"The red flag you're looking for is 'complete and on hold.' If you're not paying attention, you could be in this status for MONTHS..." The new DoDMERB medical qualification process for Service Academies and ROTC Scholarships has rolled out, and frankly, it's causing a lot of confusion and delays. With two separate systems, DMACS 2.0 and DODMETS, candidates are getting stuck in bottlenecks without realizing it. In this deep dive, we break down the new 8-step process, expose the critical disconnects between the systems, and give you the exact steps to take to stay on track. We'll show you how to be proactive, advocate for yourself, and avoid the common pitfalls that will sideline other applicants.  In This Video, You'll Learn: The critical difference between the new DMACS and DODMETS systems. Step-by-step instructions for navigating the entire medical qualification process. The #1 status alert ("Complete and On Hold") that means your application is stuck. What to do when the system fails and how to contact the right people. How to manage your waiver process through the new DMACS portal. ➡️ RESOURCES Get our DoDMERB guide on Amazon Subscribe for more insider tips on Service Academy & ROTC admissions. Work with us: We’ve helped hundreds get qualified or win waivers. Planning session & full-service options: DoDMERBQualified.com

Discover which congressional districts in America are the most competitive for securing a nomination to West Point. In this in-depth analysis, LTC Kirkland and Trish Dach break down the data on 69 of the toughest districts, exploring how geography, income, military presence, and local culture shape the nomination process. Learn about the four main types of competitive districts, from wealthy suburban metros to military-adjacent communities and legacy-heavy regions. The video also highlights notable absences, such as San Francisco, and explains why some high-income areas don’t make the list. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, this video offers valuable insights and strategies for navigating the nomination process, understanding your district’s landscape, and maximizing your chances of success. Perfect for anyone interested in service academy admissions, ROTC scholarships, or the intersection of education and public service. Here is the full list of the most competitive districts for West Point last year (the Class of 2029): AK — BEGICHAL-05 — STRONG CA-27 — WHITESIDESCA-36 — LIEUCA-40 — KIMCA-45 — TRANCA-47 — MINCA-49 — LEVINCA-50 — PETERS CO-02 — NEGUSECO-04 — LOPEZCO-05 — LAMBORNCO-07 — PETTERSEN CT-04 — HIMES DE-AL — BLUNT ROCHESTER FL-01 — GAETZFL-05 — RUTHERFORDFL-14 — CASTORFL-15 — LEEFL-16 — BUCHANANFL-17 — STEUBEFL-19 — DONALDSFL-25 — WASSERMAN SCHULTZ GA-03 — FERGUSONGA-04 — JOHNSONGA-07 — MCBATHGA-11 — LOUDERMILK HI-02 — TOKUDA ID-02 — SIMPSON IL-10 — SCHNEIDER KS-03 — DAVIDS KY-04 — MASSIE MA-04 — AUCHINCLOSSMA-05 — CLARKMA-09 — KEATING MD-01 — HARRISMD-03 — ELFRETHMD-05 — HOYERMD-08 — RASKIN NJ-02 — VAN DREWNJ-03 — CONAWAYNJ-05 — GOTTHEIMERNJ-07 — KEANNJ-11 — SHERRILL NY-03 — SUOZZINY-17 — LAWLERNY-18 — RYANNY-23 — LANGWORTHY OH-01 — LANDSMAN PA-01 — FITZPATRICKPA-05 — SCANLONPA-06 — HOULAHAN TN-03 — FLEISCHMANNTN-05 — OGLES TX-03 — SELFTX-04 — FALLONTX-20 — CASTROTX-22 — NEHLSTX-23 — GONZALESTX-24 — VAN DUYNETX-25 — WILLIAMSTX-26 — GILLTX-31 — CARTERTX-37 — DOGGETTTX-38 — HUNT VA-08 — BEYERVA-10 — SUBRAMANYAMVA-11 — CONNOLLY

The era of self-reporting your medical history to DoDMERB is officially over. The new DMACS 2.0 system now connects to civilian medical and prescription databases, and they are no longer just taking your word for it. In this urgent update, we expose the biggest change to the Service Academy medical clearance process in a generation. We break down exactly how this new system, MHS Genesis, accesses your records and what it means for your application. If you have ever been prescribed ADHD medication, seen a specialist, or even visited an ER, this is information you need to know now. 📊 KEY REVELATIONS IN THIS EPISODE: The end of the "honor system" for medical disclosures. How DMACS 2.0 and MHS Genesis automatically pull your civilian medical and prescription history. Why disqualifications are expected to increase and what this means for waivers. The truth about trying to "beat the system" by opting out of health exchanges (and why it's a terrible idea). GET EXPERT GUIDANCE ON YOUR MEDICAL JOURNEY: ✅ DoDMERB Disqualification & Waiver Help: https://www.dodmerbqualified.com/ ✅ Dept. of Defense Instruction 6130.03 (Medical Standards): https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/613003_vol01.pdf  

Rejection from West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy or any U.S. service academy can feel devastating—but it doesn’t have to be the end. In this powerful episode of Academy and ROTC Insiders, Trisha and Lieutenant Colonel Kirkland walk you through exactly what to do after receiving a "thin white envelope" (TWE) and how to reapply with confidence and a stronger application. 📌 In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why rejection isn’t failure—and how 25-35% of academy appointees are reapplicants Common reasons candidates are turned down (SAT/ACT scores, nominations, fitness scores, etc.) Real strategies to improve your Whole Candidate Score and stand out How to use ROTC as a powerful reapplication pathway What NOT to do when you join an ROTC unit H ow to build your freshman college curriculum to mirror academy rigor The mindset shift that sets successful reapplicants apart 🎯 Whether you're a first-time applicant or planning your reapplication strategy, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you bounce back stronger and earn your commission. 👇 Resources Mentioned:  Schedule a Strategy Session Read our books on Academy admissions Don't forget to subscribe for more guidance, tips, and insider knowledge to help you earn your academy appointment. 

Are you applying to a military service academy or ROTC program? Understanding the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB) process is CRUCIAL to your success. In this comprehensive guide, Lt. Col. Kirkland and Trish Dach break down the entire process from start to finish. What you'll learn:• What DoDMERB is and how it works• The complete 10-step qualification process• How to research potential disqualifications BEFORE you apply• The medical exam process and what to expect• What happens if you're disqualified and how to pursue a waiver• 7 CRITICAL steps to maximize your chances of qualification• Common disqualifications and which ones can typically be waived Whether you're concerned about asthma, ADHD, orthopedic injuries, or other medical conditions, this guide will help you understand your options. We explain everything from completing your medical history questionnaire to appealing waiver denials if necessary. Don't let medical disqualifications end your military career before it begins! With proper planning and knowledge of the process, many candidates successfully obtain waivers and achieve their goals.   Check out our comprehensive DoDMERB book on Amazon for even more details: https://amzn.to/42MFiKD     Book a consultation with us if you need personalized guidance: https://www.gainserviceacademyadmission.com/dodmerb/

Curious about the U.S. Coast Guard Academy? In this episode, we take a deep dive into what it takes to earn an appointment. Learn how the Coast Guard Academy’s admissions process stands out from the other service academies, like West Point, the Naval Academy, or the Air Force Academy. From GPA requirements to SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular activities, and the Cadet Candidate Evaluation Board, we’ve got you covered! 📖 Sneak Peek: Our new book on the Coast Guard Academy is officially released! Grab a copy of the book here: bit.ly/coastguardacademybook 🎯 Key Takeaways: No nomination process—apply directly! Academics are crucial: ~80% of the evaluation is based on GPA, class rigor, and SAT/ACT scores. Admissions is competitive: ~20% acceptance rate. Prep school options and how they impact your chances. Physical fitness test details (no pull-ups, but a 1.5-mile run, sit-ups, and cadence push-ups). Tips for writing essays and acing the interview.

Join hosts LTC Rob Kirkland and Trish Dach as they share expert insights into the admissions process—and today, a special focus on the often-overlooked Merchant Marine Academy. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on why the Merchant Marine Academy can be a smart choice for high-performing students who excel academically but may not be strong test-takers. With a higher acceptance rate compared to other service academies and unique nomination processes, it’s worth considering if you’re aiming for a career at sea. We’ll cover critical topics like how nominations work, the breakdown of competitive scores, and why extracurricular activities with military connections matter. If you're interested in learning how to stand out in the application process, especially with upcoming changes in the admissions landscape, you won’t want to miss this episode. Stay tuned for our upcoming book, Secrets of Merchant Marine Academy Admissions. Make sure to sign up for the waitlist below to get notified as soon as it’s available. Join the waitlist here. As always, we’re here to guide you through every step of the academy admissions process. Subscribe now to stay updated on all things related to service academy admissions.

In this episode, we discuss trends we are seeing with Naval Academy admissions. Bottom line: there is evidence that Naval Academy admissions is choosing candidates according to unknown guidelines, instead of who Members of Congress pick or who the most qualified candidate in the district is according to the legacy Whole Person Multiple.

Today we provide commentary on what makes these 5 Naval Academy interview answers excellent, and how they could be improved. Listen along as you prepare for your interview with your future potential Blue and Gold Officer and Congressional nomination panel. 

The Air Force Academy interview can be extremely intimidating for students, especially those who have little to no interview experience.  In this episode, we play 5 examples of interview responses that students have given and discuss what makes them good (or bad) and how they could be improved. If you want to ensure your interview performance is as strong as possible and listen to additional examples of answers from real students, take our USAFA Interview Course.

Were you turned down this year by the Naval Academy? If you applied to the USNA Class of 2028 as a high school applicant, you had a lower chance of being appointed this year. More and more post-high school candidates are re-applying and therefore there are less appointments available for direct entries. That's right, we estimate about 450 slots of the 1200 slots this year were given to candidates who were on their second application: NAPS students, Foundation students, and college students. We go into what this means for high school seniors and reapplicants in this week's episode.

In today's episode, we give feedback on 5 examples of interview questions and answers from West Point candidates.

In this episode, LTC Kirkland and Capt Dach discuss two major changes to nominations and the way Service Academies (West Point, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy) select candidates to offer appointments to for any candidates entering an Academy in June of 2025 or later.    Each Member of Congress is able to now nominate 15 candidates instead of 10.   The list of Qualified Alternates is expanding from 150 to 200 for each Service Academy.    For our show on SAT/ACT scores, watch this episode.

In today's episode, we cover a great way to develop military propensity and discipline - Danielle Stolz and Patrick Nasdeo, both leaders within the Sea Cadets program join us to talk about the opportunities for young Sea Cadets in the middle school and high school programs. If you are interested in joining Sea Cadets, you can find a unit near you here: https://magellan.seacadets.org/referral.aspxBest of luck in your Service Academy and ROTC scholarship journey!

In today's show, we welcome Colonel Joseph Forester, a retired Air Force veteran and allergist, to discuss allergies and DoDMERB disqualifications.Service Academy and ROTC scholarship candidates must be DoDMERB qualified (or waived) in order to participate in these programs. One of the most common medical issues we see in candidates is an allergy to food. You can read the Department of Defense Instruction 6130.03 (or DoDI6130.03) here: https://www.gainserviceacademyadmission.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/613003_vol1.pdfWe also discuss the DoDMERB waiver process more in depth in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS3T6kVyLqQ&    

Today we sit down with Vinny Madera, a renowned SAT tutor with a track record of helping students significantly boost their SAT scores. Dive deep into the world of SAT math as Vinny shares tips, strategies, and insights to conquer this critical section of the test. Whether you're just starting your SAT journey or looking for those extra points to push your score higher, this episode is a must-listen! Connect with Vinny Madera for personalized SAT tutoring**: https://testprepwizards.com/ If you're aiming for a Service Academy, understanding SAT requirements is crucial. Check out our detailed breakdown of SAT score requirements for Service Academies here: https://www.gainserviceacademyadmissi... 

In this episode, we sit down with ACT Math Specialist Tony Miglio to delve into the intricate world of ACT Math preparation. Tony shares his insights and methods for success, with a particular emphasis on his specialized calculator course. If you're a high school student interested in earning a West Point, Air Force Academy, or Naval Academy appointment or a parent keen to help your child succeed, you'll find a treasure trove of actionable strategies in this conversation.   Resources to connect with Tony:Learn strategies to tackle the calculator portion of the ACT NKYtutoring.comnkytutoring@gmail.com859-835-1900  

In this episode, we tackle a pivotal question haunting the minds of service academy hopefuls: How relevant are the SAT & ACT scores in the application process today? Although some colleges and universities seem to be moving away from these standardized tests, our insight will explain why you still need to prioritize these exams. 

In this episode, we discuss lessons we learned from helping clients apply for appointments to all the Service Academies from academic year, 2022-2023, which is the Service Academy class of 2027. 

In this episode, we break down how to choose between the SAT and ACT, and the test's importance for your Service Academy application.