If you're confident that a career in the military is in your future, then applying to one of the five US military academies may be an option to consider. But first, you should get to know the aspects of applying to a military academy that are different from the average college admission process.

In addition to getting good grades, taking standardized tests, getting recommendation letters and writing essays, military academy applicants must also take additional steps.

"First, students are pre-screened with a questionnaire to ensure they meet basic academic, leadership and moral requirements; if a student passes the first stage, they become a candidate (applicant)," explains Lisa Hillhouse, who spent 20 years mentoring and recruiting officer candidates for the United States Air Force Academy and Air Force ROTC before starting Hillhouse College and Career Advising.

Some other important differences include the following:

• Each military academy has its own application. You won't be able to apply to a military academy using the Common Application.
• Candidates must pass a physical fitness test.
• Candidates must pass the DoDMERB (The Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board) physical examination.
• Most military academies require (or strongly recommend) an interview.
• Military academies require a Congressional nomination, "with the exception of the Coast Guard Academy," Hillhouse says. She notes that there are other nomination sources in certain cases. For instance, "military ROTC students can get nominations, or military dependents or enlisted members of the military."

These Are the Five Academies

When you start reviewing your options, you'll note that the five military academies in the US are as follows:

• The United States Military Academy (USMA)
• The United States Naval Academy (USNA)
• The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)
• The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA)
• The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA)

If you're checking these schools out, remember that there's an expectation that you're certain you want a military career.

"The academies really require and expect demonstrated interest on the part of the candidate — they really want to see that you've researched this and you know what a military career is and you know why this is a good fit for you, and you know what you want to do in the military," says Hillhouse. "Because of the academic, mental and physical challenges, students need to want to attend and succeed with their whole heart. Sometimes appointed students think they will 'try it out' over the summer. If you are half in, you won't last."

Also, it's important to remember that being a student at a military academy is a very different experience than that of a typical college student.

"Students give up the typical freedoms college students have," notes Hillhouse. "There are conduct and fitness standards to maintain as well. Cadets/midshipmen begin their training within weeks of high school graduation and train throughout the year including most of the summers."

Avoid This Misconception

One big misconception among students and parents is that attending a military academy is free, as in a "free ride," but Hillhouse explains that in reality, that is not completely accurate.

"While most of your expenses are covered, there are some out-of-pocket costs such as grooming, uniform maintenance and miscellaneous fees such as a computer," Hillhouse says.

Obviously, making the decision to apply to a military academy should not be based exclusively on cost. It is a serious decision, and what life will be like as a student at a military academy -- as well as the future of a military career -- should the guiding force of whether to apply.

A military career isn't for everyone, but if you know that is your path, do your research to find the right fit, and work diligently to meet not just the standard college admission requirements for any higher education institution, but also strive to excel all of the other additional criteria to increase your chance of admission to a military service academy.

Share Your Thoughts

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Check out our forum to contribute to the conversation!