Tips for Success
Contact Each Academy Early
It is important to contact each Academy you have chosen through their websites as soon as possible to complete the pre-candidate questionnaire or request that a file be initiated on your behalf. If you initially qualify for eligibility, the Academy or Academies will send you application materials. Each Service Academy begins to evaluate applications in early September of the senior year of high school.
Take SAT/ACT Tests Early and Often
You are strongly encouraged to take these tests in the spring of your junior year. Because the Academies use test scores as a primary method of evaluating candidates, it is highly suggested that you retake these tests several times to raise your scores. For more information concerning SAT/ACT tests and test schedules, visit their websites:
- SAT: www.collegeboard.com
- ACT: www.actstudent.org
Meet All Application Deadlines
Due to the large number of applicants, it is important to ensure your applications are completed by the due dates. Deadlines for Nomination applications, Academy applications and ROTC applications are earlier than most other college admission programs so start the process early.
Seek Nominations from More Than One Source
Due to the competitive nature of the Nomination and appointment process, you should seek as many Nominations as possible. Be sure to contact both Pennsylvania Senators and the Vice President of the United States. Presidential and ROTC Nominations have special application requirements and restrictions, visit each Academy’s website for details.
Senator Robert Casey
22 S. Third Street, Suite 6A
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 231-7540
Senator Patrick J. Toomey
1150 S. Cedar Crest Blvd, Suite 101
Allentown, PA 18103
(610) 434-1444
Vice President Joseph Biden
The White House
Washington, DC 20501
Practice Your Interview Skills
Most applicants have had little to no practice in interviewing for a job or position. Take some time to sit down with a parent, teacher, employer or mentor and have them ask you questions and evaluate your demeanor during the interview. A few practice interviews will go a long way in helping you feel more at ease and to communicate more clearly to the US Service Academy Nomination Board.
Know the Academies
Spend some time getting to know the Academies’ history, lifestyles, opportunities, purpose, and Honor Code by researching each Academies’ website. If possible, set up a personal tour of an Academy by contacting the admissions office or by taking a virtual tour on each Academy’s website. Academy summer programs are another opportunity available to high school students. Once again, more information can be found at each individual Academy’s website.
Join Me at ‘Academy Night’
Each year I host a 19th Congressional District United States Service Academy Night. I invite representatives from each of the Academies and ROTC programs to meet with interested candidates from across the district. My next Academy Night will be April 18, 2011, from 7 to 9 PM at Redland High School in Lewisberry, PA.
Download the Academy Night Flyer
Don’t Give Up!
If your goal is to become an officer in the United States Armed Service, then don’t give up if you are not selected for an Appointment. Approximately 25% of the people who enter each Academy class did not get in after their first attempt. You can improve your chances by continuing to improve your SAT and ACT test scores, prepare yourself physically for the Candidate Fitness Assessment and take advantage of any leadership opportunities.
Also, if your goal is to become an officer in either the Air Force, Army, Navy or Marine Corp, take a look at the ROTC scholarship programs for each of these services. Links to each of these programs can be found below:
US Air Force ROTC
(866) 4-AFROTC
www.afrotc.com
US Army ROTC
(888) 944-ARMY
www.goarmy.com/rotc/
US Naval ROTC
(800) NAV-ROTC
www.nrotc.navy.mil
