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Gain Service Academy Admission

Education Podcasts

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.

Location:

United States

Description:

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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Many highly qualified 2028 USNA candidates were turned down: Why?

4/23/2024
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 the 1200 slots this year were given to candidates who were on their second application: NAPS students, Foundation students, and college students. We go into what this means for high school seniors and reapplicants in this week's episode.

Duration:00:21:53

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Pass or Fail? Feedback on West Point Interview Answers from Real Candidates

4/3/2024
In today's episode, we give feedback on 5 examples of interview questions and answers from West Point candidates.

Duration:00:22:58

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Big Changes to the Service Academy Nomination Process

3/31/2024
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. The list of Qualified Alternates is expanding from 150 to 200 for each Service Academy. For our show on SAT/ACT scores, watch this episode.

Duration:00:14:12

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Sea Cadets: Build a Service Academy Leadership Profile

3/4/2024
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 here: https://magellan.seacadets.org/referral.aspx Best of luck in your Service Academy and ROTC scholarship journey!

Duration:00:31:26

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Allergies & DoDMERB: Perspective from a Retired Air Force Allergist for Academy Candidates

2/19/2024
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 to food. You can read the Department of Defense Instruction 6130.03 (or DoDI6130.03) here: https://www.gainserviceacademyadmission.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/613003_vol1.pdf We also discuss the DoDMERB waiver process more in depth in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS3T6kVyLqQ&

Duration:00:35:00

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Improving your SAT Math with Vinny Madera

10/23/2023
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 push your score higher, this episode is a must-listen! Connect with Vinny Madera for personalized SAT tutoring**: https://testprepwizards.com/ If you're aiming for a Service Academy, understanding SAT requirements is crucial. Check out our detailed breakdown of SAT score requirements for Service Academies here: https://www.gainserviceacademyadmissi...

Duration:00:39:14

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ACT Math with Specialist Tony Miglio: Preparing for your Service Academy Application

8/10/2023
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 appointment or a parent keen to help your child succeed, you'll find a treasure trove of actionable strategies in this conversation. Resources to connect with Tony: Learn strategies to tackle the calculator portion of the ACT NKYtutoring.com nkytutoring@gmail.com 859-835-1900

Duration:00:31:16

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Do the SAT & ACT Still Matter for Service Academy Applicants?

6/23/2023
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.

Duration:00:19:47

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Teacher Evaluations 101 for Service Academy Applicants

4/27/2023
Teacher evaluations can confuse candidates. Who can write that evaluation? What is exactly in the evaluation? In this episode, we break down exactly what your teachers will be asked and how to maximize your relationships.

Duration:00:33:17

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Lessons Learned from the 2022 to 2023 Service Academy Application Cycle

4/26/2023
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.

Duration:00:21:47

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The SAT versus the ACT and your Service Academy Application

4/18/2023
In this episode, we break down how to choose between the SAT and ACT, and the test's importance for your Service Academy application.

Duration:00:28:49

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How to Prepare for a Service Academy as a 9th or 10th Grader

2/27/2023
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 to become responsible and empathetic leaders who are committed to serving their country. In this episode, the hosts discuss how to best do this. Below is the link for our new 9th and 10th Grade subscription-based Military Officer Coaching Course which will launch on March 6, 2023. We will have new videos available each week. Service Academy - https://bit.ly/AcademyReady

Duration:00:45:06

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The Whole Person Concept

2/15/2023
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.

Duration:00:39:20

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ROTC and JROTC Nominations

10/20/2022
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.

Duration:00:31:36

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DODMERB Disqualification and the Waiver Process

10/4/2022
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

Duration:00:52:55

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Candidate Extracurricular Activities

9/27/2022
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.

Duration:00:44:32

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Intercollegiate Athletics

9/23/2022
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

Duration:00:46:06

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Lessons Learned from Application Year 2021-2022

4/26/2022
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.

Duration:00:51:07

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The Blue and Gold Officer

1/14/2022
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 process.

Duration:00:57:36

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The Air Liaison Officer (ALO) and Air Force ROTC Cadre Member

1/10/2022
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.

Duration:00:49:46