January To Do List for USNA Applicants

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:

More articles worth reading:

First Steps:

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:

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:

• Building a Midshipman

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.

Share this:

I’ll be taking a few weeks off–until after the New Year–to work on writing projects with a deadline. I may drop in on you-all as you enjoy your holidays, but mostly I’ll be regenerating.

I wish you a wonderful season, safe and filled with family.

See you shortly!

December To Do List for USNA Applicants

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
• 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
• Battle of the Bulge–December 16th remembrance day
• 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:

• A Soldier’s Christmas Poem
• Christmas Like a Soldier
• Headed for USNA? Prepare Yourself–Freshman Year HS
• Headed for USNA? Prepare Yourself Sophomore Year HS
• Want to Attend USNA? Prepare Yourself Junior Year HS
• Headed for USNA? Prepare Yourself–Senior Year

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

First Steps:

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:

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:

• Building a Midshipman

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.

Share this:

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
• 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 To Do List for USNA Applicants

First Steps:

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:

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:

• Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

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.

October To Do List for USNA Applicants

Important military and patriotic days:

• October 10th: Happy Birthday, USNA! (initially opened with 50 midshipman students and seven professors)

• October 13th: Happy Birthday, US Navy! (the Continental Congress authorizes construction of two warships)
• October 10th: US forces take Okinawa
• October 18: Military World Games
• October 26th: Day of the Deployed
• October 27th: Navy Day

Here are some articles to help you through October:

• Patriotic Music for your USNA Dream
• The Sailor’s Creed: What it Means to be in the Navy
• Successful USNA Grads

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

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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. 

First Steps:

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:

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:

• Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

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.

September To Do List for USNA Applicants

Important military and patriotic days:

• Sept. 2nd–Day the Japanese surrendered in WWII and the official end of the war
• Sept. 2nd–flyovers for the 75th 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:

• The Congressional Interview
• The Congressional Interview–Part I
• How to Prepare for the Congressional Interview–Part II
• How to Prepare for the Congressional Interview–Part III
• Labor Day: Honor American Warriors
• 9-11: We Remember
• POW/MIA Recognition Day
• Constitution Day!

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

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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. 

First Steps:

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:

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:

• Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application—

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.

August To Do List for USNA Applicants

Important USNA, military, and patriotic days:

• 2 for 7–August–See 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
• National Airborne Day–August 16th
• Navy Colors Born–August 27, 1802
• Marine Corps Reserve Birthday–August 29

• Plebe Summer
• Plebe Parent Weekend–starts August 12th
• Reform of the Brigade of Midshipmen–August 20th

Here are articles to help you through August:

• USNA Coronavirus guidance
• CLASS OF 2025 STATS
• Five Popular Excuses for NOT Going to USNA–Still
• Give Me a Midshipman Parent and I’ll Give you a Navy Football Fan
• Headed for USNA? Prepare Yourself–Senior Year

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

---

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 reviewer, adjunct professor in technology-in-education, a freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and mother of a LT CDR in the Navy and a SSGT in the Army.

First Steps:

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.

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:

• Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

July To Do List for USNA Applicants

 

Important military and patriotic days:

• Independence Day–July 4th
• National Hire a Veteran Day–July 25th
• National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day–July 27th
• Anniversary of the Army Chaplain Corps–July 29th

Here are some articles to help you through December:

• You Know You’re a Plebe when…
• Plebe Summer Care Packages: What to Send
• You Know You’re a Plebe Parent if…
• 33 Rules (aka Rates) Plebes Must Follow
• What’s My Plebe Doing Today?
• 23 Common-sense Rules to Thrive in the Military
• Popular Excuses for NOT attending USNA
• Give Me a Midshipman Parent and I’ll Give you a Navy Football Fan

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

---

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, a columnist for NEA Today, and mother of a LT CDR in the Navy and a SSGT in the Army. 

Share this:

It’s America’s birthday and I’m celebrating. My Army Staff Sergeant son is still in Japan–Okinawa. My Navy LT CDR daughter’s still in the DC area in the next of her long line of Navy jobs. They do not leave her in one position for long! I thank both of them and all those soldiers who fought for America’s uncertain future so long ago.

God be with all of us.

 

I was going to replace this next one but it’s been viewed by

29 million people!

I couldn’t find a better celebratory song.

#2 with 14.7 million viewers:

First Steps:

 

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:

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:

• Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

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.

June To Do List for USNA Applicants

Important military and patriotic days:

• D-Day–June 6th: the Allied invasion of Europe
• Flag Day–June 14th
• Army Birthday–June 14
• USCG Auxiliary Birthday–June 23rd
• PTSD Awareness Day–June 27th
• 4 Posts about I-Day
  • Are You Going to I-Day? Part I
  • Going to USNA? Ready for I-Day–Part II
  • USNA I-Day For Parents
  • You Know You’re a Plebe when…

Here are some articles to help you through June:

• You Know You’re a Plebe Parent if…
• You Know You’re a Plebe if…
• Plebe Summer starts
• Plebe Summer Care Packages
• Summer like a Midshipman

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

More articles worth reading:

• Gen. Patton’s Address to the Third Army
• Must-read Books Before Entering USNA
• Popular Excuses for NOT attending USNA
• Give Me a Midshipman Parent and I’ll Give you a Navy Football Fan

---

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 Naval thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and  Twenty-four Days. She 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. You can find her books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning.

First Steps:

 

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:

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:

• Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application–

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.

• The Naval Academy Candidate Book: How to Prepare, How to Get In, How to Survive

A general and useful overview of the USNA application and the academy in general

May To Do List for USNA Applicants

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 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:

• Herndon Climb (every May)
• Are You Going SWO After Graduation?
• Didn’t Get In? Try NAPS.
• Must-read Books Before Arriving at USNA
• Plebe Summer–it’s Coming

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

More articles worth reading:

• Signs you fit the Military lifestyle
• Make Your Academy Dream Come True
• Why We Serve
• What is an American?

---

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), webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice, adjunct professor at UC and CSU, a columnist for NEA Today, and mother of a LT CDR in the Navy and a SSGT in the Army. 

First Steps:

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:

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:

• Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

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.