It’s difficult to get admitted into a military academy, an educational institution that prepares future officers.
For a sense of how hard it is, consider this: U.S. News puts the acceptance rate for the U.S. Naval Academy at 11%, the same as U.C.-Berkley, and the U.S. Air Force Academy at 13%, the same as Notre Dame. However, three Newberg High School seniors were admitted this year: Nathan Call, Air Force Academy; Isaac Hampton: Naval Academy; and Trevor Johnson, Naval Academy. Just getting one student admitted would have been a coup. To be eligible, military academy applicants must meet physical, medical, and character requirements on top of the extensive academic ones.
They also need a nomination from a member of the U.S. Senate or U.S. Congress — or the Vice-President of the United States. Each of these big-name nominators may have only five nominees in attendance at each academy at a time, making it even more challenging for applicants to receive a nomination. (Check out the AFA and NA pages for requirement details.)
With all of these weighty requirements in mind, this NHS triple threat may constitute 1% of the graduates from the School District this year but they are shining a bright light on the Class of 2024.
Up in the Sky and Out on the Ocean
For Call, Hampton, and Johnson, this acceptance will launch their careers. Call literally plans to rise up into the sky as a future pilot, intending to study aeronautical engineering.
"I feel super blessed; it's nice to see all this hard work come together,” said Call, also a valedictorian. “I’ve always been interested in space and planes. I’m taking physics; I’ve heard that [understanding physics] is the best way to become a test pilot for military planes.”
Johnson is also considering going airborne but as a naval pilot (or potentially, an explosives disposal expert). He’s also planning to study chemistry and to then become a doctor. While at the academy, he plans to build his character.
“I’m looking to become a better leader because that’s what the academy is about,” Johnson said.
Like Johnson, Hampton plans to go into the sciences, but he will be studying oceanography. He plans to one day serve aboard a U.S. Naval ship, traveling across oceans.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean; that’s why I want to be in the Navy,” Hampton said.
Student Tips on Applying to a Military Academy
Call, Hampton, and Johnson seem to have it all figured out, but how did they do it? Amazing GPAs and test scores? All three of them said that their success wasn’t just about their grades.
“They want to see you push yourself,” Johnson said.
For example, Call noted that students who took AP classes and didn't get a perfect GPA would be of greater interest to a military academy than those who received a 4.0 GPA but took less challenging courses. Call added that a diverse resume is key, denoting a well-rounded candidate.
Since there are physical requirements, it also helps that all three of them are athletes.
Call participated in track this year and played three years of football and basketball, noted Ronni Cook, the Athletics/Activities Secretary at NHS. Johnson is a 12-sport athlete who participated in football, wrestling, and baseball for four years at NHS. Hampton is a three-time state champion in wrestling.
In addition to staying fit and being well-rounded, Hampton advised younger students to get started on their application as soon as possible, junior year or even sooner.
It’s all good advice from three strong sources: talented, high-achieving students. They’re 1% of this year’s graduating class. They rose to the top, gaining entry to military academies with 11% to 13% admission rates. And they have given 100% of our School District community members another reason to be proud of our students.