Most Uni High students don’t have to pass a physical fitness assessment or obtain a government nomination when putting together their college applications. But for students applying to one of the five United States service academies (Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine), these materials are just as important as standardized test scores and essays. The U.S. service academies are 4-year institutions that combine undergraduate education with military training. Graduates are required to serve a minimum of five years in the U.S. military.
Alberto Rojano, a Uni junior, hopes to attend the United States Military Academy (USMA), commonly known as West Point, next year. He’s been interested in attending a U.S. service academy since middle school. In addition to standard college application materials (extracurriculars, awards, personal essay, standardized test scores), USMA applicants must receive an official nomination from a U.S. government or military source, pass a medical exam, and complete the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA).
Alberto has been training for his CFA since last September. The assessment measures strength, agility, power, balance, speed, and endurance through six events: pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, a shuttle run, a basketball throw, and a one-mile run.
To prepare for the assessment, Alberto follows a training plan that includes completing 70-80 push-ups and sit-ups each day, along with other workouts. He is also working with Kyle Hummel, Uni’s Athletic Director, who administers the CFA monthly to track his progress. Alberto plans to officially take the CFA in May.
He has also been working to obtain the required nomination from a government or military source. He says this has been the most difficult part so far because of the high level of competition, as members of Congress can only nominate up to 15 candidates for each vacancy at West Point. To be considered, applicants will typically submit high school transcripts, standardized test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation.
When asked what he would say to other Uni students who might be interested in applying to a U.S. service academy, Alberto recommended working hard academically, starting physical training early, and exploring opportunities and interests at school.
