<p>As was already mentioned, you need to participate in activities and such that you truly are interested in. You shouldn’t be joining sports, clubs, etc… to fill a “Square” to get into one of the academies. If you join team sports just to cover a square, then you may get an appointment but you probably won’t like being at the academy. The academies want people who participate in team sports, leadership in clubs, challenging classes, boys/girls state, etc… because those are the “Type of people” that they want in the academy.</p>
<p>Realize that going to any of the academies and getting an education is NOT the objective of the Army/Air Force/Navy/Coast Guard. Their objective is to train leaders of men/woman to be in the military and ultimately protect and defend the constitution of the United States. They’re looking for a certain type of team player, leader, follower, etc… It requires a certain type of person. If you aren’t into team sports or certain leadership type roles, then you really need to think hard about going to the academy. </p>
<p>There are way too many people who see the academy as a way to get a college education. Their attitude is that they get a semi-free education, and in return they serve the military for 5 years. The attitude SHOULD be just the opposite. You want to be a military officer. Possibly serve as a career. Wanting to protect and defend the constitution and the citizens of our country. AND IN RETURN, the government will pay for your college education. It’s all a matter of the glass being half full or half empty. In this case, viewing it one way is definitely wrong.</p>
<p>This is not to say which category you are in. Only you know that. But the advice given about doing the clubs, classes, leadership positions, that you have a desire for is what is important. Which ones you do are not important. My son didn’t have a long list of activities. He’s played 4 years of varsity letter sports in 2 sports. He was selected for boy’s state. National Honor Society. IB program/classes. Volunteer time. Held some class officer positions. That’s about it. He received his appointment a couple of months ago. He never did boy scouts, CAP, JROTC, or anything like that. Not what he’s into. Not enough time to do everything. </p>
<p>I am friends with some ALO’s and they aren’t stupid. They know that if you are involved in “A LOT” of different activities, then it’s possible that you may not be excelling in any of them. If you have excellent grades in “Challenging Classes”, play varsity sports, have held some leadership positions in some activities or sports, and have community service/volunteer/civic involvement, then that is what they want to see. Too much of any or all areas doesn’t look any better to them. In some cases it could even bring up questions and doubts by the ALO during their review and interview process. Just be passionate at what you do and do it the best you can. That’s all you need to worry about. Good luck.</p>