The United States military academies, also known as United States service academies, have some of the most competitive admissions standards in the nation. With free tuition, free room and board, high-quality education and a guaranteed job after graduation, many high school students flock to these opportunities, but the spots are limited. However, once admitted, the students earn a place at a highly respected institution that has educated the top-ranking members of the U.S. military.

To gain a spot at one of the five U.S. military academies, students must go through a rigorous admission process that requires them to jump through a few more hoops than one would for a traditional college. For one, the process begins a full year before the standard college application process. Starting their junior year, the candidates must fill out questionnaires. Except for students applying for the United States Coast Guard, all other students must apply for nominations, which will come from members of Congress, the Vice President and other military personnel. Typically, each member of Congress can only issue a certain number of recommendations, and the candidates are often chosen through a democratic process by a select panel.

All of the military academies require the candidates to undergo an intensive medical assessment that covers both their physical and mental health. Depending on the academy, the applicants might also have to undergo a Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), which is a six-event exam that tests physical strength and endurance.

A candidate must be dedicated and show how they have excelled in both academics and athletics. All candidates to U.S. military academies are also admitted based on the standard requirements on a college application, including transcript, test scores, recommendations and a personal statement.

Candidates are required to have letters of recommendations, strong transcripts, strong SAT or ACT scores, pass a Department of Defense Military Examination Review Board (DODMERB) physical examination, and pass a fitness test. Candidates are expected to be scholars, leaders, and athletes within their schools or communities. If you are in high school, ensure you are serving in a leadership position, whether it’s as a sports team captain, a class or club officer, or community leader.

Before you decide to pursue an academic career at a United States military academy, you have to determine if you can handle a regimented environment where you must follow a strict schedule and rules. The expectations are high at the academies, and there is a hierarchy you must follow. Not only is your academic and physical performances judged, but you must also adhere to an inflexible honor code. Your freedom will be much more limited than it would be at a civilian university.

While it is not for everyone, some students thrive in this type of environment. The scheduled days and structure help them to learn better. The free tuition and ability to graduate with no student loans is also a draw. The prestige that comes with such a sought-after degree has contributed to the low admission rate and competitiveness. There is no question that the five military academies are among the best universities in the United States

The United States military academies, also known as United States service academies, have some of the most competitive admissions standards in the nation. With free tuition, free room and board, high-quality education and a guaranteed job after graduation, many high school students flock to these opportunities, but the spots are limited. However, once admitted, the students earn a place at a highly respected institution that has educated the top-ranking members of the U.S. military.

To gain a spot at one of the five U.S. military academies, students must go through a rigorous admission process that requires them to jump through a few more hoops than one would for a traditional college. For one, the process begins a full year before the standard college application process. Starting their junior year, the candidates must fill out questionnaires. Except for students applying for the United States Coast Guard, all other students must apply for nominations, which will come from members of Congress, the Vice President and other military personnel. Typically, each member of Congress can only issue a certain number of recommendations, and the candidates are often chosen through a democratic process by a select panel.

All of the military academies require the candidates to undergo an intensive medical assessment that covers both their physical and mental health. Depending on the academy, the applicants might also have to undergo a Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA), which is a six-event exam that tests physical strength and endurance.

A candidate must be dedicated and show how they have excelled in both academics and athletics. All candidates to U.S. military academies are also admitted based on the standard requirements on a college application, including transcript, test scores, recommendations and a personal statement.

When applying for an academy, it is best to start applying early during your junior year in high school. If you are outside of the junior year timeframe, it is still possible to apply so long as you meet the designated age eligibility requirements. Enlisted service men and women in the military are also encouraged to apply. To do so, open a Candidate Profile through the respective school’s website (opening a profile is the only way to initiate the application process).