<p>I think as you research each and visit, your choices will declare themselves. Apply to all that are of interest to you. Visiting each will help you to differentiate the differences between them, for despite many similarities, there are distinct differences between all three. </p>
<p>I am not sure how realistic it is to attend all three summer programs (you can certainly apply, but at least at USNA, it is a selective process)- but even attending one can give you an idea of what a military environment is like, at least during the academic years. </p>
<p>USNA’02 brings up a good point, in that it is good if you can give some thought as to where you want to end up- and USNA certainly offers you a land, sea and air option- but beyond that, chances are you will change your mind several times before deciding on what service community you want to join, and that happens well into your firstie (senior) year, and after you have gotten to experience each service community in the 3 years prior to that. So plenty of time to figure it all out.</p>
<p>But before you do any of the above, you need to 1. Prep, 2. Apply, and 3. Get an offer. Right now it would be in your best interest to concentrate on #1- prep, meaning grades, the right course work, leadership, physical conditioning, SAT/ACTs, etc; and add to that, doing the research suggested on what the academies have to offer. </p>
<p>I want to come back to your dancing. Certainly, dance can get you conditioned, for sure. But I am not sure how that will be viewed at USNA in particular; which is not to say you could make a case for dancing, but it is a very sports-centered environment. True, there are those that get appointments without a background in sports, but the majority come in with some sports background.</p>
<p>If your school does not offer some organized sports, then contact your YMCA- they might offer swimming, or your local PAL-they often host sports leagues (Soccer, basketball, lacrosse if you live in the north east)- but do what you can to join an organized sports team. Even the smallest of schools offer some type of sport- soccer, track- all worth investigating. </p>
<p>Civil air patrol- sounds good- you can also investigate JNROTC programs that might be offered in your area.</p>