Gain Service Academy Admission

ATHLETE: Think Varsity Is Enough? Why Academies Say “Prove It”

Are you assuming “I’m a varsity athlete, so the Athlete piece is handled”? That assumption can cost you an appointment. For the Service Academies, being “athletic” isn’t just team participation—it’s quantifiable performance, leadership, and a smart plan to crush the CFA.

In this Academy-focused episode of our Scholar • Athlete • Leader series, retired Army officer LTC Rob Kirkland and former Air Force officer Trish Dach break down how academies actually evaluate your athletic profile, what percent of your Whole Candidate Score it can influence, and how to tell your story so the board moves your score up—even if you’re not a team captain. We also cover real-world CFA strategy, timelines, and injury-proof planning.

You’ll learn:

• Why athletics materially impact your Whole Candidate Score and how some academies weigh it (≈10–20%).
• The reality on recruited athletes (~18–23% of each class) vs. what every appointee must show.
• What counts as “elite” if your sport isn’t a school varsity (e.g., national rankings, Ironman, CrossFit).
• Exactly what’s on the CFA and where most candidates stumble.
• Practical minimums/safe lines for each CFA event—and why hitting only minimums can still fail you overall.
• How to write the “so what” so your resume earns extra manual points.
• Timing your tests to avoid injuries and deadline crunches.

Timestamps

• 0:00 – Intro & why “Athlete” matters at academies
• 3:20 – Leadership & lessons sports uniquely teach future officers
• 5:10 – Athlete share of the Whole Candidate Score (and why it’s non-negotiable)
• 6:20 – Varsity letters, captains, awards: the “gold standard”—and beyond
• 7:40 – Elite accomplishments outside school sports (what “wow” looks like)
• 10:58 – Integrity & estimating senior-year roles (what to list now)
• 12:50 – The “So What” box: how to quantify impact and stratify yourself
• 15:27 – No captains? Here’s how to prove leadership anyway
• 18:16 – Team vs. individual sports: how boards perceive them
• 19:53 – Starting late? Smart sport selection & runway planning
• 22:00 – CFA events overview & common failure points
• 23:55 – Passing standards, “safe lines,” and why minimums aren’t enough
• 26:01 – Retesting, seminars, and training timelines that work
• 31:40 – Injury-proof your app: test timing & deadline realities
• 33:00 – Final checklist to maximize your Athlete score

► CFA score planning & practice (take a practice test this week!)
► Book a 1:1 Academy strategy session to build your application plan and increase your chances of earning the appointment

2025 Government Shutdown Update: Academy Nominations & ROTC Scholarship Boards

*Special Episode* Worried the shutdown will derail your academy nomination or ROTC scholarship file? Take a breath. Academy admissions are operating close to normal. The friction is mainly in some congressional offices scheduling interviews and a few ROTC processing slowdowns at undermanned units and headquarters. If you are applying to both, here is what actually matters so you stay informed and calm.

What you will learn
• How the shutdown is affecting congressional nominations vs academy admissions
• What “slower, not stopped” looks like for ROTC processing by branch
• Why Jan 31, 2026 is still the nomination deadline that counts
• Competitive vs less competitive districts and what that means for interviews
• How ROTC boards have shifted and may shift in the future

Navigating the New DoDMERB Medical System - Steps to Getting Qualified! DMACS 2.0

"The red flag you're looking for is 'complete and on hold.' If you're not paying attention, you could be in this status for MONTHS..."

The new DoDMERB medical qualification process for Service Academies and ROTC Scholarships has rolled out, and frankly, it's causing a lot of confusion and delays. With two separate systems, DMACS 2.0 and DODMETS, candidates are getting stuck in bottlenecks without realizing it.

In this deep dive, we break down the new 8-step process, expose the critical disconnects between the systems, and give you the exact steps to take to stay on track. We'll show you how to be proactive, advocate for yourself, and avoid the common pitfalls that will sideline other applicants.

 In This Video, You'll Learn:

• The critical difference between the new DMACS and DODMETS systems.
• Step-by-step instructions for navigating the entire medical qualification process.
• The #1 status alert ("Complete and On Hold") that means your application is stuck.
• What to do when the system fails and how to contact the right people.
• How to manage your waiver process through the new DMACS portal.

➡️ RESOURCES

• Get our DoDMERB guide on Amazon
• Subscribe for more insider tips on Service Academy & ROTC admissions.

Work with us: We’ve helped hundreds get qualified or win waivers. Planning session & full-service options: DoDMERBQualified.com

The 69 Most Competitive Congressional Nomination Districts for Getting Into West Point

Discover which congressional districts in America are the most competitive for securing a nomination to West Point.

In this in-depth analysis, LTC Kirkland and Trish Dach break down the data on 69 of the toughest districts, exploring how geography, income, military presence, and local culture shape the nomination process.

Learn about the four main types of competitive districts, from wealthy suburban metros to military-adjacent communities and legacy-heavy regions.

The video also highlights notable absences, such as San Francisco, and explains why some high-income areas don’t make the list.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, this video offers valuable insights and strategies for navigating the nomination process, understanding your district’s landscape, and maximizing your chances of success.

Perfect for anyone interested in service academy admissions, ROTC scholarships, or the intersection of education and public service. Here is the full list of the most competitive districts for West Point last year (the Class of 2029):

AK — BEGICH
AL-05 — STRONG

CA-27 — WHITESIDES
CA-36 — LIEU
CA-40 — KIM
CA-45 — TRAN
CA-47 — MIN
CA-49 — LEVIN
CA-50 — PETERS

CO-02 — NEGUSE
CO-04 — LOPEZ
CO-05 — LAMBORN
CO-07 — PETTERSEN

CT-04 — HIMES

DE-AL — BLUNT ROCHESTER

FL-01 — GAETZ
FL-05 — RUTHERFORD
FL-14 — CASTOR
FL-15 — LEE
FL-16 — BUCHANAN
FL-17 — STEUBE
FL-19 — DONALDS
FL-25 — WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

GA-03 — FERGUSON
GA-04 — JOHNSON
GA-07 — MCBATH
GA-11 — LOUDERMILK

HI-02 — TOKUDA

ID-02 — SIMPSON

IL-10 — SCHNEIDER

KS-03 — DAVIDS

KY-04 — MASSIE

MA-04 — AUCHINCLOSS
MA-05 — CLARK
MA-09 — KEATING

MD-01 — HARRIS
MD-03 — ELFRETH
MD-05 — HOYER
MD-08 — RASKIN

NJ-02 — VAN DREW
NJ-03 — CONAWAY
NJ-05 — GOTTHEIMER
NJ-07 — KEAN
NJ-11 — SHERRILL

NY-03 — SUOZZI
NY-17 — LAWLER
NY-18 — RYAN
NY-23 — LANGWORTHY

OH-01 — LANDSMAN

PA-01 — FITZPATRICK
PA-05 — SCANLON
PA-06 — HOULAHAN

TN-03 — FLEISCHMANN
TN-05 — OGLES

TX-03 — SELF
TX-04 — FALLON
TX-20 — CASTRO
TX-22 — NEHLS
TX-23 — GONZALES
TX-24 — VAN DUYNE
TX-25 — WILLIAMS
TX-26 — GILL
TX-31 — CARTER
TX-37 — DOGGETT
TX-38 — HUNT

VA-08 — BEYER
VA-10 — SUBRAMANYAM
VA-11 — CONNOLLY

Service Academy Medicals: Self Reporting is Over? DoDMERB Just Changed EVERYTHING with DMACS 2.0

The era of self-reporting your medical history to DoDMERB is officially over. The new DMACS 2.0 system now connects to civilian medical and prescription databases, and they are no longer just taking your word for it.

In this urgent update, we expose the biggest change to the Service Academy medical clearance process in a generation. We break down exactly how this new system, MHS Genesis, accesses your records and what it means for your application.

If you have ever been prescribed ADHD medication, seen a specialist, or even visited an ER, this is information you need to know now.

📊 KEY REVELATIONS IN THIS EPISODE:

• The end of the "honor system" for medical disclosures.
• How DMACS 2.0 and MHS Genesis automatically pull your civilian medical and prescription history.
• Why disqualifications are expected to increase and what this means for waivers.
• The truth about trying to "beat the system" by opting out of health exchanges (and why it's a terrible idea).

GET EXPERT GUIDANCE ON YOUR MEDICAL JOURNEY:

✅ DoDMERB Disqualification & Waiver Help: https://www.dodmerbqualified.com/

✅ Dept. of Defense Instruction 6130.03 (Medical Standards): https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003_vol01.pdf

 

Rejected from a Service Academy? Here's EXACTLY How to Reapply and WIN the Appointment!

Rejection from West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy or any U.S. service academy can feel devastating—but it doesn’t have to be the end. In this powerful episode of Academy and ROTC Insiders, Trisha and Lieutenant Colonel Kirkland walk you through exactly what to do after receiving a "thin white envelope" (TWE) and how to reapply with confidence and a stronger application.

📌 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why rejection isn’t failure—and how 25-35% of academy appointees are reapplicants
• Common reasons candidates are turned down (SAT/ACT scores, nominations, fitness scores, etc.)
• Real strategies to improve your Whole Candidate Score and stand out
• How to use ROTC as a powerful reapplication pathway
• What NOT to do when you join an ROTC unit H
• ow to build your freshman college curriculum to mirror academy rigor
• The mindset shift that sets successful reapplicants apart

🎯 Whether you're a first-time applicant or planning your reapplication strategy, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you bounce back stronger and earn your commission.

👇 Resources Mentioned: 

• Schedule a Strategy Session
• Read our books on Academy admissions

Don't forget to subscribe for more guidance, tips, and insider knowledge to help you earn your academy appointment. 

How to overcome a DoDMERB Disqualification

Are you applying to a military service academy or ROTC program? Understanding the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) process is CRUCIAL to your success. In this comprehensive guide, Lt. Col. Kirkland and Trish Dach break down the entire process from start to finish.

What you'll learn:
• What DoDMERB is and how it works
• The complete 10-step qualification process
• How to research potential disqualifications BEFORE you apply
• The medical exam process and what to expect
• What happens if you're disqualified and how to pursue a waiver
• 7 CRITICAL steps to maximize your chances of qualification
• Common disqualifications and which ones can typically be waived

Whether you're concerned about asthma, ADHD, orthopedic injuries, or other medical conditions, this guide will help you understand your options. We explain everything from completing your medical history questionnaire to appealing waiver denials if necessary.

Don't let medical disqualifications end your military career before it begins! With proper planning and knowledge of the process, many candidates successfully obtain waivers and achieve their goals.

 

Check out our comprehensive DoDMERB book on Amazon for even more details:

https://amzn.to/42MFiKD  

 

Book a consultation with us if you need personalized guidance: https://www.gainserviceacademyadmission.com/dodmerb/

How to Get Into the Coast Guard Academy

Curious about the U.S. Coast Guard Academy? In this episode, we take a deep dive into what it takes to earn an appointment.

Learn how the Coast Guard Academy’s admissions process stands out from the other service academies, like West Point, the Naval Academy, or the Air Force Academy. From GPA requirements to SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular activities, and the Cadet Candidate Evaluation Board, we’ve got you covered!

📖 Sneak Peek: Our new book on the Coast Guard Academy is officially released! Grab a copy of the book here: bit.ly/coastguardacademybook 🎯

Key Takeaways:

• No nomination process—apply directly!
• Academics are crucial: ~80% of the evaluation is based on GPA, class rigor, and SAT/ACT scores.
• Admissions is competitive: ~20% acceptance rate.
• Prep school options and how they impact your chances.
• Physical fitness test details (no pull-ups, but a 1.5-mile run, sit-ups, and cadence push-ups).
• Tips for writing essays and acing the interview.

How the Merchant Marine Academy Chooses Students

Join hosts LTC Rob Kirkland and Trish Dach as they share expert insights into the admissions process—and today, a special focus on the often-overlooked Merchant Marine Academy.

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on why the Merchant Marine Academy can be a smart choice for high-performing students who excel academically but may not be strong test-takers. With a higher acceptance rate compared to other service academies and unique nomination processes, it’s worth considering if you’re aiming for a career at sea.

We’ll cover critical topics like how nominations work, the breakdown of competitive scores, and why extracurricular activities with military connections matter. If you're interested in learning how to stand out in the application process, especially with upcoming changes in the admissions landscape, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Stay tuned for our upcoming book, Secrets of Merchant Marine Academy Admissions. Make sure to sign up for the waitlist below to get notified as soon as it’s available.

Join the waitlist here.

As always, we’re here to guide you through every step of the academy admissions process. Subscribe now to stay updated on all things related to service academy admissions.

Is the Naval Academy going rogue?

In this episode, we discuss trends we are seeing with Naval Academy admissions.

Bottom line: there is evidence that Naval Academy admissions is choosing candidates according to unknown guidelines, instead of who Members of Congress pick or who the most qualified candidate in the district is according to the legacy Whole Person Multiple.