How much does athletics help in admissions at the service academies?

I think athletic prowess, especially for football, would give an advantage (assuming all else is equal) when appointments are offered. However, don't think for one second any athletes at the academies are dumb!

A recruited athlete can have a streamlined admissions process, but they still must meet every statutory admission requirement. As an example, a male who can run a sub 15 5k and 4:10 1600m would be highly desirable at the academies. If they meet the required test scores, physical standards, citizenship standards, etc, they will be offered acceptance.

As for support, the entire education is free with an obligation of a minimum 5 years of service as an officer in the military.

Athletics helps a lot! It will help me when I am accepted. My times are fast and just getting faster. Also don’t forget that character does a long way in the service of our nation. After a race I wait until my competitors across the finish line and give them a big hug! Also, I have sent Navy Coach Aaron Lanzel emails with links to great speeches and essays about military service, character and leadership. This will go far for me

A kid from our school went to AirForce for football. He isn't smart. He wasn't in honors classes and I heard his ACT was 26.

They might bend the bar, but they won't lower the bar. If you're close to the typical standards of acceptance they'll let someone in who has extraordinary other things going on. But they aren't going to completely give a free pass to someone not even close to the typical qualifications just because they're decent at a sport.

I’m in the West Point admissions Field Force and sit on Congressional Nomination Boards. First, you need to realize that literally 99 percent of cadets were a varsity HS athlete. You are either good enough to be a”recruited athlete” or you aren’t. If you are a recruited athlete you are handled by a different group within admissions altogether. In my role I care whether you are a good enough athlete to survive the physical side of West Point but beyond that I care far more about academics and leadership. 10% of the Whole Candidate Score is for physical although team leadership helps with the 30% leadership score

Thanks for your input and nice to meet you! I’m a future midshipman at the naval academy and am always to valuable feedback. Would love this connect on my podcast or over a cup of Joe. Go Navy!

*Always open to valuable feedback. Opportunity for self improvement. Lol

Hoorah!