The five United States military service academies are some of the most elite schools in the nation, taking the finest high school students and turning them into commissioned officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine. Over 60,000 students a year begin the arduous process of applying, and about 4,000 get in. At West Point alone, over 15,000 candidates start the applications process. Less than a third of them finish it. Some figure out that they aren’t going to be competitive, some get derailed with specific problems, and some get lost and drop out even though they might have gotten in. From applications to Congressional nominations, from athletics to medical qualifications, the process is unlike any other for getting into college. This book leads students and their families through the process step by step, offering the tools needed for the very best chance of success. Covering special issues and concerns like LGBTQ, women and minorities, criminal records, and more, the author also discusses whether attending a service academy is RIGHT for the prospective student, and what he or she can expect upon acceptance, admission, and attendance. Using his personal experience in helping his son through the applications process, Michael Singer Dobson provides all candidates with the ins and outs of the competition for a spot at one of these prestigious schools.

"Dobson wrote this book to fill a void he discovered when his son applied to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Readers will find practical advice on how to decide if a service academy is the right fit for them. The author covers high school coursework and extracurricular activities, including leadership and community service. Students and parents will appreciate the step-by-step discussion of the application process. The explanation of how to secure a nomination to an academy will be of special interest to those unfamiliar with the system. Dobson’s skill as a writer is apparent as he explains the complex admissions process in a way that makes it clear. The author is honest in the description of the work required to be accepted into and in attending an academy; his tone is always positive. He provides practical advice on how to reapply should one not get accepted and how to address potential stumbling blocks in one’s record. VERDICT Attending a U.S. military academy isn’t for everyone, but Dobson’s guide is a must-read for anyone considering this career path. Highly recommended for high school, public, and college libraries." - Library Journal, Starred Review

"Popular writer and workshop leader Dobson has put together the telling story of the complex and daunting process by which a young man or woman wins appointment to a US service academy.  Based on his own experience as a parent of an applicant, the author provides a description of each of the five premier military service academies, and goes on to detail pertinent topics concerning high school preparation, physical fitness, the application process itself, and the all-important notification process.  The book's four appendixes cover law, class profiles, resources, and sample nomination letters.  The bibliography offers sources that give a glimpse of the academies in 2015.  Most valuable is the author's accompanying free, downloadable PDF, which promises to update the information in the book on a regular basis.  Parents who have successfully gone through this process themselves (as has this reviewer) can affirm that readers of this book will appreciate having a one-stop resource to help navigate the complex, 18-month process.  With success, the journey will culminate in the achievement of an appointment at one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in America. Summing Up: Recommended. For public libraries and high school or community college students." - CHOICE

"This book leads students and their families through the process step by step, offering the tools needed for the very best chance of success." - Intelligencer