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Admission Advice for Homeschool Military Academy Enrollees
Military academies. The uncomplicated thing concerning getting in is to be a homeschooler. The complicated part with regards to getting in, is everything else!
The military academy candidates looking for admission have to get a nomination, in most cases through a congressman. When was the last time you talked to your representative? Sally and I happen to be chatting concerning her son’s application to a military academy, and she has verified their admission requirements again.
The military academies want “evidence” regarding athletics just like they want evidence of of leadership. One particular recruiter explained to me that physical fitness proof does not necessarily mean ONLY high school athletics. It can mean running timed races, biking on the Seattle to Portland race, signing up for a running club or biking club. A 5K can be an fantastic example of demonstrating physical fitness. Just about any measurable physical fitness, really. Very much like leadership is measurable in the event that your children were umpires, like Sally’s. One of the most effective methods to document your homeschool that is certain to get the colleges to take notice is with comprehensive homeschool records.
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The military academy candidates looking for admission have to get a nomination, in most cases through a congressman. When was the last time you talked to your representative? Sally and I happen to be chatting concerning her son’s application to a military academy, and she has verified their admission requirements again.
The things you have suggested are right on for what we are trying to do. We are finding that having a high school sport is pretty important as well as physical fitness. Grades and awesome test scores are also important. And finally, leadership is utmost. There has to be proof of the student’s leadership, like team captain, community service, teaching others, etc. The umpiring that my boys did is really good.
Another thing we are finding is that with the economy as it is, the number of military ROTC and academy applicants is doubling and tripling…. very competitive. But as you said, it is great to be homeschooled as long as you have the above characteristics. AND get the paperwork in EARLY!!! Oh, and you were right on with your advice on Foreign Language. They want to see Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, or Persian. We went for Arabic.
~ Sally in Washington
The military academies want “evidence” regarding athletics just like they want evidence of of leadership. One particular recruiter explained to me that physical fitness proof does not necessarily mean ONLY high school athletics. It can mean running timed races, biking on the Seattle to Portland race, signing up for a running club or biking club. A 5K can be an fantastic example of demonstrating physical fitness. Just about any measurable physical fitness, really. Very much like leadership is measurable in the event that your children were umpires, like Sally’s. One of the most effective methods to document your homeschool that is certain to get the colleges to take notice is with comprehensive homeschool records.
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Amarillo, TX 79106
Phone: 1-888-533-2435
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9.00 am to 03:00 pm (PST)
Comments 6
Eva,
I agree with J. Rivers, but I would be careful to check on any JROTC unit as to its quality. We were thinking of doing the same thing when he was going into 10th but were warned that it might have little impact on ROTC as that particular recruiter said that some of those kids are there "just to get out of regular class." I also noticed that another boy who went that route with officer plans ended up enlisting instead when he finished high school. If your son is still the right age to be a page for your state legislature that may be of help too. My son paged for a local rep. in 10th grade and had enough of a relationship established that we were able to meet with him to discuss the academy and ROTC. It was of much help, plus it set the stage for his recommendation to an academy later if needed.
Also, the Harvard University Extension School offers online courses, and summer programs for high schoolers. If a student takes college level courses part time through the extension school, he will have a transcript from Harvard University and challenging preparation for rigorous academics, as well as the college credits. Anyone can take online extension courses. If you live outside of New England you can have exams proctored in your local area.
Jr. ROTC is beneficial, as are the Civil Air Patrol, Sea Cadets, and Coast Guard Auxiliary, if any of those are in your area. Sophomore year is a little late but can still be done. Rising to leadership in these organizations is even more beneficial than just participating. Summer camps and training are also great preparation. Think scholar-athlete-leader; that is the ideal to strive for.
Thank you for posting this. Our son is interested in a military academy and is now going into the tenth grade so we are trying to plan this out the best way possible. Can anyone tell me if participating in a JROTC program in the local high school would be beneficial? He has not done Boy Scouts and the way the organization has gone we prefer not to be a part of it. He is currently doing involved in a swimming club and training for triathlons and 5k's.
Eva,
Lee has written some blog posts about this:
Military Academy and ROTC Scholarship Success: http://www.thehomescholar.com/blog/military-academy-and-rotc-scholarship-success/
Air Force Academy: Hard Work and High Stats: http://www.thehomescholar.com/blog/?s=cassie
(And thank you Janet!)
Robin
Assistant to The HomeScholar
We have just been working through this with ROTC which is similar to the academies. If your son is interested in anything in the military a Boy Scout Eagle Scout rank is very positive. Our oldest just completed a leadership training camp at Ft. Knox and was amazed at how much his Eagle helped him excel. In addition to scholastic information, the ROTC scholarship application specifically asked about scouting and if he had ever been a sr. patrol leader or venture president. All sports were documented by semester and year, whether they were jv or varsity, etc. Leadership and service positions were requested and the number of hours serving in each, so keep a running calendar of all events. Also, talk directly to the academy admissions people or the ROTC military science staff at your prospective university when preparing. Don't go through a recruiting office as they often are not informed about officer requirements. We found that out the hard way.