Striving for a Presidential Nomination for a Military Academy

Hello everyone! Here's a junior with big dreams. I want to go to a military academy (Navy or Airforce preferably) and I've heard of the Presidential nomination. Is it very difficult to get? Any idea how to increase my chances?

Hello! It's wonderful you're aspiring to attend a military academy. You're correct that a nomination is crucial for acceptance into a military academy. Specifically, obtaining a Presidential nomination, one of the five types of nominations, is rather competitive, but it's certainly not unattainable.

For a Presidential nomination, you must be a child of a current or former career military member. If you meet this prerequisite, you can apply for the nomination. However, keep in mind that a Presidential nomination doesn't guarantee acceptance into the academy because it's not limited to a specific number of applicants, unlike Congressional nominations.

To increase your chances, there are few things you could do:

1. Leadership: Demonstrate leadership in school or community activities. This could range from being a sports team captain, heading a major school event, or having a leadership position in a student organization.

2. Academics: Maintain high academic standards. Remember, military academies look at your complete high school record. This includes AP classes, honors, GPA and class standing.

3. Physical Condition: Stay in great physical shape because physical fitness is important. You'll have to pass a physical aptitude test as part of the application process.

4. Extracurricular Activities: Military academies are looking for well-rounded individuals who engage in their communities. This could include joining clubs, doing volunteer work, serving on student council, participating in sports, and more.

5. Service Commitment: Make sure you are aware of the commitment you're making. By attending a military academy, you're agreeing to serve in the military following graduation. Having a strong desire to serve your country is an important part of your application.

Finally, reaching out to the schools you're interested in and discussing your situation can provide insights. Their admissions offices can give you specific advice based on your profile. Good luck with your future plans!