The podcast that is all things regarding U.S. Service Academy admission. Whether it is West Point, the Naval Academy (Annapolis) or the Air Force Academy- admission is as much about the process as it is the attributes of the candidate. It is complex—and involves several qualifications which make it far more rigorous than the traditional college application. This podcast helps the listener understand and navigate the process in order to gain a coveted appointment.
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In this episode, we discuss trends we are seeing with Naval Academy admissions. Bottom line: there is evidence that Naval Academy admissions is choosing candidates according to unknown guidelines, instead of who Members of Congress pick or who the most qualified candidate in the district is according to the legacy Whole Person Multiple.…
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Examples of Excellent Naval Academy Interview Answers
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Today we provide commentary on what makes these 5 Naval Academy interview answers excellent, and how they could be improved. Listen along as you prepare for your interview with your future potential Blue and Gold Officer and Congressional nomination panel.By gainserviceacademyadmission
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The Air Force Academy interview can be extremely intimidating for students, especially those who have little to no interview experience. In this episode, we play 5 examples of interview responses that students have given and discuss what makes them good (or bad) and how they could be improved. If you want to ensure your interview performance is as …
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Many highly qualified 2028 USNA candidates were turned down: Why?
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Were you turned down this year by the Naval Academy? If you applied to the USNA Class of 2028 as a high school applicant, you had a lower chance of being appointed this year. More and more post-high school candidates are re-applying and therefore there are less appointments available for direct entries. That's right, we estimate about 450 slots of …
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Pass or Fail? Feedback on West Point Interview Answers from Real Candidates
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In today's episode, we give feedback on 5 examples of interview questions and answers from West Point candidates.By gainserviceacademyadmission
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Big Changes to the Service Academy Nomination Process
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In this episode, LTC Kirkland and Capt Dach discuss two major changes to nominations and the way Service Academies (West Point, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy) select candidates to offer appointments to for any candidates entering an Academy in June of 2025 or later. Each Member of Congress is able to now nominate 15 candidates instead of 10.…
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Sea Cadets: Build a Service Academy Leadership Profile
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In today's episode, we cover a great way to develop military propensity and discipline - Danielle Stolz and Patrick Nasdeo, both leaders within the Sea Cadets program join us to talk about the opportunities for young Sea Cadets in the middle school and high school programs. If you are interested in joining Sea Cadets, you can find a unit near you h…
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Allergies & DoDMERB: Perspective from a Retired Air Force Allergist for Academy Candidates
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In today's show, we welcome Colonel Joseph Forester, a retired Air Force veteran and allergist, to discuss allergies and DoDMERB disqualifications. Service Academy and ROTC scholarship candidates must be DoDMERB qualified (or waived) in order to participate in these programs. One of the most common medical issues we see in candidates is an allergy …
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Improving your SAT Math with Vinny Madera
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Today we sit down with Vinny Madera, a renowned SAT tutor with a track record of helping students significantly boost their SAT scores. Dive deep into the world of SAT math as Vinny shares tips, strategies, and insights to conquer this critical section of the test. Whether you're just starting your SAT journey or looking for those extra points to p…
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ACT Math with Specialist Tony Miglio: Preparing for your Service Academy Application
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In this episode, we sit down with ACT Math Specialist Tony Miglio to delve into the intricate world of ACT Math preparation. Tony shares his insights and methods for success, with a particular emphasis on his specialized calculator course. If you're a high school student interested in earning a West Point, Air Force Academy, or Naval Academy appoin…
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Do the SAT & ACT Still Matter for Service Academy Applicants?
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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.…
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Lessons Learned from the 2022 to 2023 Service Academy Application Cycle
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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.By gainserviceacademyadmission
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The SAT versus the ACT and your Service Academy Application
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In this episode, we break down how to choose between the SAT and ACT, and the test's importance for your Service Academy application.By gainserviceacademyadmission
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How to Prepare for a Service Academy as a 9th or 10th Grader
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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 iss…
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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 di…
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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.By gainserviceacademyadmission
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DODMERB Disqualification and the Waiver Process
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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 S…
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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.By gainserviceacademyadmission
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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 P…
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Lessons Learned from Application Year 2021-2022
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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.By gainserviceacademyadmission
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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 pare…
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The Air Liaison Officer (ALO) and Air Force ROTC Cadre Member
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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.By gainserviceacademyadmission
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Space Force and the U.S. Air Force Academy
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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 cov…
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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.By gainserviceacademyadmission
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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 MarinesBy gainserviceacademyadmission
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Reflections of an Air Force Academy Applicant
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Captain Trish Penrod, US Air Force Academy class of 2009, reflects on her application process and lessons she learned from it.By gainserviceacademyadmission
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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…
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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. T…
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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 scholarshi…
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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 comm…
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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 …
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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 Servi…
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Doing a Year of College ROTC before a Service Academy
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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.By gainserviceacademyadmission
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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 CalculatorBy gainserviceacademyadmission
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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 fr…
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Getting into a Service Academy Prep School
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About 240 cadet or midshipmen candidates attend each of the three Service Academy prep schools every year. Of these 240 attendees, about 200 end up being selected to attend a Service Academy, getting us to the 80% acceptance rate. This episode will talk out these Prep Schools and who typically receives an appointment.…
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Women, the Service Academies and Military Service
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In this episode, the hosts interview Air Force Major Valerie "Twitch" Wetzbarger, fighter pilot and Director Operations of an F-35 training squadron at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. She gives her views on women officers in the Air Force and the military in general.By gainserviceacademyadmission
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Which Service Academy should a candidate apply for? The hosts explore this question and give insight on each military service and issues candidates should consider in making this decision.By gainserviceacademyadmission
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In this inaugural episode of the podcast, the hosts discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on Service Academy admission for the 2020-2021 application year. Areas discussed include SAT/ACT, application timelines, and video interview techniques.By gainserviceacademyadmission
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