Once in a Lifetime (Summer) Experiences

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“Candidates” of USNA’s Summer Seminar in action. (Photo creds: USNA)

Juniors and underclassmen, it’s never too early to start considering what colleges you’d like to apply to. There are two types of colleges: civilian and military. Typically, students decide to attend a civilian college for the “college experience” and the satisfaction of possibly attending an Ivy League or school with a “big name,” such as Stanford, Syracuse, and Harvard. However, some decide to pursue a military education, which ranks just as highly as one offered by an Ivy League.

A military education isn’t for everyone. If you’re committed to serving your country and being commissioned as an officer, then it’s for you. If you’re unsure, don’t panic–you have options to choose from. There are two programs offered to all current juniors/rising seniors: Summer Seminars and Diversity. The two programs give excellent insights as to what each Academy has to offer.

Summer Seminars are “fast-paced programs of academic classes, military training, physical fitness training, and intramural athletics,” typically conducted during the late spring of junior year. It’s a week in the life of a cadet, slightly modified to accommodate 16 and 17 year-olds. Over 10,000 students apply each year for 1,000 to 1,500 spots in each academy’s program. They are offered at the following academies: United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), United States Military Academy at West Point (USMA), and United States Naval Academy (USNA). Applications have already begun for USAFA on December 1 and will stay open until January 31. USMA and USNA will open up their applications in January (USMA on January 5, USNA on January 15) and will stay open until April 15. Similarly, USCGA will open applications in early February and stay open until April 1. Prior to submitting an application, those who are interested must fill out a candidate questionnaire.

Diversity Visitation Programs (or “DVPs”) are, simply put, visitations to an Academy for a prospective candidate who qualifies as being “diverse.” Socio-economic factors, religious backgrounds, ethnicity, and even gender are considered in these applications. Unlike the Summer Seminars, DVPs are more selective and each session is for three days. Applying for DVPs is led by a student’s liaison officer, a regional officer who aids with the application process to each military academy.

The time to act for these programs is now. These opportunities go by quickly, so take advantage of them!