Service Academy Consulting

26 Dec – Deadline for SAT registration (26 Jan 08 testing date)
4 Jan – Deadline for ACT registration (9 Feb 08 testing date)

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Q: When should I start preparing for getting into the academies?

A: It is never too early to start preparing. The academies look at the total person and want candidates that are well rounded and excel in all areas. Therefore, it is never too early to start taking the right courses in school, getting good grades, and gaining leadership positions in extra-curricular activities. Applications for the academies’ summer programs start in the fall of your junior year and the real application process starts in the spring of your junior year.

Q: How many people get appointments a year?

A: The actual numbers vary year to year and also vary between the different academies. But these estimates are close:

US Air Force Academy – 1100 to 1200

US Military Academy – 1100 to 1200

US Naval Academy – 1100 to 1200

US Coast Guard Academy – 300

US Merchant Marine Academy – 275

Q: What grades and test scores do I need to get into an academy?

A: There is no set answer to this question as each candidate’s qualifications are different and your grades are only one of the many criteria the academies score. It is important to do as well as can in your courses and to take the SAT/ACT tests as many times as you can. The academies will take your highest scores; so taking the tests multiples times can only help you.

Q: Should I visit the academies?

A: Absolutely. If you have the means to visit any of the academies it is a great way to gain a perspective on what it means to be a cadet/midshipman. It is also a way to give yourself some great motivation when you see how impressive each academy is in person. Visiting the academies during the school year will allow you to be escorted by a cadet/midshipman and will give you probably the best look at what academy life is really like. Another great time to visit is during one of the academies’ summer programs. Getting into these one-week programs is very competitive and comes with

a fee, but the experience is definitely worth it. The academies also look favorably on applicants who attended a summer program.

Q: Should I apply to more than one academy?

A: It is definitely a good idea to apply to more than one academy in case you do not get accepted into your first choice. There are cross-commissioning programs available that will let you graduate from one service academy and be commissioned into a different service, if you choose.

Q: Can I get laser eye surgery to make myself pilot qualified?

A: There are different rules about this depending on the academy. Rules change all the time and once you get the surgery you can never take it back. The bottom line is DO NOT get any kind of eye surgery until you are already at the academy and you know the latest rules and regulations concerning pilot qualifications. Another thing to remember is that many medical problems are subject to waivers that will still allow you to fly.

Q: Do you accept clients from across the country?

A: Yes. We can accept clients from anywhere. The majority of our services are done through phone calls, email, and web cameras. Face to face meetings are possible depending on your proximity to your consultant.

Q: Do I have to pay for help during my freshman and sophomore years?

A: No. We offer free, no obligation advice and guidance to students during their freshmen and sophomore years. Our fees start during your junior year and affordable payment plans are available.