Gain Service Academy Admission

West Point SAT Score: Why Non-Athletes Need a Higher One

The West Point SAT score your student needs is higher than the published average if no coach is recruiting them. The class average in the profile blends two groups: recru

Naval Academy Teacher Evaluations: What Counts

Naval Academy teacher evaluations show admissions how a candidate handles challenge, feedback, teamwork, and responsibility. In this solo episode, LTC Kirkland explains w

West Point CFA Now Counts 15%: What Families Need to Know

West Point CFA scoring now counts for 15% of the Whole Candidate Score, up from the long-standing 10%. LTC Kirkland explains what the five-point shift means for families

Naval Academy Whole Person Multiple: How USNA Actually Scores Candidates

The Naval Academy Whole Person Multiple (WPM) is the formula that decides every appointment, and it was just published for the first time. LTC Kirkland and Trish Dach wal

DoDMERB Series 4: Vision, Hearing, and Dental Standards

LTC Kirkland and Dr. (COL) Cajigal break down the head and neck medical standards from DoDI 6130.03 that generate the most anxiety for Service Academy families.   This ep

DoDMERB Series 3: Mr. Larry Mullen's Memo on DoDMERB Sucess

If your family is navigating DoDMERB, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is working the process the wrong way. In this episode, LTC (Ret.) Rob Kirkland and COL (Re

DoDMERB Series 2: Waivers Explained for Service Academies (2026)

If DoDMERB says "Disqualified," it can feel like the door just slammed shut. But for many competitive Service Academy applicants, that DQ is the start of the waiver revie

DoDMERB Series 1: The Truth About DoDMERB (Former DoDMERB Doc Explains)

If your student sees “Disqualified” on DoDMERB, that doesn’t automatically mean their Academy dream is over.  In this episode, Former DoDMERB Physician Dr. Arthur Cajiga

The Real Test of Integrity in the Military (It’s Not What You Think)

Military values like honor, integrity, and courage don’t matter much when everything is calm, supervised, and low-risk. They matter when you’re tired, frustrated, author

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

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

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 qualificat

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 Dac

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 th

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 e

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 y

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 admission

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 Ac

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 accor

Examples of Excellent Naval Academy Interview Answers

Today we provide commentary on what makes these 5 Naval Academy interview answers excellent, and how they could be improved. Listen along as you prepare for your intervie