Just a few questions about the Naval, Air Force, and Military Academies?

Question

OK, well, here are a few questions I came up with and I would love it if I could get some REAL answers, and not bogos ones, thank you.

1) How does being an Eagle Scout compare to someone who is not Eagle in terms of getting into an academy?

2) How does being a black belt compare to someone who is not Eagle in terms of getting into an academy?

3) In a prep-school for one of the various academies, do you go for one year? Also, is that one year right after your senior year at Hish School?

4) Is there a set amount on how many nominations you can get?

5) How much do sports effect your chances on getting an application?

6) Would being in JROTC during your High School years have an effect on getting in?

7) I have a -3.50 myopia in both eyes and 20/20 vision with contacts, must I apply for a medical waiver?

8) Would being in top physical shape in all aspects: swimming, running, overall strength; would that have an effect on my chances on getting in?

More on the way.

Here are some more.

9) Must I be a validictorian? Or will just maintaining a 4.0 GPA be acceptable?

10) I'm 14, a freshman in High School this fall, what are some other tips/advice, that you could provide me with, since I have four years left?

I thank you all in advance for all of your efforts. God bless you all!!!

Correction, question number 2 should read:

2) How does being a black belt compare to someone who is not a black belt in terms of getting into an academy?

Also, in-depth answers would be fantastic. Don't follow in glock509's footsteps. Actually show some enthusiasm. Thank you all!

Answer 1

Your best bet would be to check out the Academy requirements, that will give you the best overview of what you need to do. Here are the different sites:

http://admissions.usma.edu/default.cfm
http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/
http://academyadmissions.com/

As for you questions:
1) Being an Eagle scout MAY help you enter the academy. It shows that you have perseverance and integrity. It shows that you will follow through on your commitments. I know for a fact that an Eagle scout enters the enlisted ranks as a PFC (E-3), rather than a PVT (E-1).

2) A black belt will only help you in the self defense classes. While that shows that you have the above mentioned qualities, it won't help you academically.

3) The prep school is for 1 year. If you are accepted to the academy, then you will attend the prep school immediately after graduation. If you decide to enlist and THEN apply, then once you are accepted you will go to prep school. I had a soldier that did that. He was enlisted for about a year, got accepted to West Point, and spent the next year in a prep school.

4) I am not aware of a "limit" to the number of nominations you can have. Personnaly, I believe that in this case, the more the merrier.

5) Sports are a big plus. They are NOT a requirement, tho. You should be in shape before you go to school, so you will want to work on your pushups, situps and running.

6) JROTC will be a HUGE plus in acceptance. You will have shown an interest in the program, and doing well in JROTC will improve your nomination chances. JROTC performs at a national level, so...

7) I can't answer that. I have been out of the recruiter game for 6 years. Check the web pages listed above, or ask a recruiter. If you can't get an answer, write to the school and ask.

8) You overall physical condition will not help you gain entry to the school UNLESS you get a scholarship. It will, however, help you with the physical side of the training.

Good luck, and thanks for thinking of the military as a career.

Answer 2

1.not much but it can help
2.not much
3.prep school takes as long as you do
4.one is all you can get
5.sports will help you be a well rounded cadet
6.yes
7.no
8.yes to pass the pt test. and hell week