Considering The Military Academies

Applying to any of the Military Academies (The Naval Academy, West Point, The Air Force Academy) is unique in the sense that it not only has high standards for academics, but also makes sure the applicants are physically fit and have certain ethical and moral standards. As I attend The Naval Academy, I will discuss this particular academy.

The first thing that is looked at is the academic transcript. The Academy is one of the top engineering schools in the country and makes sure that only qualified applicants are accepted. Unlike other colleges, the Academy does not make exceptions for recruited athletes. They must be academically satisfactory, just like any other applicant.

Just as with any other college it is important to be a part of extra curricular activities. What is stressed, however, is that the applicant has taken on leadership roles where he has assumed responsibility. Often referred to as a leadership laboratory, one of the Academy‘s main purposes is to develop leaders, so any prior experience is strongly encouraged.

Also examined are any conduct problems the applicant may have had at high school. The academy might lean against someone who has been caught cheating several times because it goes against their deeply rooted ethical standards.

Next the academy looks at whether or not the applicant participated in any varsity sports. The majority of students that attend the academy played a high school varsity sport, and of those, many were captains.

Another requirement for admission is a physical test that must be passed, as well as a very detailed medical exam.

The next step is an interview with a local representative. One unique aspect of applying to the academy is obtaining a nomination from a congressman or state senator.

Make sure you keep in mind the various different components to applying the various military academies. If you are interested in the academies, make sure you start investigating the requirements as soon as possible — by junior year if possible.

As for why someone would want to go through this rigorous application and acceptance procedure, I can only speak for myself. The Naval Academy offers me the opportunity to be challenged academically, physically, and mentally. I knew that I would learn more about myself and how to handle pressure and responsibility at the Naval Academy than at any other school. I also liked the thought of discipline because I knew enough about myself to know that I needed structure in my life in order to get things done. Not only was I looking at the time I would spend at the academy but I was also looking past graduation. I would not like to spend days in an office doing paperwork and was drawn to the many different and exciting jobs the military offered.To succeed, you must have both physical and mental strength. In addition, you must learn how to motivate others and become a true leader.

No other school offered me quite this combination of opportunities. I have also learned to manage my time. Whereas in any other school I could have coasted through, I decided to take on a challenge to push my limits and see how well I can manage myself against some of the brightest students in the country.