If a child is interested in a service academy ...

[Mama Lynx]

Does having a diploma from Clonlara or NARHS make the admissions process any easier? Or does it not matter?

[Linda in NM]

While my son is not interested in a service academy, he is interested in playing D1 hockey (and he has a shot at it). We've been enrolled in Clonlara now for four years (he'll be a sophomore next year)--it's just easier to have accedited NCAA courses from an accredited school. I can't speak for NARHS--I know they had some issue with NCAA approval last year, but I don't know the resolution.

[Margaret in CO]

I can speak to both of those. Yes, we found the NARS diploma helpful for the academies. Coast Guard requires a accredited program (or they did 3 years ago) and our BGO (Navy) was pleased that we had it. AF didn't seem to care as much. However, NARS was NOT helpful in the process. They didn't get that a deadline was a deadline and it didn't matter if your mom was sick--hire more help! Our year of applications was very hard because of a lackidasial attitude. It was a learning process for them. NARS however, is NOT recognized by NCAA and never will be--they don't have a brick and mortar school, unlike Clonlara.

If you think a SA might be in your child's future, go buy the Candidate Book for both Navy and AF and How to Win ROTC Scholarships. Have your CHILD contact all the academies (not mom!) and ask to be put on the mailing list. Consider doing a sports camp to get a feel for the places. And starting at Christmas of the junior year, start applying for summer seminars at all of them. Remember--sports are a big deal: run and run some more. Two sports are best, including one team sport. Leadership is paramount--youth city councils, Boys' State, 4-H, etc. Start a business, volunteer, earn a pilot's license.... Don't overlook Merchant Marine Academy--they can branch any service and it's easier to get into. It still requires a nomination--CG is the only one that does not. And welcome to the journey.

Proud mom of a Firstie (senior), detailer for Plebe Summer, Platoon Commander, USNA.

[In The Great White North]

According to their website, NARHS is recognized by the NCAA.

http://www.narhs.org/node/view/3

[Kate in FL]

We have been with NARS for a couple of years and spoken with the NCAA within the last year and they will not accept a NARS diploma. I had no problem with NARS but my kids want to participate in sports so I am jumping through NCAA hoops. Bummer.

[nuttman]

I wonder how Tim Tebow did it?

[Linda in NM]

Have you seen that homeschool athletics magazine? They'd probably have the answer...

[K-FL]

I wonder how Tim Tebow did it?

Honestly, I doubt they had ANY trouble! He was a top hs recruit, Parade All-American, etc. The NCAA & FHSAA rules are pretty easy to follow & the family had been serious about his abilities from 9th grade on. He & his mom moved into an apt. in another county so he could play for a particular team 10-12th grades.

http://www.tebowzone.com/about/

[FloridaLisa]

Consider doing a sports camp to get a feel for the places. And starting at Christmas of the junior year, start applying for summer seminars at all of them.

So, Margaret, are there sports camps that are different from the summer seminars? Hmmm. Does a student attend sports camp before the senior year? Thanks for the info!

Lisa

[Margaret in CO]

Yes, it's true that NARS graduates have gotten NCAA eligibility, but they must do it as hsers. Here is the list of no-go schools from THE NCAA SITE:
https://www.ncaa.org/wps/ncaa?ContentID=49482 NARS is down about 3/4 of the way.

[Margaret in CO]

So, Margaret, are there sports camps that are different from the summer seminars? Hmmm. Does a student attend sports camp before the senior year? Thanks for the info!

Lisa

Summer seminars are a chance for students between their junior and senior years to experience a taste of academy life.
Spprts camps are for athletes from 8-18 to train in their sport. My dd did the x-c camp at AFA and I have to say, was quite disappointed in it. They hardly ran! I think she ran into the same problem her sister did at summer seminar at AFA--they were worried about the altitude. As we go DOWN to AFA, my dds were expecting things to be a bit tougher. :D

http://www.goairforcefalcons.com/camps/2009-sports-camps.html
http://www.navysports.com/camps/navy-camps.html
http://ev12.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?DB_OEM_ID=11100&groupCode=SC03&linkID=army&shopperContext=&caller=&appCode=

[asta]

Interesting link.

I would have thought Kolbe would be on it, as it has a relatively uncommon Catholic accreditation, but it's not.

Perhaps it is OK because it also has a brick and mortar school.


a

[kate in seattle]

my son was received an appointment at the Air Force Academy with a mommy transcript and 2 years of community college classes. We did not have to worry about NCAA accreditation however. He did do sports and earn varsity letters but we knew he would never play at the college level.

[Mama Lynx]

my son was received an appointment at the Air Force Academy with a mommy transcript and 2 years of community college classes. We did not have to worry about NCAA accreditation however. He did do sports and earn varsity letters but we knew he would never play at the college level.

Thanks, Kate! That's good to know.

I would really prefer to do a mommy transcript. However, I don't want my preference for that to hold my sons back.

[FloridaLisa]

Thanks Margaret! This is the first I've heard of their sports camps. I really appreciate the information.

Lisa