What's the best way to increase your chances of getting into the USNA while in Middle School?

My youngest has attended his congressman’s “service academy day” the past 2 years. He will attend it again this year…and next year and the next year if he so chooses. That last year will hopefully be on an invite basis 😉.
 
Kentucky9 said:
My youngest has attended his congressman’s “service academy day” the past 2 years. He will attend it again this year…and next year and the next year if he so chooses. That last year will hopefully be on an invite basis 😉.
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DS attended SA Day here every year since 8th grade. He met and talked to MOC staffers,The SA people, and learned a lot along the way. He was also a familiar face to go with his packet when the time came.
 
You've asked the right question and come to the right place for guidance...
To get to the classes that are going to help you stand out... you first need an early foundation in math and science. Let's start with the math; I recommend you go out to the office supply store and buy a 'white board' of a size that fits comfortably on the dining room table. You'll also want the "Expo' low odor fine colored pens. Don't forget to buy a little bell that you strike with the flat of your hand when you have finished the problem.
Next stop is Amazon...You want the textbook by Tobey and Slater 4Ed. "PreAlgebra" and you might also get "Intermediate Algebra" 6th Ed for later.
Yep that's right...they were used in colleges for students who had no math background in Algebra... but let's not forget that those middle schoolers that will be headed to the academy can read just fine at your age. Start at the beginning and do all the problems. I'm serious. You can switch to odds or evens when you know the material well, but the white board is going to make it flow faster. Good time to bring in the parents, friends, siblings to race you on the white board...bring out your bell and whoop on your parents. You can continue to do the school's math but that material is going to become more and more trivial.
You shouldn't think of this as added school work; this is the real school work that will enhance everything you do. Oh sorry...did I mention you need to work on holidays and summer vacations. Oh yeah...8th grade is a good time to start taking the SAT...you'll want to know how the other kids you're really competing against to get in the academy are doing.
The college calculus and physics that you can do in high school will require not only your knowledge of the material but more importantly, your ability to do what is essentially a multi-set algebra problem and do it quickly and correctly; this is where your middle school math is going to save your bacon.
This should get you started. Don't forget the exercise, maybe a sports team...makes sitting and concentrating that much easier. Next chapter...how to take a college course while in high school and get a good grade... with this one simple trick!
 
Watch your social media posts, get good at a few sports and develope your leadership habits and skills.
These are the things you can do now to help in HS.
 
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