Military academy application

17 steps across 3 sections

1. Sophomore Year

  • Research academies and attend informational events
  • Begin building your resume: leadership positions, sports, community service, academic rigor
  • Contact your congressional offices to get on their mailing lists
  • Apply for Summer Seminar/Leaders Experience programs (applications open Dec-Jan, events held in June)

2. Junior Year

  • February-March: West Point application opens; Air Force Academy Summer Seminar application opens (December 1)
  • March-April: Apply for Summer Seminar (USNA), Summer Leaders Experience (USMA), Summer Seminar (USAFA)
  • June: Attend summer programs at target academies
  • Fall: Begin congressional nomination applications; most deadlines are October-November
  • Take the SAT/ACT and ensure scores are sent to academies (West Point code: 2924; USNA: 5809; USAFA: 4830)
  • Request teacher recommendations from STEM and English teachers

3. Senior Year

  • August-September: Complete academy applications; finalize essays and activity records
  • September-November: Congressional nomination interviews; CFA completion
  • October-January: DoDMERB medical exams
  • January 31: Deadline for most congressional nominations to reach academies
  • February-April: Appointment offers are mailed (rolling); most arrive in March-April
  • May 1: Typical deadline to accept or decline your appointment
  • Late June-July: Report for basic training (Reception Day at West Point, Induction Day at USNA, Inprocessing at USAFA)

Common Mistakes

  • Applying to only one academy
  • Starting too late
  • Neglecting congressional nomination applications
  • Undertraining for the CFA
  • Hiding medical conditions

Pro Tips

  • Apply to ALL applicable nomination sources
  • Visit campus
  • Get a mentor
  • Prepare for interviews
  • Start your fitness journey NOW

Sources

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