Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 05/03/2024

What’s Happening in May at USNA

usna

By now, you’ve finished your application. You have two big jobs remaining: Prepare physically and keep your academics strong.

Important military and patriotic days:

  • Loyalty Day–May 1st
  • Silver Star Service Banner Day–May 1st
  • Public Service Recognition Week–first full week of May
  • V-E Day–May 8th
  • Military Spouse Day–2nd Friday in May
  • Armed Forces Week – May 9-15, 2021 – (Week prior to Armed Forces Day, the 3rd Sunday in May)
  • Armed Forces Day–third Saturday in May
  • Maritime Day–May 22nd
  • Memorial Day–May 30th
  • National Military Appreciation Month

Here are some articles to help you through May:

Read More…

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 05/01/2024

May To Do List for USNA Applicants

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment in time and money because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more before achieving your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here are two books to get you started:

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy their first choice college. Read More…

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 04/04/2024

What’s happening in April at USNA update

usna

By now, you’ve finished your BGO Interview and attended a Candidate Weekend Visit. You have one big job remaining: Keep your grades solid, your attitude positive, and your goals clear.

Important military and patriotic days in April:

  • Gold Star Spouses Day–April 5
  • Army Day – April 6
  • Appomattox Day – April 9
  • National Former POW Recognition Day–April 9
  • Air Force Reserve Birthday–April 14
  • Army Reserve Birthday–April 23

If you’re just starting to think about attending the US Naval Academy, here’s your guide to making that dream come true:

Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

Now check the April ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

April To Do List for USNA Applicants

If you’ve been accepted or are the parent of a child who has been accepted, it’s time to start thinking about Plebe Summer:

More articles worth reading:



Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is the author/editor of two military-tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days (starring the USS Bunker Hill), and over one hundred resources on integrating tech into education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice, adjunct professor in technology-in-education, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. She is also the proud mother of a Navy CDR and Army SSGT. 

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 04/01/2024

April To Do List for USNA Applicants update

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money to achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here are two books to get you started:

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy their first choice college.

Read More…

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 03/05/2024

What’s happening in March at USNA update

usna

By now, you’ve finished everything and are waiting to hear. Your only remaining job is to continue with the traits of leadership, aggressiveness, physicality that made you a good candidate to start with.

But, just to be sure, check the ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

March To Do List for USNA Applicants

Important USNA, military and patriotic days:

  • March 1st–Candidate Section of the application is due!
  • March 3–Navy Reserve Birthday
  • March 3–National Anthem Day
  • March 4–Hug a GI Day
  • March 5–Alamo Day 
  • March 5–Seabee Birthday
  • March 9–First Battle of the Ironclads
  • March 13–K9 Veterans Day
  • March 25–Medal of Honor Day
  • March 29–National Vietnam War Veterans Day
  • March 31–NASS applications close 

More articles worth reading:


Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is the author/editor of two military-tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days (starring the USS Bunker Hill), and over one hundred resources on integrating tech into education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice, adjunct professor in technology-in-education, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. She is also the proud mother of a Navy CDR and Army SSGT. 

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 03/01/2024

March To Do List for USNA Applicants update

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here are two books to get you started:

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to-earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy their first choice college.

Read More…

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 02/01/2024

February To Do List for USNA Applicants

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here are two books to get you started:

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.

Read More…

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 02/01/2024

What’s Happening in February at USNA

 

Important military and patriotic days:

  • National Freedom Day – February 1
  • USO Birthday–February 4th
  • National Salute to Veteran Patients–week of February 14
  • Remember the Maine Day (U.S.S. Maine) – February 15
  • Coast Guard Reserves Birthday – February 19
  • Iwo Jima Day – February 19
  • President’s Day – February 21 (Third Monday in February)

If you have suggestions for patriotic days I should mention next year, add them to the comments.

usna

Here are some articles to help you through February:

Now, check the ToDo list to see if you’re up to date on requirements for your application:

February To Do List for USNA Applicants

More articles worth reading:


Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, and the thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and  Twenty-four DaysShe is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer,  and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. 

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 01/03/2024

January ToDo for USNA Applicants update

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here are two books to get you started:

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.

Read More…

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 01/02/2024

What’s happening in January at USNA

usna

By now, you’ve finished your Congressional Interview, maybe even your B&G Interview.  You’ve attended or are preparing for a Candidate Weekend Visit. You likely have all pieces submitted for your application.

Important military and patriotic days:

  • Desert Storm (Persian Gulf) Began — January 16 (1991)
  • Vietnam Peace Day – January 27
  • Panama Campaign Ended — January 31 (1990)
  • SWO Ship Selection

Now, check the ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

January To Do List for USNA Applicants

More articles worth reading:

Read More…

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 12/04/2023

December at USNA

usna

By now, you’ve finished your application, all the interviews, and have one big job remaining: Keep your grades, your leadership, and your physicality in top shape so when you receive the acceptance letter, you’re ready.

Important military and patriotic days:

  • Pearl Harbor Day–December 7th
  • War declared on Japan–Dec. 8, 1941
  • Germany and Italy declared war on the US–Dec. 11, 1941
  • Army vs Navy game–December 11th
  • US National Guard Birthday–December 13th
  • National Wreaths Across America Day–December 14th
  • Bill of Rights Day–December 15th
  • Official end of War in Iraq–Dec. 15th
  • Battle of the Bulge–December 16th remembrance day
  • Space Force birthday–December 20th
  • Official End of WWII–December 31st
  • RED Shirt Fridays–honor deployed soldiers by wearing red Fridays (RED=Remember Everyone Deployed)

Here are some articles to help you through December:

Now, check the ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

December To Do List for USNA Applicants


Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is the author/editor of two military-tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days (starring the USS Bunker Hill), over one hundred resources on integrating tech into education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice, adjunct professor at UC and CSU, and mother of a CDR in the Navy and a SSGT in the Army. 

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 12/01/2023

December To Do List for USNA Applicants

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here are two books to get you started:

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.

Read More…

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 11/06/2023

November at USNA

usna

By now, you’ve finished the application save a few remaining items. Your job becomes to wait, patiently. Keep your grades solid, your physical in shape, your leadership well-tuned.

Important military and patriotic days:

  • Navy vs. ND–Nov. 6th
  • Marine Corps Birthday–Nov. 10th
  • Armistice/Remembrance Day–Nov. 11th
  • Veteran’s Day–Nov. 11th
  • Grenada Campaign ended–Nov. 23, 1983
  • Warrior Care Month–entire month
  • National Military Family Month–entire month

Here are some articles to help you through November:

What’s it Like to Parent a Midshipman?

Want to Attend USNA? Prepare Yourself Junior Year HS

Headed for USNA? Prepare Yourself Sophomore Year HS

Do You Recognize the Early Warning Signs of a USNA Midshipman

39 Reasons to Love the Marine Corps

Now, check the ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

November Checklist for USNA Applicants

https://wp.me/pyy57-2vI

Read More…

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 11/03/2023

November Checklist for USNA Applicants

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here are two books to get you started:

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.

Read More…

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 10/06/2023

What’s happening at USNA In October

usna

Important military and patriotic days:

  • October 10th: Happy Birthday, USNA! (initially opened with 50 midshipman students and seven professors)
  • October 10th: US forces take Okinawa
  • October 13th: Happy Birthday, US Navy! (the Continental Congress authorizes construction of two warships)
  • October 18: Military World Games
  • October 26th: Day of the Deployed
  • October 27th: Navy Day

Here are some articles to help you through October:

Now, check the ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

October To Do List for USNA Applicants


Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is the author/editor of two military-tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days (starring the USS Bunker Hill), over one hundred resources on integrating tech into education, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice, adjunct professor at UC and CSU, and mother of a LT CDR in the Navy and a SSGT in the Army. 

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 10/03/2023

October ToDo for USNA Applicants

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here are two books to get you started:

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.

Read More…

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 09/07/2023

What happens September at USNA

usna

Important military and patriotic days:

  • Sept. 2nd–Day the Japanese surrendered and official end of WWII
  • Sept. 6th–Labor Day
  • Sept. 11th–Patriot Day (for 9/11)
  • Sept. 17th–Constitution Day
  • Sept. 17th-POW/MIA Recognition Day (3rd Friday in September)
  • Sept. 18th–USAF’s Birthday
  • Sept. 21-28–Warrior Games
  • Sept. 26–Gold Star Mother’s/Family’s Day (last Sunday in September)

Here are some articles to help you through September:

Now, check the ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

September To Do List for USNA Applicants


Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is the author/editor of two military-tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days (starring the USS Bunker Hill), adjunct professor at UC and CSU, and mother of a CDR in the Navy and a SSGT in the Army. 

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 09/05/2023

September To Do List for USNA Applicants

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here are two books to get you started:

From the perspective of a high school student who was accepted. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.

Read More…

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 08/03/2023

What’s happening in August at USNA

usna

Important USNA, military, and patriotic days:

  • 2 for 7–August–See an older article on it here
  • USCG Birthday–August 4th
  • Purple Heart Day–August 7th
  • V-J Day–August 14th
  • National Spirit of ’45 Day–August 14th
  • Military Marriage Day–August 14th
  • Navajo Code Talkers Day–August 14–see article here
  • National Airborne Day–August 16th
  • Navy Colors Born–August 27, 1802
  • Marine Corps Reserve Birthday–August 29

Here are articles to help you through August:

Read More…

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 08/03/2023

August To Do List for USNA Applicants

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next.

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here are two books to get you started:

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