<p>The other aspect about planning for an application to a service academy should include your alternative choices or fall back plans. Many outstanding candidates do not make the final cut for a host a reasons, many of which may or may not be under their control. Don’t leave your back up plans for last and focus all your energy on one choice. </p>
<p>If you read through some of the posts on this site and others you will hear things like “I wish I had…” or “I should have…”. Planning for the potential that you may not get in is not defeatist, it’s prudent and realistic, it’s also demonstrates a thoughtful approach towards planning your future; to a BGO interviewing you or anyone that may ask: “what are you going to do if”?. </p>
<p>Look at all your choices and keep an open mind, you never know what life may throw at you. You may want to apply for a ROTC scholarship, and if you really want a military education, look at service academy alternates like VMI or the Citadel, even "in between choices like Virginia Tech and Texas A&M that both have a Corps of Cadets.</p>