I’m currently 15 years old, a sophomore, my dad served in the army for 26 years and I’ve always looked up to him as both a man and a leader. I want to become a leader of men, and I believe the army is the best way to go about that (biased, maybe, let me know your opinion!) anyway… My question lies with my academics, this year I’m averaging about 3.5-3.6 and as I continue to learn to dedicate myself more it will improve (this is unweighted) I take AP euro history and will be taking precal and calculus in high school. I will prepare for my SAT/ACT
I play varsity football, am 6’3 170 lbs, and am in a leadership club at my school. I feel confident in my abilities for the CFA, but what are some tips you guys may be able to give me in going thru this process? Thanks I’m pretty uknowledgeable at the moment, but as I continue learning more about the academies I’m sure my ignorance will be enlightened
It sounds like you are asking about West Point, since you only mention the army. However, you are not explicit.
My random thoughts:
- Keep working on the academics; including both verbal and mathematical subjects.
- Stay involved with varsity athletics
- Get involved with whatever clubs you are interested in. However, I do not recommend getting involved just so you can write it on an application. Do things that you naturally like.
The Academies:
- Remember that the Naval Academy is a path to becoming a Marine Corps officer, if that interests you.
- The Merchant Marine Academy is a legitimate path to becoming an officer in the army, or navy, or marines, or air force. Many people do not know this, and USMMA is easier to get into than the other academies.
Also consider the Senior Military Colleges…
what are these?! you ask…
I am talking about:
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Virginia Military Institute
The Citadel
Texas A&M
Virginia Tech
Norwich University
University of North Georgia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Senior_Military_College
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Each of the above is sort of like a small West Point; especially VMI and The Citadel. Basically, you behave as though you are at West Point. Each one requires that you wear your uniform every day, for example. All are state colleges, except Norwich. All are much easier to get into than the academies. And you can use an ROTC scholarship at them.
One personal word of warning. At 6’3" you are already almost too tall to be comfortable on a naval ship. I am 6’4" and was extremely uncomfortable walking around on ships, always stooped over and still banging my head – hard – at least once a week. Just keep that in mind. Air Force, too, might have limitations for tall folks. Army and Marine Corps do not really have this problem.
Thank you very much for your response, even more so on that tidbit regarding the navy, as it had intrigued me, but seeing as I do not know when I will stop growing, that may narrow down my interests.
Thank you for the other colleges as well, awesome to know