<p>Hi everybody,
I'm a high school junior about to start this long process of applying to the academies. I think I will apply to USMA, USNA, and USAFA (not sure about this one).
Should I be sending applications for nomination to my 2 senators and congressmen this early in the year? I am not sure how to go about getting transcripts and recommendations during the summer. </p>
<p>Also, for the file on the USMA website, should I indicate 4 years for a sport I plan on playing this spring and have played for the past 3 springs?
Thank you!</p>
<p>While some kids complete their nomination packets in the summer, many wait to finish and mail them in the fall. If your MOC's have the packets online you can download them or at least look and see what is required. Many require one or more essays but some don't require any essays.</p>
<p>As far as recommendations go - many MOC's allow you to use anyone as long as they are not related. You can then use a Scout leader, your boss, a coach. For teacher recommendations you may have to wait until school is in session. You should probably ask them right away so they have time to do a good job for you.
Your school should be able to get transcripts for you. This can wait until you are ready to mail the applications. My daughter's school doesn't release official transcripts to students so they mailed the applications with the sealed transcripts.
Just make sure you keep in touch with your guidance office along the way.</p>
<p>One hint - see if you can get a copy (unofficial) of your transcripts. If your school lists your clubs, sports and achievements then make sure all are included and your transcripts are accurate.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Just to add on to JustAMom (who was so helpful to us in the process!): definitely go ahead and download the apps from your MOC's. Some require a ton, while others require very little. This can even vary in the same state. The MOC apps for our state were almost as involved as the academy apps. Your school's summer secretary should be able to get a transcript for you; but since it's not an emergency, they may ask you to wait til fall. Start working on your essays while you don't have school--it's much easier! Finally, go visit the academies if you have not. Seeing them will help you decide which one(s) you are truly interested in. Depending on your state, you may have to ask your MOC for a nom to a specific academy. My son had to specify on his...then, his interview was tailored to that request: i.e: he asked for a USMA nom and had retired Army and current Army on his interview board. Good luck! We are here to help you...it takes our minds off the fact that we just dropped off our kids for beast!!</p>
<p>Wow! thanks for your quick and thorough replies.</p>
<p>I just filled out the Candidate Questionnaire and now I have even more questions.
What exactly goes in the Remarks section? Does it need to be lengthy/formal, or is it just a place to explain in 1 or 2 sentences the Awards part of the Sports section?
Also, hypothetically speaking, is parental consent required for an appointment ( I will be 18 in Jan.). My parents aren't very happy about my interest in USMA but it's my dream so hopefully that won't be a problem. </p>
<p>Thanks for all the help, JustAMomOf4 and mom3boys.</p>
<p>In this country, we tend to tell our kids what to do while we are financial supporting them--typically way past 18. However, you do not need parental permission to apply. It is easier w/ their support, but not a requirement. </p>
<p>The remarks section explains the items that need explanation. Some items don't need it (NHS), but others may be specific to your school or denomination.</p>
<p>PS: if you are a varsity athlete and you think you could compete at Div 1, you need to go to the athletic website for the academy and fill out a recruiting questionaire.</p>
<p>If you are 17 years old on R-Day you will need your parents permission.<br>
You will have to get a physical exam through DoDMERB - many providers will require parental permission before they will give you the exam if you are under 18. If you are already 18 now you don't need parental permission at all.
That said, it is always good to have parents supporting your goals.</p>
<p>Remarks section - you got it. Anything of note that doesn't fit into the check boxes. Awards, offices held, clubs that are not on the form etc....</p>
<p>well, that is cool that you dont have to have your parents permission to apply. but still i thank god that i have tons of support from my dad.</p>
<p>My D was 17 when she applied and IF I remember correctly I did have to sign something even though she was 18 on R-Day. I know I did have to give my permission for the medical exams.</p>
<p>Yeah, out of respect for my parents, I don't think I would go through the process if they absolutely opposed me applying. After all, it's because of them that I've gotten this far.
And with enough patience I think I can get their support.
I actually don't think I'll be able to make it through the whole process of applying without parental support (leaving aside the medical aspect). It's looking pretty arduous (but worth every effort).</p>
<p>Another thing. I'm at a mere 40 pushups in a row right now and my goal is 80. I definitely have some room for improvement, which is encouraging. I did a search and found a post suggesting that candidates do as many pushups as possible 3 times in a row, 3 sets per day. I've been trying that and on this second day of trying the method I can barely crank out 30 in a row the first time and many fewer the next two times.
Are there any more effective methods, or does this one actually work in the long run?</p>
<p>Long run. It takes time to build up core strength. Keep at it and the rest of the CFA requirements. Situps, pullups, run etc...
You have plenty of time.</p>
<p>you say 40 is almost nothing! ha! i can only do 6 perfect ones in a row nonstop, now that is bad! you are on the right track. i think i will use your advice on the 3 set thing, thanks!</p>
<p>When training for your CFA also make sure that you do trial runs as if you were taking the whole test. It will help prepare and make sure you have enough stamina. The test altogether was grueling, at least for me, and I spent time training for it. You are giving your best for everything, one event right after another.</p>
<p>when they test you on the running part is it flat or does it have hills?</p>
<p>The basketball throw I think will be the toughest for me.
It's hard to practice because I have to drive to a public park, and I'm not naturally inclined in the art of throwing things.
But I also read on here that throwing the ball like a soccer goalie is key, so I'll try that.</p>
<p>Cyclista2009</p>
<p>If your parents aren't supportive of you applying to West Point, I highly suggest you help them get informed regarding what the United States Military Academy is all about. The website contains a wealth of information. In fact, half of the questions asked on this forum are answered there.</p>
<p>I suggest a visit that is arranged through the Admissions Office. My son's mother was a bit cool to the idea of him applying. A visit to see what it is all about really gained her wholehearted support!</p>
<p>my high school athletic director administered mine, and I did the running part on a track. For the basketball throw, i threw it sort of like a javelin, my high school track and field coach recommended that approach. I did medicine ball work outs to improve my distance as well. It helps to have a strong core when doing that event and the sit ups and the pull ups.</p>
<p>mikydoo,
As a historian of the 20th Century, my father knows and really respects West Point and Annapolis. He even used to tell me I should go to Annapolis. The problem is that both my parents, like many Americans, have turned against the military and strong patriotism in general during the past 5 or so years.
However, with enough patience I think I can gain their support, since I know they trust me and my decisions.<br>
The real worry for me is that I won't get in. It's a reality for me that I'm not as competitive for admission because I lack more than one leadership position (though I have been involved in my community and in athletics, which I see USMA considers leadership).
Anyway, I'm really grateful to you parents (and others) on this forum. You're really making this process more manageable.</p>
<p>Another thing to keep in mind: make sure the one who administers your CFA is a <em>certified</em> physical education instructor! Our son had to retake the CFA 2 times because glitches... The first CFA was administered by his track coach who was a certified teacher in our system's middle school, but his certification was in something other than PE. Second retake, BB throw was way low and USMA sent him a letter authorizing him to take it again. Third take, BB throw was same as first CFA, AND he had an authorized test administer. Had we only realized the track coach was not certified in this field, son's admission process would have occurred much, much sooner!! </p>
<p>Make sure you include everything you have done in school and community - even the little things. Lots of times kids forget all they've done that can be listed as leadership. This is where the remarks section can be used for your advantage.</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Should I list all the activities I've done and awards I've received in the Remarks section, or is there somewhere else later in the process where I include all this information.
I'm still a bit confused as to what goes into the Remarks and don't want to do it wrong, so I've been postponing the submission of my CQ.</p>
<p>Any help is great, thank you!</p>