<p>I’m also a candidate to the USNA, and had actually never really heard about the academy until my sophomore year. I instantly fell in love- I had been looking at a lot of colleges and when I came across the naval academy something clicked- I felt differently about it than I had any other school and pretty much became obsessed to tell you the truth. Simply having the motivation to attend an academy helped me keep up my grades and ECA’s. </p>
<p>One thing that I think is important to look at from your son’s point of view is his motivation to attend a service academy. I don’t come from a military background and my parents were a little skeptical as well. However, I did a ton of research; I took the initiative to find out all that I could about the academy. I think ( and people stress this over and over ) that the kid really has to be the driving force in the matter. It is great to have the parents’ support- that is something that can’t be taken for granted. However, your son has to want it more than anything, because that’s what it takes. </p>
<p>Another important thing is to stay on top of his academics and extra-curriculars, but don’t schedule them for him ( this is coming from experience ). I have a lot of friends whose parents were down their throats when it came to getting good grades and getting into that certain school. By senior year, the kid doesn’t care because they have no true motivation.</p>
<p>JJ2016 - it sounds to me like you are doing an excellent job-and your son doesn’t sound like a slug to me. Besides- a lot of things can change between 8th grade and junior/senior year when he begins the service academy process (ex: I used to want to be a zoologist, now I have my heart set on Naval Aviation). Keep up the good work, and best of luck to your son!</p>