Applying to Military Service Academies
The five United States military academies prepare students to become officers while providing them with a free undergraduate degree—in exchange for military service.
The five United States military academies prepare students to become officers while providing them with a free undergraduate degree—in exchange for military service.
Start your research EARLY because the first step of pre-qualification can open as early as January of your JUNIOR year! Several academies also offer summer programs and those application windows are typically early and brief (Ex: West Point's Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) has an application window open Jan 15 - Mar 15 of your junior year.)
Start your research EARLY because the first step of pre-qualification can open as early as January of your JUNIOR year! Several academies also offer summer programs and those application windows are typically early and brief (Ex: West Point's Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) has an application window open Jan 15 - Mar 15 of your junior year.)
Applying to the Military Academies
Applying to the Military Academies
Except for the Coast Guard Academy, the military academies use a rigorous two-step application process.
Except for the Coast Guard Academy, the military academies use a rigorous two-step application process.
Step #1 - Confirm Eligibility (Pre-Qualify) & Application
Step #1 - Confirm Eligibility (Pre-Qualify) & Application
Applicants must confirm eligibility with each service academy to which they're applying, or be "pre-qualified", before an application is released. The pre-qualification step can open as early as January of your JUNIOR year! If you are determined to be a qualified applicant, you'll then complete the admissions application.
Applicants must confirm eligibility with each service academy to which they're applying, or be "pre-qualified", before an application is released. The pre-qualification step can open as early as January of your JUNIOR year! If you are determined to be a qualified applicant, you'll then complete the admissions application.
Step #2 - Nomination
Step #2 - Nomination
Applicants must apply for and obtain a nomination from their Congressional Representative or Senator. These nominations are highly competitive and require a separate application process and deadline for each of your Congressional members (check their websites for their application process).
Applicants must apply for and obtain a nomination from their Congressional Representative or Senator. These nominations are highly competitive and require a separate application process and deadline for each of your Congressional members (check their websites for their application process).
The Five Official U.S. Military Academies
The Five Official U.S. Military Academies
Although there are many military-style schools, there are only 5 official officer training academies operated by the U.S. Armed Forces.
Although there are many military-style schools, there are only 5 official officer training academies operated by the U.S. Armed Forces.
