Seven military emblems against the backdrop of a waving American flag. The emblems represent different branches of the U.S. military, including the Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy (with separate emblems for the Marine Corps and the Navy), the Department of the Air Force, the United States Space Force, the United States Coast Guard, and the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau. Each emblem features distinct symbols, such as eagles, ships, and stars, representing the respective branch's identity.

Guest Post: “So, You Want to be a Military Officer? Start with these Summer Programs…”

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by Lisa Hillhouse, independent college counselor and military academy admissions expert

Becoming a military officer is a life-changing opportunity with innumerable benefits. However, it’s not a decision to take lightly. High school students interested in leading and serving their country can begin exploring these careers through summer programs as early as the summer after 8th grade. The experiential learning camps provide mentoring by cadets or midshipmen and junior officers. Each opportunity allows students to learn about the military branch’s mission, explore STEM career opportunities, and develop their leadership skills in a fun environment. These programs are competitive, and space is limited. Many are low cost, and scholarships may be available. Applicants should have strong academics, leadership potential, and a desire to serve. Apply early for the best chance at admission. If I can be of assistance, please reach out!

Rising 9th – 11th Graders:
United States Naval Academy STEM Camp: One-week session per grade level. The introductory program focuses on different hands-on activities, including circuits, wind tunnels, water tanks, cybersecurity, and more. Daily intramural sports and local area tours. Applications open in early January for June programs. https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/STEM.php

Rising 10th – 12th Graders:
Society American Military Engineers (SAME) Camps: Each service hosts a week-long camp at different military locations, including USAFA. Students focus on mechanical and civil engineering principles with hands-on construction activities, project management, and teamwork, and mentoring by junior officers. Apply to your local SAME post who nominates you, then apply to the program. Applications open in Dec/Jan. https://www.same.org/Camps/application-process

Future Leaders Camp, Norwich University: A 2-week camp at a senior military college. This rigorous, disciplined program demonstrates life as a cadet. Students have weapons training, rappelling, PT, drill, tactics, and more, emphasizing teamwork, goal-setting, and communication. Applications open in the winter for late Jun to early Aug camps. https://www.norwich.edu/flc

Rising 12th Graders:
United States Coast Guard Academy AIM (Academy Introduction Mission): Three 1-week sessions in July. Opportunity to experience Swab Summer. This is an intensive leadership training and evaluation program. Gain career exposure, robotics, water activities, and conditioning. Also include the Physical Fitness Exam (PFE) for admissions. Opens in early Feb, camps are held in July. Previously required standardized tests-confirm when preparing. Highly competitive. https://www.uscga.edu/apply-to-aim/

United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar: Three 1-week sessions in June. An introduction to life at the Naval Academy, academic seminars, career exposure, sports, mentoring, and the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA). Previously required standardized tests-confirm when preparing. Applications open in mid-January. Highly competitive. This serves as an Academy pre-application. https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/NASS.php

United States Air Force Summer Seminar: Two 1-week sessions in June. Explore AF careers, STEM and military-related seminars, team leadership and military challenges, cadet for a day experience, and the CFA. The program opens on Dec 1st and is highly competitive. It requires a standardized test (PLAN, PSAT, SAT, ACT) but confirm when applying. This can serve as an Academy pre-application. https://www.academyadmissions.com/prepare/high-school/summer-seminar/

United States Military Academy Summer Leaders Experience (SLE): Two 1-week programs in late May, early June. Military career exposure, weapons training, obstacle courses, take the CFA, and more. This is a two-part process: opening a candidate kit then applying to SLE. Applications are available in mid-January. Previously USMA required standardized tests (check to confirm the latest requirements). It is important to try and take any standardized tests when safe and available. https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions/summer-program

Application Tips:

  • Strong grades count! Have your unofficial transcript and test scores in front of you to accurately complete the application. Be sure to challenge yourself throughout high school.
  • Leadership matters. Be able to demonstrate how you are a leader in the classroom, on the sports field, in your home and community.
  • Have an adult with attention to detail skills proofread your application. This is not the place for errors.
  • Apply early. Spots are filled on a first-come basis and are limited. Many students aren’t selected but are still competitive for admission to an Academy and/or ROTC scholarship program.
  • Never give up. Apply for any program you are interested in and eligible for. Demonstrating interest in the military is essential to the Academies.

Lisa Hillhouse, Founder of Hillhouse College and Career Advising, is an independent educational consultant based in Atlanta specializing in the military service academies and ROTC scholarship programs. Lisa is a retired military officer who spent much of her career in officer recruitment and development at the US Air Force Academy, AFROTC, and civilian colleges. Lisa works with students throughout the US and abroad on their college and military dreams. You can find her at HillhouseCollegeAdvising.com