flight instructor, and he will serve as a Naval Aviator too now - sounds like you have a lot in common with him. He also got his pilot license when he was 16 - you can look into taking some lessons if you think this is your path. You can also get a class 1 flight physical to confirm if you at-present have any conditions which would exclude you from flying for the military (better to know sooner if so).

I would say take time to learn about all service academy and rotc opportunities and the mission of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, etc. Learn too about secondary roles - what will you do if you don't get the opportunity to be a naval aviator? What branch has the best backup roles for you? For many USNA and other service academies are a perfect fit, but described by others as a great place to be "from", not "at". for my DS he wanted ROTC, and has worked hard but also enjoyed a lot of cool beach parties, bonfires, pool/ volleyball parties, nights out at a country line dance bar with a gaggle of midshipmen buddies (hey, I don't judge) that would not have been possible with the rigors of USNA. Likewise the USNA mids are having experiences that are awesome that he isn't. Find your path. Good luck.
 
Very impressive that someone is organized enough to start this planning so early - bravo!

In general you should look to distinguish yourself as someone who is a a scholar (tough courses, top grades, AP courses where available), athlete (varsity participation, organized HS level teams, captain position), leader in the classroom, leader on the athletic team and court/pitch/field/pool, leader in civic/ community change, leader in organizations/ student government, clubs. also be able to articulate how you lead, mentor, and innovate. There are specific activities that depending on the service academy or ROTC program application, specifically are called out in some cases- boys/ girls state, Eagle scout for all genders, gold star girl scout, national honor society, varsity letter, captain, JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, Special honors (all-state), etc.

For now, take the harder math courses that will allow you to take more advanced Calc and Physics in HS, even AP. for Navy-option NROTC or USNA mids, a foundation in this material is very helpful.

I will say overall make choices that allow you to put together an application that puts your best foot forward. Mock interview. get support on your essays. Stay out of trouble, make an impact in your community through the channels above.

If this is your dream, then best of luck to you. My son could have been described as a future military aviator at your age too - he earned his Eagle scout, is now a commercial pilot/ flight instructor, and he will serve as a Naval Aviator too now - sounds like you have a lot in common with him. He also got his pilot license when he was 16 - you can look into taking some lessons if you think this is your path. You can also get a class 1 flight physical to confirm if you at-present have any conditions which would exclude you from flying for the military (better to know sooner if so).

I would say take time to learn about all service academy and rotc opportunities and the mission of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, etc. Learn too about secondary roles - what will you do if you don't get the opportunity to be a naval aviator? What branch has the best backup roles for you? For many USNA and other service academies are a perfect fit, but described by others as a great place to be "from", not "at". for my DS he wanted ROTC, and has worked hard but also enjoyed a lot of cool beach parties, bonfires, pool/ volleyball parties, nights out at a country line dance bar with a gaggle of midshipmen buddies (hey, I don't judge) that would not have been possible with the rigors of USNA. Likewise the USNA mids are having experiences that are awesome that he isn't. Find your path. Good luck.
Thank You for this my dream is to be a V-22 Osprey Pilot (Seems Fitting As I see Osprey Planes & Birds Daily) but yes currently I am in advanced math class and looking into Sea Cadets (UNSCC) and I think I want to do JROTC & NJHS and after NJHS NHS. Thank You!!! This is so long how do you have the time to write this? Thanks Again!!
 
Most of us learned a lot here and have met friends, and had support, cheers, and virtual hugs from people on this forum. Some of us have met in person and become friends in real life.

I'm sure that most of us are happy to take the time and pay it forward, and @Herman_Snerd gave you great advice.
 
The summer programs are awesome. Just keep in mind that 1) They are not representative of what life as a midshipman entails, and 2) Attending does not bolster your competitiveness for admission. They’re recruiting tools.

Here’s what I recommend:

-Set yourself up to be ready to take the hardest courses available to you in high school, and strive to get the highest grades possible. This will also help you be ready for your SAT/ACT later on.

-If you’re not already, pick up a sport and try to excel at it. If you’re not already gifted at a particular team sport, many people can train to be competitive track runners at the varsity level with enough dedication. When I was your age I sucked at basketball but got to be pretty good at sprinting. Ideally you want to be a team captain eventually to show leadership. Competitive athletics will give you experience working as part of a team, managing your time, and pushing through physical pain barriers. Those skills are critical to making it through the Academy and being an officer.

-Show leadership through community involvement. Run for student government, volunteer with an NGO or some local association, be president of a high school club, etc. Whatever it is, just make sure you’re doing something productive and are genuinely passionate about that you can explain in your application and interviews. You don’t want to come off as a “resume padder” who signed up for activities without really gaining much leadership experience.

-Finally if you haven’t already done so, do lots of research into the academy and military career options to figure out what your goals are. You are young, you don’t need to be certain what path you want to take in life (and fortunately, following the steps above will help you be competitive for civilian universities too if you end up not going to an academy), but they’re looking for people who understand what they’re getting into. Read about the career paths online at navy.com and usna.edu. Speak to veterans, if you don’t know any in person there are many on this forum and others who happily share their wealth of experience. Read military memoirs and watch documentaries if you are so inclined. None of this is required to be a successful candidate but I think a solid understanding of what you’re pursuing is really valuable. I’ve never been involved with admissions, but if I was, I’d be far more impressed by the candidate who said “Sir, I want to attend the Academy as a means to become a submarine officer because I want to be a part of an elite team, lead some of the brightest sailors, undergo advanced technical training, and be a part of a critical national security strategy” versus one who simply said “I want to attend the Academy because I want to serve my country and I think ships/aircraft are cool”. (BGOs, would you agree?)
 
Some things to also consider not already discussed. Plan to visit along with your parents any college you are seriously considering. It would be a huge mistake to only see a college for the first time once you are accepted and show up the day you are moving in. All SA's are obviously highly selective with far more applying then available spots. Having a "plan B" is wise regardless of your perceived skills/ability when applying to any highly selective college. You have no idea how well you will do in h.s. before you ever start the program. I wouldn't only focus on building your h.s. resume to be compatible with attending an SA. Lots can happen before you graduate from h.s., your interests may change or you find you have some previously unknown medical issue that causes you to not pass DODMERB.

SA's typically are looking for top students who excel in multiple areas (i.e. academics, athletics, leadership, ECA's, etc.). No one specific activity will guarantee you an appointment. People get chosen who have a variety of backgrounds. Do things in h.s. to help you grow/develop as a person and contribute to the success of your school, not because you want to check a box on a college application. Even if someone else got an appointment to an SA doing certain activities, doesn't mean having a similar resume will guarantee you a spot. A simple example is student government. At some schools it is a worthwhile activity and a way to develop leadership skills. At some other schools, it is mostly a popularity contest while you have no real job responsibilities and your main achievement is getting elected. Only you can determine which applies to the school you will be attending. Getting voted 'class president' may look good on a college application until you have to explain what you actually did/accomplished in that role. Since you have a finite amount of time for ECA's/academics/sports, good to focus your efforts in areas that matter.

Starting early gives you an opportunity to understand those areas the SA's value and make wise choices about how to spend your time, while still enjoying your years in h.s.
 
Some things to also consider not already discussed. Plan to visit along with your parents any college you are seriously considering. It would be a huge mistake to only see a college for the first time once you are accepted and show up the day you are moving in. All SA's are obviously highly selective with far more applying then available spots. Having a "plan B" is wise regardless of your perceived skills/ability when applying to any highly selective college. You have no idea how well you will do in h.s. before you ever start the program. I wouldn't only focus on building your h.s. resume to be compatible with attending an SA. Lots can happen before you graduate from h.s., your interests may change or you find you have some previously unknown medical issue that causes you to not pass DODMERB.

SA's typically are looking for top students who excel in multiple areas (i.e. academics, athletics, leadership, ECA's, etc.). No one specific activity will guarantee you an appointment. People get chosen who have a variety of backgrounds. Do things in h.s. to help you grow/develop as a person and contribute to the success of your school, not because you want to check a box on a college application. Even if someone else got an appointment to an SA doing certain activities, doesn't mean having a similar resume will guarantee you a spot. A simple example is student government. At some schools it is a worthwhile activity and a way to develop leadership skills. At some other schools, it is mostly a popularity contest while you have no real job responsibilities and your main achievement is getting elected. Only you can determine which applies to the school you will be attending. Getting voted 'class president' may look good on a college application until you have to explain what you actually did/accomplished in that role. Since you have a finite amount of time for ECA's/academics/sports, good to focus your efforts in areas that matter.

Starting early gives you an opportunity to understand those areas the SA's value and make wise choices about how to spend your time, while still enjoying your years in h.s.
To piggyback on this post, when doing admissions tours of colleges, schedule a visit with the NROTC unit (if there is one). All three of our boys did this , and each gained significant information pertinent to their journeys. Some of the leadership they met were products of SA’s, others were not. I (mom) attended with them, but was in the background. They learned about ROTC, and also about SA’s.

Additionally, stay in touch with your school counselors about your plans. They can help guide your academic and EC choices.
 
I am going to assume that FutureAviator_USNA understands all the academic requirements for USNA. Sports, PT score, and activities are things to work on.

I highly recommend U.S. Navy Sea Cadets, as it is more military focused than Boy Scouts. Sea Cadets is also individual focused, so the cadets can attend summer and winter trainings that appeal to them. My son loves Sea Cadets, and wishes he joined earlier (HS class 2025). Work out on own to max the PRT standards, and will easily max standards. I am not sure about USNA, but NROTC is 75 push ups, 3:25 minute plank, and 5:20 mile.

For sports, four year high school team sport is important, and captain in senior year is preferred. Individual sports can show excellence but not leadership. My son attends a charter school and is on track to be captain of basketball team junior and senior years. We are happy he is in a charter school, as our local public high school has 3000 kids and basketball is filled by AAU all-stars, so most kids can't start in basketball (football and baseball as well).

Scholar, Athlete, Leader!
 
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