For Educators: Military Resources
Military Journey Timelines
Service Academy Timeline
The biggest step in your military journey is the day you decide to join. And, while no two paths to service are alike, they can share key themes, like fast-tracking accomplishments, becoming part of a cohesive team, and gaining experiences that set you apart.
Freshman Through Senior Year
High School Preparation
Do Your Research
Before you start applying, read up on each of the Service Academies and decide which one is right for you.
Prep for Tests
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test or PSAT can offer valuable practice as you get ready for standardized testing. Every Service Academy requires you to submit your SAT/ACT score.
Start Your Application
A preliminary application is something you can use to demonstrate early interest in attending a service academy. This information includes your grade point average, class rank and extracurricular activities.
Did You Know?
High school leadership roles and experience are critical factors in academy admissions, and they offer a strong foundation for military life.
Obtain a nomination from a sitting U.S. senator, House representative or another permissible nominating source, preferably during spring of junior year.
Fun Fact!
The president and vice president of the United States are among the approved nominating sources for Service academies. No pressure!
Study Hard
Maintain strong academic performance — especially in math, science and English — to open doors to more Military roles.
Work Out
All military academies have strict physical fitness standards, so if you haven’t before, now’s a good time to start focusing on physical well-being.
Pursue Extracurriculars
Participating in extracurricular activities like student government, sports and the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program can boost your application.
Did You Know?
Attending a military academy summer program can strengthen your application and provide you with an early sense of life at a military academy.
Do Your Research
Before you start applying, read up on each of the Service Academies and decide which one is right for you.
Start Your Application
A preliminary application is something you can use to demonstrate early interest in attending a service academy. This information includes your grade point average, class rank and extracurricular activities.
Obtain a nomination from a sitting U.S. senator, House representative or another permissible nominating source, preferably during spring of junior year.
Study Hard
Maintain strong academic performance — especially in math, science and English — to open doors to more Military roles.
Pursue Extracurriculars
Participating in extracurricular activities like student government, sports and the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program can boost your application.
Prep for Tests
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test or PSAT can offer valuable practice as you get ready for standardized testing. Every Service Academy requires you to submit your SAT/ACT score.
Did You Know?
High school leadership roles and experience are critical factors in academy admissions, and they offer a strong foundation for military life.
Fun Fact!
The president and vice president of the United States are among the approved nominating sources for Service academies. No pressure!
Work Out
All military academies have strict physical fitness standards, so if you haven’t before, now’s a good time to start focusing on physical well-being.
Did You Know?
Attending a military academy summer program can strengthen your application and provide you with an early sense of life at a military academy.
Senior Year
Application Process
Did You Know?
The Service academies are considered among the country’s most competitive colleges, typically only accepting 10% to 20% of applicants.
Volunteer
Whenever possible, make time for volunteer work. It’s a great way to build new skills and gain a deeper connection to your community.
Finish Your Application
Complete your application to your chosen academy with essays, transcripts and teacher evaluations by early fall. Academies do not accept applications after January 31 of the year you plan to attend.
Take a Tour
For more information on your chosen school, consider attending an academy information session or taking a campus tour.
Did You Know?
A critical part of the application process is the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), which involves calisthenics and cardio and is used to predict a candidate's aptitude for the physical programs at Service academies.
Pass Medical and Physical Exams
Undergo a medical examination and pass the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) physical exam, no later than winter of your senior year.
Prepare to speak to a representative from your chosen Service academy. Typically, a Field Force Representative or a Service academy alumni will conduct the interview in November or December.
Learn More About the Service AcademiesFun Fact!
Many U.S. presidents, including Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower, started their military careers through Service academies.
Did You Know?
The Service academies are considered among the country’s most competitive colleges, typically only accepting 10% to 20% of applicants.
Finish Your Application
Complete your application to your chosen academy with essays, transcripts and teacher evaluations by early fall. Academies do not accept applications after January 31 of the year you plan to attend.
Did You Know?
A critical part of the application process is the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), which involves calisthenics and cardio and is used to predict a candidate's aptitude for the physical programs at Service academies.
Prepare to speak to a representative from your chosen Service academy. Typically, a Field Force Representative or a Service academy alumni will conduct the interview in November or December.
Learn More About the Service AcademiesVolunteer
Whenever possible, make time for volunteer work. It’s a great way to build new skills and gain a deeper connection to your community.
Take a Tour
For more information on your chosen school, consider attending an academy information session or taking a campus tour.
Pass Medical and Physical Exams
Undergo a medical examination and pass the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) physical exam, no later than winter of your senior year.
Fun Fact!
Many U.S. presidents, including Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower, started their military careers through Service academies.
Senior Year
Appointment and Acceptance
Did You Know?
Several military academies have their own prep schools, and attending one can drastically increase your chances of getting accepted to its corresponding academy.
Get Some Extra Prep If Needed
Attend a preparatory school like the Naval Academy Prep Schools (NAPS) if you need extra academic or physical preparation before entering your chosen academy.
Secure Your Academy Spot
If offered, accept your official appointment letter. Depending on the academy you applied to, you’ll typically be notified between March and April.
Did You Know?
A Service academy education is valued at over $400,000 — including tuition, room, board and more — and the U.S. government fully funds it.
Meet Your Classmates
Once you’ve committed to your chosen academy, connect with other incoming cadets through social media or academy-sponsored meetups.
Understand your chosen academy’s honor code, traditions and expectations.
Learn About Military TraditionsBe Prepared
Get ready for initial training — a six-to-seven-week period of exercises and instructions that serve as the kickoff to your freshman year.
Did You Know?
Several military academies have their own prep schools, and attending one can drastically increase your chances of getting accepted to its corresponding academy.
Secure Your Academy Spot
If offered, accept your official appointment letter. Depending on the academy you applied to, you’ll typically be notified between March and April.
Meet Your Classmates
Once you’ve committed to your chosen academy, connect with other incoming cadets through social media or academy-sponsored meetups.
Be Prepared
Get ready for initial training — a six-to-seven-week period of exercises and instructions that serve as the kickoff to your freshman year.
Get Some Extra Prep If Needed
Attend a preparatory school like the Naval Academy Prep Schools (NAPS) if you need extra academic or physical preparation before entering your chosen academy.
Did You Know?
A Service academy education is valued at over $400,000 — including tuition, room, board and more — and the U.S. government fully funds it.
Understand your chosen academy’s honor code, traditions and expectations.
Learn About Military Traditions