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
• Birthday of Navy Hospital Corpsman–June 17
• USCG Auxiliary Birthday–June 23rd
• PTSD Awareness Day–June 27th
• 3 Posts about I-Day
  • 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

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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, 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

Share this:

I’m taking the day to honor our all soldiers on America’s Memorial Day. Without their sacrifice, where would we be?

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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, 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.

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 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:

• 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?

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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), 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.

April To Do List for USNA Applicants

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

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

• Plebe Summer–It’s coming!
• 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?

More articles worth reading:

• Make your Naval Academy Dream Come True
• 23 Books to read
• Signs that you fit the military lifestyle

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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), 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 LT CDR and Army SSGT. 

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 to 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 their first choice college.

March To Do List for USNA Applicants

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

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–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 

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

More articles worth reading:

• How to Think (one of 5 critical skills for future USNA applicants)
• Why We Serve
• USNA and Summer STEM
• Don’t shoot fast, shoot good and other bits of wisdom from a military life
• OCS–an Option

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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), 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 LT CDR and Army SSGT. 

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 their first choice college.

February To Do List for USNA Applicants

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.

Here are some articles to help you through February:

• Valentine Greeting for Your Soldier
• The USNA Love Formula (uses a bit of calculus)
• USNA and Summer STEM
• 5 Critical Skills to Accomplish During High School
• 10 Great Books to Read Before You Become a Midshipman

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

More articles worth reading:

• 33 Rules (aka Rates) Plebes Must Follow
• 9 Secrets That’ll Get You Into USNA
• Six reasons why you might be a midshipman…

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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, and the 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. 

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.

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.