Thoughts on military college post high school?

A little stressed here. I've been considering military college after high school. What's the application process like, and what kind of prep should I be doing now as a junior? If someone has been through it or know things about it, can y'all please help a stressed junior out?

Understanding your stress during this time is quite natural, as the choice to attend a military college is not an easy one and the application process can be rigorous. In comparison to traditional colleges, military schools, such as Military Academies (for example, West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy) or Senior Military Colleges (like Virginia Military Institute and The Citadel), have different components and requirements in their application process that you should prepare for.

You will need to excel academically, athletically, and in areas of leadership to apply to a military college, as they are looking for well-rounded candidates. You should focus on maintaining high grades throughout your junior year, as schools place a significant emphasis on class rank and GPA.

Furthermore, maintain your involvement in extracurricular activities, particularly ones that highlight leadership skills and physical fitness. As a junior, you could start prep for their Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) now, which is a part of the application process. It's a physical test that includes various fitness challenges such as push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and a timed one-mile run.

The application process for military academies involves getting a nomination from a Congressional Representative or Senator, or from the Vice President or President of the U.S.. Starting building relationships with those offices and expressing your interest in a nomination -- this is a crucial step.

For Senior Military Colleges, you would typically apply via the Common App, with the addition of fitness and medical assessments required as part of the application process.

In addition, for any military college, you should be preparing for interviews. Being able to articulate why you want to pursue a military career will be vital.

One additional factor to consider when planning to apply to a military college is the commitment after graduation. Graduating from one of the US service academies comes with a mandatory service obligation, which is usually 5 years of active duty service, but this may vary.

Remember, this decision requires a lot of reflection. While the process might seem overwhelming right now, with structure, discipline, and determination, you can certainly navigate it successfully. Good luck in your endeavors!