Gain Service Academy Admission: Recent Episodes
gainserviceacademyadmission
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.
The Naval Academy Whole Person Multiple (WPM) is the formula that decides every appointment, and it was just published for the first time. LTC Kirkland and Trish Dach walk through every category the Naval Academy now weights publicly and explain what families should actually change in their preparation now that the guesswork about admissions is gone.
Watch on youtube to see graphics: https://youtu.be/6qylTVlpsUE?si=rYipt1hw-uMT-tZD&t=123
This episode covers:
- The 50/50 split between academics and leadership
- Why official recommendations are now worth 24 percent
- Why math test scores carry almost twice the weight of verbal
- How athletics extracurriculars edge out non-athletic activities
- The CFA retake window and its 2.5 percent swing
- How strategy should differ for a freshman versus a junior preparing to apply
They also explain what the Rand recommendation study showed about score clustering, why optional letters of recommendation should come from coaches and community leaders rather than distant senior figures, how to quantify leadership impact with real numbers in the application, and the three concrete changes families should make starting this week to reflect the published weights.
If you want to know exactly where your student stands and what needs to improve, reserve a Service Academy Admissions Assessment: https://calendly.com/trish-dach/strategy
LTC Kirkland and Dr. (COL) Cajigal break down the head and neck medical standards from DoDI 6130.03 that generate the most anxiety for Service Academy families. This episode covers eyes and vision, refractive error cutoffs, the spherical equivalent calculation, LASIK and PRK timing, keratoconus, color vision testing and service-by-service policies, ear tubes and hearing tests, chronic sinusitis versus routine sinus infections, braces and Invisalign timing (including the June 1 rule), and wisdom teeth. They explain what the standards actually say, how DoDMERB applies them, where families commonly misunderstand what is disqualifying, and why applicants should never delay medically appropriate treatment out of fear of DoDMERB. The eyes and vision section uses graphics and visual explanations. That portion is much easier to follow on screen. Watch the YouTube version for the vision segment: https://youtu.be/hptRgIJsRdQ?si=eE4Y73Ee3AE07d1d&t=240 If your family needs help navigating a DoDMERB disqualification or waiver, contact us about DoDMERB Consulting: https://dodmerbqualified.com/start
About DoDMERB Qualified:DoDMERB Qualified helps Service Academy and ROTC families navigate the DoDMERB medical qualification and waiver process. LTC Kirkland handles all family consultations. Dr. Cajigal reviews cases behind the scenes as the medical expert. Learn more at dodmerbqualified.com.
If your family is navigating DoDMERB, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is working the process the wrong way.
In this episode, LTC (Ret.) Rob Kirkland and COL (Ret.) Dr. Arthur Cajigal break down Mr. Larry Mullen’s well-known Applicant Reference Guide—the practical DoDMERB “do’s and don’ts” that help applicants and families work with the system instead of against it.
You’ll learn why the applicant should lead the process, how parents can support without taking over, what strong medical documentation actually looks like, why summary letters often fall short, how to think about DoDMETS vs. DMACS 2.0, and what families should avoid if they want to keep things moving.
In this episode:
• Why the applicant should lead communication with DoDMERB
• How parents can support without slowing things down
• What counts as a strong medical record submission
• Why summary letters often are not enough
• The difference between the DoDMETS portal and DMACS 2.0
• Why status updates can create panic if misunderstood
• Why timing matters in a first-in, first-out system
• Why asking “what are my chances?” usually leads nowhere
• What to do—and what NOT to do—to avoid unnecessary delays
📄 Download Mr. Mullen’s memo here:
https://dochub.com/m/shared-document/info-qxtcf1/7J4mQvgRvz0nB0mRj2pO5n/mullen-dodmerb-memo-pdf?dt=Q6vwTVr9wgKRivy4vr-u
If this episode helped, subscribe, share it with another Service Academy family, and send us your DoDMERB questions for future episodes.
If DoDMERB says "Disqualified," it can feel like the door just slammed shut. But for many competitive Service Academy applicants, that DQ is the start of the waiver review, not the end.
In this episode, LTC (Ret.) Rob Kirkland and COL (Ret.) Dr. Arthur Cajigal (former DoDMERB staff and Army ROTC Cadet Command surgeon) break down the waiver process from start to finish: who actually grants waivers, why documentation matters, what conditions tend to be waived, and what families can control to avoid delays.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- What DoDMERB does (and doesn't do)
- What a waiver really is, and who decides it
- Why being "considered for a waiver" is a big deal
- The questions waiver reviewers ask behind the scenes (deployment risk, recurrence, monitoring, sudden incapacitation)
- What "good medical documentation" actually looks like
- What to do (and what NOT to do) to keep your waiver timeline moving
BOOK A CONSULT:
Want a clear plan for your specific situation (records to pull, remedials, waiver strategy)? Start here:
https://www.dodmerbqualified.com/start
If this helped: Subscribe, share with a parent/applicant who needs it, and send us topics you want covered next.
If your student sees “Disqualified” on DoDMERB, that doesn’t automatically mean their Academy dream is over.
In this episode, Former DoDMERB Physician Dr. Arthur Cajigal breaks down what DoDMERB actually does, who makes decisions, and what happens next when a candidate is marked Qualified, Remedial, or Disqualified.
What you’ll learn today:
- What DoDMERB is (and what it’s not)
- The 3 outcomes: Qualified / Remedial / Disqualified
- Who can qualify you vs. who can disqualify you
- Why DoDMERB does NOT grant waivers
- Why honest medical disclosure matters (and protects your future)
Next episodes in this series: We’re going deep on WAIVERS—who grants them, how services assess risk, what families can/can’t control, and why two similar cases can have different outcomes.
Drop your DoDMERB question in the comments (asthma, ADHD, vision, ortho injuries, etc.). We’ll use your questions to guide the waiver episodes.
BOOK A CONSULT:
Want a clear plan for your specific situation (records to pull, remedials, waiver strategy)? Start here:
https://www.dodmerbqualified.com/start
If this helped, subscribe and share with another family navigating DoDMERB.
Military values like honor, integrity, and courage don’t matter much when everything is calm, supervised, and low-risk.
They matter when you’re tired, frustrated, authority is real, and nobody’s watching.
Today LTC Kirkland breaks down why military values only hold under pressure if they’ve been trained as habits, using Aristotle’s practical ethics as the framework. Aristotle didn’t treat virtue as a personal identity or something you “believe in.” He treated it like training: repetition, discipline, and practiced reps that show up automatically when stress hits.
We’ll also look at what military history shows happens when ethical discipline erodes over time—and why leaders don’t “rise to the occasion,” they default to habit.
What you’ll learn today:
- Why knowing the values ≠ living the values
- Aristotle’s “virtue as habit” (and why it’s deeply practical)
- How small decisions become “training reps” for character
- What command climate really means (what you correct vs. ignore)
- Why ethical failure creates strategic damage, not just personal consequences
If this helped, subscribe for Service Academy mentorship, leadership development, interviews, and application strategy.
Are you assuming “I’m a varsity athlete, so the Athlete piece is handled”? That assumption can cost you an appointment. For the Service Academies, being “athletic” isn’t just team participation—it’s quantifiable performance, leadership, and a smart plan to crush the CFA.
In this Academy-focused episode of our Scholar • Athlete • Leader series, retired Army officer LTC Rob Kirkland and former Air Force officer Trish Dach break down how academies actually evaluate your athletic profile, what percent of your Whole Candidate Score it can influence, and how to tell your story so the board moves your score up—even if you’re not a team captain. We also cover real-world CFA strategy, timelines, and injury-proof planning.
You’ll learn:
- Why athletics materially impact your Whole Candidate Score and how some academies weigh it (≈10–20%).
- The reality on recruited athletes (~18–23% of each class) vs. what every appointee must show.
- What counts as “elite” if your sport isn’t a school varsity (e.g., national rankings, Ironman, CrossFit).
- Exactly what’s on the CFA and where most candidates stumble.
- Practical minimums/safe lines for each CFA event—and why hitting only minimums can still fail you overall.
- How to write the “so what” so your resume earns extra manual points.
- Timing your tests to avoid injuries and deadline crunches.
Timestamps
- 0:00 – Intro & why “Athlete” matters at academies
- 3:20 – Leadership & lessons sports uniquely teach future officers
- 5:10 – Athlete share of the Whole Candidate Score (and why it’s non-negotiable)
- 6:20 – Varsity letters, captains, awards: the “gold standard”—and beyond
- 7:40 – Elite accomplishments outside school sports (what “wow” looks like)
- 10:58 – Integrity & estimating senior-year roles (what to list now)
- 12:50 – The “So What” box: how to quantify impact and stratify yourself
- 15:27 – No captains? Here’s how to prove leadership anyway
- 18:16 – Team vs. individual sports: how boards perceive them
- 19:53 – Starting late? Smart sport selection & runway planning
- 22:00 – CFA events overview & common failure points
- 23:55 – Passing standards, “safe lines,” and why minimums aren’t enough
- 26:01 – Retesting, seminars, and training timelines that work
- 31:40 – Injury-proof your app: test timing & deadline realities
- 33:00 – Final checklist to maximize your Athlete score
► CFA score planning & practice (take a practice test this week!)
► Book a 1:1 Academy strategy session to build your application plan and increase your chances of earning the appointment
Special Episode Worried the shutdown will derail your academy nomination or ROTC scholarship file? Take a breath. Academy admissions are operating close to normal. The friction is mainly in some congressional offices scheduling interviews and a few ROTC processing slowdowns at undermanned units and headquarters. If you are applying to both, here is what actually matters so you stay informed and calm.
What you will learn
• How the shutdown is affecting congressional nominations vs academy admissions
• What “slower, not stopped” looks like for ROTC processing by branch
• Why Jan 31, 2026 is still the nomination deadline that counts
• Competitive vs less competitive districts and what that means for interviews
• How ROTC boards have shifted and may shift in the future
"The red flag you're looking for is 'complete and on hold.' If you're not paying attention, you could be in this status for MONTHS..."
The new DoDMERB medical qualification process for Service Academies and ROTC Scholarships has rolled out, and frankly, it's causing a lot of confusion and delays. With two separate systems, DMACS 2.0 and DODMETS, candidates are getting stuck in bottlenecks without realizing it.
In this deep dive, we break down the new 8-step process, expose the critical disconnects between the systems, and give you the exact steps to take to stay on track. We'll show you how to be proactive, advocate for yourself, and avoid the common pitfalls that will sideline other applicants.
In This Video, You'll Learn:
- The critical difference between the new DMACS and DODMETS systems.
- Step-by-step instructions for navigating the entire medical qualification process.
- The #1 status alert ("Complete and On Hold") that means your application is stuck.
- What to do when the system fails and how to contact the right people.
- How to manage your waiver process through the new DMACS portal.
➡️ RESOURCES
- Get our DoDMERB guide on Amazon
- Subscribe for more insider tips on Service Academy & ROTC admissions.
Work with us: We’ve helped hundreds get qualified or win waivers. Planning session & full-service options: DoDMERBQualified.com
Discover which congressional districts in America are the most competitive for securing a nomination to West Point.
In this in-depth analysis, LTC Kirkland and Trish Dach break down the data on 69 of the toughest districts, exploring how geography, income, military presence, and local culture shape the nomination process.
Learn about the four main types of competitive districts, from wealthy suburban metros to military-adjacent communities and legacy-heavy regions.
The video also highlights notable absences, such as San Francisco, and explains why some high-income areas don’t make the list.
Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, this video offers valuable insights and strategies for navigating the nomination process, understanding your district’s landscape, and maximizing your chances of success.
Perfect for anyone interested in service academy admissions, ROTC scholarships, or the intersection of education and public service. Here is the full list of the most competitive districts for West Point last year (the Class of 2029):
AK — BEGICH
AL-05 — STRONG
CA-27 — WHITESIDES
CA-36 — LIEU
CA-40 — KIM
CA-45 — TRAN
CA-47 — MIN
CA-49 — LEVIN
CA-50 — PETERS
CO-02 — NEGUSE
CO-04 — LOPEZ
CO-05 — LAMBORN
CO-07 — PETTERSEN
CT-04 — HIMES
DE-AL — BLUNT ROCHESTER
FL-01 — GAETZ
FL-05 — RUTHERFORD
FL-14 — CASTOR
FL-15 — LEE
FL-16 — BUCHANAN
FL-17 — STEUBE
FL-19 — DONALDS
FL-25 — WASSERMAN SCHULTZ
GA-03 — FERGUSON
GA-04 — JOHNSON
GA-07 — MCBATH
GA-11 — LOUDERMILK
HI-02 — TOKUDA
ID-02 — SIMPSON
IL-10 — SCHNEIDER
KS-03 — DAVIDS
KY-04 — MASSIE
MA-04 — AUCHINCLOSS
MA-05 — CLARK
MA-09 — KEATING
MD-01 — HARRIS
MD-03 — ELFRETH
MD-05 — HOYER
MD-08 — RASKIN
NJ-02 — VAN DREW
NJ-03 — CONAWAY
NJ-05 — GOTTHEIMER
NJ-07 — KEAN
NJ-11 — SHERRILL
NY-03 — SUOZZI
NY-17 — LAWLER
NY-18 — RYAN
NY-23 — LANGWORTHY
OH-01 — LANDSMAN
PA-01 — FITZPATRICK
PA-05 — SCANLON
PA-06 — HOULAHAN
TN-03 — FLEISCHMANN
TN-05 — OGLES
TX-03 — SELF
TX-04 — FALLON
TX-20 — CASTRO
TX-22 — NEHLS
TX-23 — GONZALES
TX-24 — VAN DUYNE
TX-25 — WILLIAMS
TX-26 — GILL
TX-31 — CARTER
TX-37 — DOGGETT
TX-38 — HUNT
VA-08 — BEYER
VA-10 — SUBRAMANYAM
VA-11 — CONNOLLY
The era of self-reporting your medical history to DoDMERB is officially over. The new DMACS 2.0 system now connects to civilian medical and prescription databases, and they are no longer just taking your word for it.
In this urgent update, we expose the biggest change to the Service Academy medical clearance process in a generation. We break down exactly how this new system, MHS Genesis, accesses your records and what it means for your application.
If you have ever been prescribed ADHD medication, seen a specialist, or even visited an ER, this is information you need to know now.
📊 KEY REVELATIONS IN THIS EPISODE:
- The end of the "honor system" for medical disclosures.
- How DMACS 2.0 and MHS Genesis automatically pull your civilian medical and prescription history.
- Why disqualifications are expected to increase and what this means for waivers.
- The truth about trying to "beat the system" by opting out of health exchanges (and why it's a terrible idea).
GET EXPERT GUIDANCE ON YOUR MEDICAL JOURNEY:
✅ DoDMERB Disqualification & Waiver Help: https://www.dodmerbqualified.com/
✅ Dept. of Defense Instruction 6130.03 (Medical Standards): https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003_vol01.pdf
Rejection from West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy or any U.S. service academy can feel devastating—but it doesn’t have to be the end. In this powerful episode of Academy and ROTC Insiders, Trisha and Lieutenant Colonel Kirkland walk you through exactly what to do after receiving a "thin white envelope" (TWE) and how to reapply with confidence and a stronger application.
📌 In This Episode, You'll Learn:
- Why rejection isn’t failure—and how 25-35% of academy appointees are reapplicants
- Common reasons candidates are turned down (SAT/ACT scores, nominations, fitness scores, etc.)
- Real strategies to improve your Whole Candidate Score and stand out
- How to use ROTC as a powerful reapplication pathway
- What NOT to do when you join an ROTC unit H
- ow to build your freshman college curriculum to mirror academy rigor
- The mindset shift that sets successful reapplicants apart
🎯 Whether you're a first-time applicant or planning your reapplication strategy, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you bounce back stronger and earn your commission.
👇 Resources Mentioned:
- Schedule a Strategy Session
- Read our books on Academy admissions
Don't forget to subscribe for more guidance, tips, and insider knowledge to help you earn your academy appointment.
Are you applying to a military service academy or ROTC program? Understanding the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) process is CRUCIAL to your success. In this comprehensive guide, Lt. Col. Kirkland and Trish Dach break down the entire process from start to finish.
What you'll learn:
• What DoDMERB is and how it works
• The complete 10-step qualification process
• How to research potential disqualifications BEFORE you apply
• The medical exam process and what to expect
• What happens if you're disqualified and how to pursue a waiver
• 7 CRITICAL steps to maximize your chances of qualification
• Common disqualifications and which ones can typically be waived
Whether you're concerned about asthma, ADHD, orthopedic injuries, or other medical conditions, this guide will help you understand your options. We explain everything from completing your medical history questionnaire to appealing waiver denials if necessary.
Don't let medical disqualifications end your military career before it begins! With proper planning and knowledge of the process, many candidates successfully obtain waivers and achieve their goals.
Check out our comprehensive DoDMERB book on Amazon for even more details:
https://amzn.to/42MFiKD
Book a consultation with us if you need personalized guidance: https://www.gainserviceacademyadmission.com/dodmerb/
Curious about the U.S. Coast Guard Academy? In this episode, we take a deep dive into what it takes to earn an appointment.
Learn how the Coast Guard Academy’s admissions process stands out from the other service academies, like West Point, the Naval Academy, or the Air Force Academy. From GPA requirements to SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular activities, and the Cadet Candidate Evaluation Board, we’ve got you covered!
📖 Sneak Peek: Our new book on the Coast Guard Academy is officially released! Grab a copy of the book here: bit.ly/coastguardacademybook 🎯
Key Takeaways:
- No nomination process—apply directly!
- Academics are crucial: ~80% of the evaluation is based on GPA, class rigor, and SAT/ACT scores.
- Admissions is competitive: ~20% acceptance rate.
- Prep school options and how they impact your chances.
- Physical fitness test details (no pull-ups, but a 1.5-mile run, sit-ups, and cadence push-ups).
- Tips for writing essays and acing the interview.
Join hosts LTC Rob Kirkland and Trish Dach as they share expert insights into the admissions process—and today, a special focus on the often-overlooked Merchant Marine Academy.
In this episode, we shine a spotlight on why the Merchant Marine Academy can be a smart choice for high-performing students who excel academically but may not be strong test-takers. With a higher acceptance rate compared to other service academies and unique nomination processes, it’s worth considering if you’re aiming for a career at sea.
We’ll cover critical topics like how nominations work, the breakdown of competitive scores, and why extracurricular activities with military connections matter. If you're interested in learning how to stand out in the application process, especially with upcoming changes in the admissions landscape, you won’t want to miss this episode.
Stay tuned for our upcoming book, Secrets of Merchant Marine Academy Admissions. Make sure to sign up for the waitlist below to get notified as soon as it’s available.
Join the waitlist here.
As always, we’re here to guide you through every step of the academy admissions process. Subscribe now to stay updated on all things related to service academy admissions.
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.
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.
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 strong as possible and listen to additional examples of answers from real students, take our USAFA Interview Course.
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.
In today's episode, we give feedback on 5 examples of interview questions and answers from West Point candidates.
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.
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!
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&
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...
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
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.
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.
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 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 Military Officer Coaching Course which will launch on March 6, 2023.
Service Academy - https://bit.ly/AcademyReady
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 process.
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 Force Academy as well as his current duties in Space Force.
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 Cadet Programs for Delaware Wing, LtCol John Lierenz.
Show Notes
Show Transcript
Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program Website
Civil Air Patrol Unit Locator
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 military officer ethos and showing how you embody these characteristics is the cornerstone of successfully preparing for and succeeding in your application essays and interviews.
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, we interview a recent graduate who is an active duty Naval Surface Warfare Officer.
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 authority for a Service Academy to consider a candidate for appointment.
In this episode, we will look at gaining a nomination through a Member of Congress
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 Point.
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.
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.
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.
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.