Expert: Rod Powers - 5/21/2007

Question
hi, I'm a freshmen and really want to go to the USNA.  I've done lots of searches and really know what its about.  I'm just wondering, do you have any tips on getting in to the academy?  I know its very difficult to get into.  Also, what are the eyesight requirements and could that work against me (my eyesight isn't the best)? Also, would a glider piolet's license be to my advantage, i might be soon taking lessons.  Any help would be great!  

Answer
Hi Dan,

You may wish to read my article, "The Perfect University" at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/academies.htm

All of the Service Academies are extremely competitive to get in. There are several thousand applicants each year, and only a few hundred slots. Expect it to be as hard to get into the USNA as it is to get accepted for Harvard or Yale.

First and foremost, you will need a top-notch grade point average during high school. We're talking pretty much straight A's here, and you need to load up on the "hard" courses, such as math and science. No "gimme" courses, such as "home economics," or "Chorus." Each and every one of your high school courses, including your electives should be "hard science" courses.

Second, in order to get into any of the Academies, you need to be an active participant in extra-curricular activities, especially sports. Being Captain of the Chess Club or Drama Club, or Astronomy Club is okay, but being Captain of the football team, wrestling team, baseball team, track team, or basketball team is much better.

Acceptance at any of the Academies (in most cases), also requires a nomination by your State Congress-Critter, so anything you can do to get one of them on your side, couldn't hurt.

Vision requirements for acceptance to any of the academies is the same as it is for entrance for Military Service (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/l/bleyes2.htm), except if you're interested in becoming a Naval Aviator. In such cases, the vision standards are more strict (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/genjoin/a/pilotvision.htm).

I'm afraid your glider pilot's license won't be much of a factor (the Military doesn't use gliders). However, if you recieve a regular pilot's license, that could help, especially if you aspire to become a pilot or navigator in any of the Military Services.

In any event, as a freshman, now is the time to start working on your courses, GPA and sports/community involvement.

However, if you ultimatly don't get selected, don't be discouraged. The Military academies is the absolute hardest, most selective route of becoming a Military officer. As I said, the chances are about the same as getting selected for Yale or Harvard. If you're not selected, there are other avenues to a Military commission, such as college ROTC, or attending OCS after college graduation.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military Information Site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com