Gain Service Academy Admission

In this episode, we tackle a pivotal question haunting the minds of service academy hopefuls: How relevant are the SAT & ACT scores in the application process today? Although some colleges and universities seem to be moving away from these standardized tests, our insight will explain why you still need to prioritize these exams. 

In this episode, we discuss lessons we learned from helping clients apply for appointments to all the Service Academies from academic year, 2022-2023, which is the Service Academy class of 2027. 

In this episode, we break down how to choose between the SAT and ACT, and the test's importance for your Service Academy application.

9th and 10th grade students who aspire to obtain a Service Academy appointment can start preparing themselves early by focusing on academics, sports, leadership, and character development.    By studying hard, joining sports teams, participating in scouting programs or other local clubs, volunteering in community service, and reflecting on ethical issues, students can demonstrate their potential t...

The Whole Person Concept is a holistic approach to evaluating candidates for Service Academy appointments. It means that admission committees take into consideration not just a candidate’s academic achievements and physical abilities, but also their character, leadership potential, and overall fit for military service.  In this episode, the hosts discuss this concept in more detail.

A student who participates in ROTC at a college or university or takes JROTC classes in high school can obtain a nomination for a Service Academy.  In this episode, we talk about the ins and outs of this nomination category.   

One of the more stressful aspects of qualifying for a Service Academy appointment or an ROTC scholarship is clearing the medical qualification process.  In this episode, we talk about why candidates are disqualified from DODMERB and the steps you can take to obtain a waiver. DODMERB Medical History Survey Questions DOD Instruction 6130.03. Medical Standards for Military Service

Candidate extracurricular activities account for approximately ten percent of a U.S. Service Academies' whole candidate score.  In this episode, we talk about about what activities make the most impact in obtaining high scores.

20-25% of all students at the "big three" service academies participate in Division I intercollegiate athletics.   Recruited athletes often receive preferential admission consideration.  In this episode, we discuss intercollegiate athletics, its role at these academies, and how it affects admission for recruited athletes and non-athletes alike. West Point Class of 2024 Recruited Athletes by Sport

The team at Gain Service Academy Admissions perform an "After Action Review" on Service Academy application year 2021-2022 and the lessons learned from working with applicants.

In this episode we interview a Naval Academy Blue and Gold officer (BGO) who is also an Air Force Academy Air Liaison Officer (ALO).  She gives insights on the overall service academy admissions process as well as the role of the BGO and ALO.   Also, as a parent of three service academy graduates or current cadets, she gives her insights into the parental role in the service academy admissions pro...

In this episode, the hosts interview an ALO who was also an Air Force ROTC cadre member.   She gives insights into both roles and provides helpful advice to Air Force Academy as well as Air Force ROTC scholarship applicants.  

The United States Space Force is a separate and distinct branch of the armed services, organized under the Department of the Air Force in a manner very similar to how the Marine Corps is organized under the Department of the Navy.  In this episode, the hosts talk to an Air Force Academy graduate and current lieutenant in the U.S. Space Force.   We cover his admission and experience at the Air Forc...

The interview preparation services provided by Gain Service Academy Consulting can make the difference in winning a nomination and eventual appointment to a Service Academy.   LTC Kirkland in this short episode talks about the importance of the interview and provides an overview of these services.  

Demonstrating military knowledge and propensity towards the military is one of the keys to a successful Service Academy appointment.   In this episode, LTC Kirkland shows you how to gain this propensity. Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program Sea Cadets Young Marines  

Captain Trish Penrod, US Air Force Academy class of 2009, reflects on her application process and lessons she learned from it.  

We are excited to announce our new premium podcast episodes.  We have taken the best bits from our previous podcasts and consolidated them--adding additional material that we am sure will be of interest to you. The areas we cover on our premium podcast episodes include interview preparation and the DODMERB physical.   We will be adding more content in the near future.   Premium Podcast Episodes  

This is a rebroadcast from our sister podcast-- ROTC Scholarships. The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program provides youth from ages 12 and up with training in aerospace education, leadership and physical fitness. The experience in Civil Air Patrol enhances ones "propensity for the military" and can help applicants obtain a Service Academy Appointment.  This episode is an interview with the Director of...

Many people know what the words Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor and Integrity mean. But how often do you see someone actually live up to them? Military officers must embody these values in order to succeed and be the best leaders for their subordinates.  Those who read your essays or interview you for an Academy appointment or ROTC scholarship have this values mindset.  Understanding the mi...

The mission of the US Naval Academy is to develop Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor and loyalty in order to graduate leaders who are dedicated to a career of naval service and have potential for future development in mind and character, to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government. In this episode,...

The Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that educates leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces.  In this episode, we interview a recent graduate who is an active duty Air Force officer.  

Candidates (and parents) often confuse the difference between a nomination and an appointment to a Service Academy, especially if candidates are otherwise fully qualified.  A candidate must be academically, physically, and medically qualified with a nomination in order to be considered for an appointment.  The nomination must be to the specific Service Academy Basically, a nomination is the legal...

If a Service Academy candidate fails to obtain an appointment as a senior in high school or did not apply, doing a year of ROTC in college can give an applicant a significant advantage over other applicants.  In this episode, we talk about the reasons for this and why.  

The Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) is worth 10% of the overall evaluation of a Service Academy applicant.  It is important, therefore, to do well on this test.  In this episode, we interview the experts at Platoon Fitness regarding how to succeed on the CFA. CFA Calculator

The Service Academies offer the chance for a select few graduates to commission as an officer and go directly to medical school to serve in the armed forces as a doctor. In this episode, we interview retired Army Colonel and West Point graduate, Dr. Bill Corr, and discuss how to get into medical school directly after graduation and commissioning from the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and West...