What are Selective Colleges and Military Academies, Are they for Me, and How do I Apply? Seminar 1 November 12, 2015
Today s Objective Students will learn the requirements of the US Military Academies. Students will learn how to apply to US Military Academies. Students will learn what makes a college selective. Students will learn how to apply to selective colleges.
What is a Military Academy? US Military Academies offer a fully funded (free tuition, room and board the equivalent of a $200,000+ scholarship medical and dental care; plus a monthly stipend equaling more than $10,000 per year) four year education leading to a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as an officer in the U.S. military. In exchange, graduates serve five years as active duty officers. The majority of those who choose to remain on active duty afterward go on to earn advanced degrees at universities of their choice.
What and Where are the Academies? United States Air Force Academy Colorado Springs, CO United States Military Academy (Army) West Point, NY United States Coast Guard Academy New London, CT United States Merchant Marine Academy Kings Point, NY United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD
So, is this a College or is it the Military? Both! Students who attend any of the Military academies are members of the US Military AND are full time college students. Students graduate from the military academy in four years with a bachelors degree in their chosen field of study. Students then begin to serve a five year term as an officer in a job in which they are placed.
What are the Advantages to attending a Military Academy? A FREE 4 year degree from a highly respected, highly selective university. A job after graduation: 100% of all graduates have jobs upon graduation in their field of : study at good salaries with fantastic military benefits. Networking: A US Military Academy education is highly valued by employers. After serving the mandatory 5 years in the military, students may choose not to re enlist and are then available for jobs in the private sector.
Selective Colleges Selective Colleges choose only a certain set number of students per year regardless of how many students apply. Colleges that admit a very small percentage of their applicants are considered selective
How selective are the Academies and the Selective Colleges and do I qualify? Very only about 8% of applicants are offered admission. Candidates are selected based on: Academics Character and Leadership Physical Fitness (for the Academies)
Academic Considerations ACT Composite of 30 or above Take many AP and Honors courses in the core subject areas High Class Rank Senior Course Load High GPA
Character and Leadership Considerations Excellent Moral Character: a background check will be required and many references from teachers, neighbors, and community members will be required. Evidence of Leadership through school or the community is required. Well rounded: Have a skill the school needs.
Physical Fitness Considerations All candidates are required to pass a candidate fitness assessment prior to their application being reviewed by a military academy. The CFA requires: Basketball Throw Pull ups 40 yard shuttle run Abdominal crunches Push ups 1 mile run
What is involved in the application for a US Military Academy? Before applying, it is highly recommended that students attend a Summer Seminar at the Academy being considered. These two, weeklong sessions are for those about to enter their senior year of high school. The experience includes academic workshops, physical training and a glimpse of military training so participants can get a feel for what it's like to attend a military academy. Applications usually open up around January 1. It is imperative to get a Summer Seminar application in EARLY.
What is Involved in the Application? Applications to attend the academies are usually available online July 1. The applicant must fill out the online application, submit teacher letters of recommendation, transcript, resume, and official test scores. Once all application materials are submitted, students must find an authorized person to administer the Candidate Fitness Assessment. These results must then be submitted.
What is Involved in the Application? A Nomination from a US Congressperson is required. Students should contact our Congressperson and both Senators to secure nominations. It is okay to have a nomination from more than one source. To start this process, contact the office of the Congressperson and Senators and let them know you would like to secure a military academy appointment. Their offices will forward the necessary paperwork to you.
What is Involved in the Application to a Selective College? Many selective colleges use the Common Application (www.commonapp.org) Students will apply Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision. At least two teacher letters of recommendation are required. Counselor Report
Types of Applications: Early Action: apply by November 1; receive a decision by December 15. Strongest chance of getting in next to Early Decision (just a 1% difference) Early Decision: apply by November 1; receive a decision by December 15; legally binding. Strongest chance of getting in. Regular Decision: apply by January 1; receive a decision by April 15. Least likely to be admitted.
When are Military Academy Candidates Notified? Candidates are notified on or before April 15 of their senior year.
When Do You Have to Decide? Students have until May 1 to make a decision about where they want to attend college. (National College Signing Day). For Military Academies, students usually have 10 days from the day they ve been offered an appointment to accept.
Have other ONW students attended a military academy? Yes all US Air Force Academy: Jordan Craft Class of 06 Lucy McMinn Class of 06 Casey Habluetzel Class of 08 Blaire Warren Class of 12 Mitch Willis Class of 12 Zane Moxley Class of 15
Have other ONW Students Attended Selective Colleges? Yes, nearly every year ONW students accept and attend selective schools. On the average, 3 5 students per class are accepted to selective institutions. ***Selective institutions do not award scholarships.
Stay current Angie Salava asalavaonw@olatheschools.org Twitter @CounselingONW Ed Modo Angie Salava, Class of 2016 Code: 9696v8