How to Get Into a Military Service Academy
A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Qualified, Nominated, and Appointed
By (author) Michael Singer Dobson
Publication date:
02 November 2017Length of book:
214 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersISBN-13: 9780810895270
The five United States military service academies are some of the most elite schools in the nation, taking the finest high school students and turning them into commissioned officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine. Over 60,000 students a year begin the arduous process of applying, and about 4,000 get in. At West Point alone, over 15,000 candidates start the applications process. Less than a third of them finish it. Some figure out that they aren’t going to be competitive, some get derailed with specific problems, and some get lost and drop out even though they might have gotten in.
From applications to Congressional nominations, from athletics to medical qualifications, the process is unlike any other for getting into college. This book leads students and their families through the process step by step, offering the tools needed for the very best chance of success.
Covering special issues and concerns like LGBTQ, women and minorities, criminal records, and more, the author also discusses whether attending a service academy is RIGHT for the prospective student, and what he or she can expect upon acceptance, admission, and attendance. Using his personal experience in helping his son through the applications process, Michael Singer Dobson provides all candidates with the ins and outs of the competition for a spot at one of these prestigious schools.
From applications to Congressional nominations, from athletics to medical qualifications, the process is unlike any other for getting into college. This book leads students and their families through the process step by step, offering the tools needed for the very best chance of success.
Covering special issues and concerns like LGBTQ, women and minorities, criminal records, and more, the author also discusses whether attending a service academy is RIGHT for the prospective student, and what he or she can expect upon acceptance, admission, and attendance. Using his personal experience in helping his son through the applications process, Michael Singer Dobson provides all candidates with the ins and outs of the competition for a spot at one of these prestigious schools.
Dobson wrote this book to fill a void he discovered when his son applied to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Readers will find practical advice on how to decide if a service academy is the right fit for them. The author covers high school coursework and extracurricular activities, including leadership and community service. Students and parents will appreciate the step-by-step discussion of the application process. The explanation of how to secure a nomination to an academy will be of special interest to those unfamiliar with the system. Dobson’s skill as a writer is apparent as he explains the complex admissions process in a way that makes it clear. The author is honest in the description of the work required to be accepted into and in attending an academy; his tone is always positive. He provides practical advice on how to reapply should one not get accepted and how to address potential stumbling blocks in one’s record. VERDICT Attending a U.S. military academy isn’t for everyone, but Dobson’s guide is a must-read for anyone considering this career path. Highly recommended for high school, public, and college libraries.