Military

Highland Park High School is very proud of our relationship with the United States Military and its Service Academies. Highland Park graduates have served with distinction in all branches of the military as both enlisted men and women and officers through the Service Academies and ROTC programs. Not only do these students honor themselves and their families through their service to our country, but they also help themselves individually through forging viable college and career paths, including scholarships that help pay for education for whatever their future plans may be.

When a student approaches us with an interest in military service, it is customary to go over the different ways that one can serve.

The Academies

There are five service academies that students can apply to:

• Army: The United States Military Academy - West Point
• Navy: United States Naval Academy
• Air Force: United States Air Force Academy
• Merchant Marines: United States Merchant Marine Academy
• Coast Guard: United States Coast Guard Academy

The process of applying to the Service Academies takes concentration, attention to detail, and following the prescribed timeline strictly. Meet with your postsecondary counselor early in the Spring of Junior year to prepare the necessary materials to apply for your nominations to the multiple elected officials, ROTC programs, and summer programs. Make sure you request teacher recommendations in the 2nd semester of your junior year from two teachers, one in mathematics and one in science.                                     

Students applying for the US Service Academies are encouraged to also apply to ROTC programs. Since ROTC students will receive financial aid and a commissioned officer rank, it is important to consider this as a backup plan. (Please refer to the ROTC program page under the Military section for more details.)

Students with learning differences who have an IEP or 504 plan in high school should reach out to their Counselor/Postsecondary Counselor as soon as they have identified an interest in applying to a service academy, as there are special considerations for these students that need to be discussed.

Nomination Process

Before students can apply to the Service Academies, they will need a nomination from an elected official during the Spring of their junior year.

• Apply to both Illinois senators, your Congressional representative & the Vice President. If you are NOT nominated through any of these competitive processes, you could still be placed on a national wait list.
• Nominators evaluate candidates during the summer and make decisions in early fall. Applicants need to visit each official’s website for specific nomination instructions & timelines.
• Once you have submitted your nomination applications, apply to each Service Academy application through their website.

Overview

ROTC is a college-based program for training commissioned officers (typically a 2nd Lieutenant) of the US Armed Forces (Air Force, Army, & Navy). ROTC students attend college like other college students, but also receive basic military training and officer training for their chosen branch of service. The ROTC programs are as follows:

• Army ROTC
• Air Force ROTC 
• Navy ROTC

Financial Awards

In exchange for military service, ROTC cadets typically receive competitive merit-based scholarships, covering all or part of tuition, room and board. These awards can range from full to partial scholarships.

Service Academies vs. ROTC

Although receiving the same rank as a 2nd Lieutenant, ROTC students are allowed a more traditional college experience compared to cadets attending a military academy.

How to Apply

Follow the links below for websites for the Service Academies' ROTC homepages. Learn about the similarities and differences of each program. You can also create your account and begin the application, if you choose. It is strongly recommended to apply to all 3 programs. Each college has its own webpage with specific information about its ROTC programs.

ROTC FAQ

Do I need a nomination for ROTC?

No, nominations are only required for the service academies.

If I’m applying to the Service Academies, should I apply to ROTC programs?

Students applying for the US Service Academies are encouraged to apply to ROTC programs. Since ROTC students will receive financial aid and a commissioned officer rank, it is important to have this as a backup plan. 

I’m applying to multiple colleges. Do I have to apply to each college’s ROTC program?

No, once you apply, students can list up to 10 colleges. Add your top 3 or 4 colleges in order. You may be selected for your second or third choice over your number one choice based on each campus ROTC needs. All students must apply to at least a public state university, but it does not have to be in Illinois. This answer was gathered from multiple ROTC websites, but always verify with your specific colleges.

Can I apply to multiple ROTC programs?

Yes, it is recommended to apply to Army ROTC, Navy ROTC, & Air Force ROTC.

Do I need to do an interview?

Yes, it is required to interview at your nearest ROTC office, even if you are attending an ROTC program at another university or in another state.

What is my time commitment?

Information about each ROTC program can be found on its respective website. Always double-check with your university and ROTC liaison to be absolutely certain of your commitments:

Military Institutes

Military Institutes mirror the type of education and environment offered at the United States Service Academies. They have ROTC programs for all of the major branches of the military, and students can enroll in any. The main difference between these institutes and the Service Academies is that students can opt to pay tuition to attend these schools. As a result, they can accept or refuse their officer's commission upon graduation.

Military service has long been a path for social and economic mobility for thousands of young American men and women. Service is both a way to see the world and to learn valuable skills that can be transferred into civilian life. Many enlistees wouldn’t have the opportunity to attend college or purchase a house without the benefits associated with military service. Furthermore, veterans who forgo college are likely to earn higher pay than nonveterans who do so.

The responsibility, focus, and discipline military service teaches can benefit you for life. However, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the risks and benefits of military service, as well as what the commitment to a career in the U.S. armed forces entails. Below are several links to help you learn more about the requirements and how to enlist in the military, as well as articles providing the pros/cons to consider when making this decision about your next step after graduation from high school.

• Requirements and information on US Military enlistment
• ASVAB testing information
• Steps involved and questions to consider

Freshman & Sophomore Years

Academics

• Earn quality grades throughout high school
• Take challenging college-prep, honors and AP courses where possible
• Take the PSAT 

Leadership

• Position yourself to become a leader by 11th grade
• Participate in clubs or organizations in your community and school
• Work toward becoming a leader in the organizations to which you belong
• Ask a teacher, coach or guidance counselor to help you find ways to serve 

Physical Health

• Improve your physical strength and endurance
• Participate in intramural sports or join one of your school’s athletic teams
• Practice the Candidate Fitness Assessment events

Know the Program

• Attend the United States Service Academy Informational Meeting 
• Hear from representatives from the academies, ROTC, liaison officers and the Senate and Congressional aides
• The event takes place at Vernon Hills High School every year in March

Junior Year

Start Early

Applying to the service academies takes more time than applying to other colleges. Although the application opens in January of your junior year, we recommend beginning your application process in late April or early June. You will continuously update it over the next year. Use the application timeline as a guide throughout the process.

Explore the Campuses

Visit each campus to learn about cadet life. Learn everything you can while you’re there!

Attend the Summer Leaders Experience

Apply to attend the service academies’ week-long summer Program during the summer before senior year. You’ll experience firsthand what it means to be a cadet. It is possible to do multiple summer programs.

• Army
• Air Force
• Navy

Sharpen Academic Skills

Continue to take college-preparatory and AP courses to sharpen your academic abilities. Take the SAT/ACT in the spring.

Be a Leader

Assume leadership positions in school and community activities. Show that you have experience to build upon.

Get Fit

Improve your physical conditioning through exercise. Join a strenuous team sport. Practice for the Candidate Fitness Assessment, which is an admission requirement.

Event

Attend the United States Service Academy informational meeting to hear from representatives from the academies, ROTC, liaison officers and Senate and Congressional aides.

Senior Year

Academics

Continue to perform your personal best in high school academics, athletics and extracurricular activities. Earn good grades in the toughest courses you can take; do especially well in calculus, trigonometry and physics

Extracurricular Activities

• Excel on the athletic field
• Become a leader in school government, clubs or other organizations

Visit Campus

• Spend a day with a cadet
• Schedule an overnight visit

Monitor Your Cadet File

• Send your nomination requests
• Send your ACT & SAT test scores
• Complete the necessary forms and assessments
• Prepared for the Candidate Fitness Assessment