United States Service Academies
GBN Students Interested In The U.S. Service Academies
The primary mission of all service academies is to produce high-quality, career-oriented officers for the United States military. Gaining acceptance to a military academy will require considerable work for you and those supporting you. It is wise for you to thoroughly research the service academy option early on in the process.
As a potential academy student you are encouraged to read the following (applicable) books:
- The Air Force Academy Candidate Book
- The Naval Academy Candidate Book
- The West Point Academy Candidate Book
*These books can be ordered from amazon.com for around $15.00 and up.
You are also encouraged to learn more about academy and military life by:
- Studying the web pages for each academy
- Requesting and reading each academy’s literature
- Talking with military officers, active or retired
- Talking with current academy students
- Visiting at least one academy to get a sense of lifestyle and expectations
Attributes:
Physical Fitness
- You must pass a rigorous physical fitness exam and show evidence of athletic ability and a personal commitment to physical fitness. Some of the academies also have height and weight restrictions.
Leadership
- You must show evidence of leadership ability through activities in your school, church, and community.
Academics and Test Scores
- Each academy has specific requirements for admissions. It is in your best interest to familiarize yourself with those requirements early in your high school career. This ensures that you will qualify when you are ready to apply.
Mental Toughness
- Do you have what it takes to survive your first year in the academy? Upperclassmen will try to break you. They will be in your face, looking for your weaknesses and vulnerabilities. The stress will be incredible. You will be given more work than you can possibly complete. You will be better prepared for this stress if you read the books describing this process, visit the academies to witness it first hand, and talk with others that have experienced it. You must be determined and tough-minded in order to survive it. A cadet visiting Glenbrook North once responded after being asked the question regarding the toughness of what is known as pleb year but saying, “that in order to be a leader, one must first learn to follow”.
Academy | Requirements |
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U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY |
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U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD |
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U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY |
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U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO |
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U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT |
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Nomination Process
Please access the following websites to learn more about and to begin the nomination process from Illinois Senate member, House member, and/or the Vice-President of the United States. Students should contact both Illinois Senators, but only the House member for his/her district.
Illinois Senators
District House Members
District #9: Jan Schakowsky
District #10: Brad Schneider
Vice President of U.S.