Edina High School Counseling Department

MILITARY

ACADEMIES

UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMIES For students who would like to experience a military environment while getting a first-class education, these 5 service academies offer an outstanding education and full 4 -year scholarship including fully paid tuition, books, room and board, and medical and dental care. Competition is extremely competitive. The admissions Criteria include:

Outstanding high school academic performance Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) Athletics and extracurricular activities Leadership experience and community involvement Congressional letter of recommendation (not required by the Coast Guard

Academy)

It is important to understand ALL THE REQUIREMENTS EARLY so you have time to accomplish all the necessary components. Graduates of all 5 academies receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned officers in their respective Branch. In all cases, there is a service obligation of a minimum of 5 years.

Edina High School Counseling Department

Meet the Academies

In the United States, there are five military training academies, which are sometimes collectively known as the “Five-Pointed Star.” If you’re unsure which branch of the military to pursue, you can explore the history, admissions procedures, and eligibility requirements for each at their respective websites.

The United States Military Academy is known as West Point. It is a four-year, coeducational military academy whose “cadets” graduate as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

The United States Naval Academy is often referred to as USNA, Annapolis, or Navy. It grants bachelor’s degrees to students based on academic, militaristic, and athletic performance.

The United States Air Force Academy is the youngest of the five academies, and its graduates are commissioned second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force.

Edina High School Counseling Department

The United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, offers eight majors and, like its four counterparts, requires graduates to complete five years of active duty service.

The United States Merchant Marine

Academy trains “midshipmen” in marine engineering, maritime law, and other subjects related to military and civilian sea transport.

To-Do List for Academy Applications:

1. Pre-register/Log-In

2. Wait to hear back from Admissions – update your status on what to do.

3. Medical exam/Optical exam

4. Application (essays, transcripts, ACT/SAT test scores, letters of

recommendations)

5. Interview with Officers

6. Fitness exam

7. Nominations

8. Academy visits

Edina High School Counseling Department

BASIC TIPS TO GET STARTED 1. By the middle of your junior year, tell your counselor you are interested in

applying to one of the academies. You will have to make an appointment in the spring of the year.

2. Ask your teachers for a letter of recommendation. Applying to the academies you will need to request letters from:

a. Junior Math teacher b. Junior Language Arts

teacherhttps://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/military-academy-nominations

c. Chemistry or Physics teacher d. Counselor

3. Nominations can come from the following: a. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar (application opens in April)

https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/military-academy-nominations

b. Minnesota Senator Al Franken (application opens in June) https://www.franken.senate.gov/?p=service_academy

c. Congressman Erik Paulson https://paulsen.house.gov/academy-nominations/

d. Presidential Nomination – either of your parents have to have served in the military to be eligible

Start the nomination application process including:

Essay, basic questionnaires, submitting transcripts, letter of recommendations, send Act/SAT test scores from the testing agency, etc. as soon as possible. Make sure you have a strong understanding of why you want to attend an academy, how will you serve, what leadership skills you have and why you deserve a nomination.