The greatest accolade given the Naval Academy was by the North Vietnamese commander Major Bui to captured John Sidney McCain III, USNA class of ’58 when he said, “They have taught you too well, McCain! They have taught you too well.”

You don’t have to be a third generation applicant, son and grandson of a four-star Admiral and future presidential nominee to be one of the 10% of applicants who lands a coveted spot in the Naval Academy, but you do need a plan. That’s the first secret. Plan. Here are eight more:

1. Compare yourself against the bare bones requirements here. Is that you? Now check the ‘average student’  here. Still in the running? Even if it’s not you right now, could it be in four years? If so, you’re half way there.
2. Know this is where you want to go. Research your options. A good checklist for comparing schools is available in the book, or create your own. Just do it so when you’ve made a decision, you know it’s right.
3. Look at the long To Do list and understand they must be done. It includes not just becoming physically/mentally fit, but getting a Congressional nomination, passing a physical examination, working with the Blue and Gold officer, filling out piles of forms, possibly attending several sessions at the Academy to be sure you’re right. Accept that. It may interfere with other High School duties, but that’s the Academy way. They want to see how many balls you can juggle at once and still come out with applause. It’s doable and you can be that person. There’s a checklist in the workbook I used (Building a Midshipman) that makes it easy to complete everything, but be ready: It’s quite long.
4. Make a resume. Yes, you’re young, but if you don’t start it now, you’ll forget that when you were in eighth grade, you won the Science Fair, and when you were a freshman, you were the #1 violinist at the area orchestra competition. There’s a sample in the book that can help you.
5. Are you a mix of physical/mental/verbal? You don’t have to be the best in any one category, but a Navy Officer requires all three. You have to be physically fit, mentally sharp and able to communicate your thoughts and ideas. Some schools just want one or two. The Navy challenge: You must have all three.
6. Keep trying. The Naval Academy values people who follow through even when they’re failing, even when there isn’t enough time (think about preparing for Pearl Harbor–did they have as much time as they needed), especially if it means working under pressure (like every battle America has ever been in). That ability to work through problems and stress is as important as the 4.0 and ASB President that Ivy Leagues want.
7. Follow through. Once you’re in the application stage, send the information the Admissions Office requests, then follow through to be sure it got there. They have a handy update feature you can check or use the one in the workbook. Your goal is to be sure they think you’re in the same spot you think you are.
8. Start now.

The biggest secret: Believe you can do it. Anything you can believe and conceive, you can achieve. Set your GPS to ‘USNA’ and get going. (more…)

Those interested in a life of Christian ministry must be prepared to:

• build a godly character
• serve faithfully
• be patient and accountable
• pursue training.

If this seems like the right path for your college-career goals, here are suggestions from the Ask a Tech Teacher team for what you can expect:

What to Expect When Studying for Christian Ministry

Studying for Christian ministry shapes both the mind and the heart. It calls for discipline, reflection, and a willingness to grow in faith while serving others. Many enter this path with passion, yet the journey demands more than enthusiasm. It requires steady commitment, intellectual curiosity, and emotional maturity. Coursework stretches thinking, while real-life ministry experiences challenge comfort zones. Growth happens through study, prayer, and community engagement. Expectations should remain realistic, since the process takes time and effort. A clear understanding of what lies ahead helps students stay grounded, focused, and ready to embrace both the challenges and the rewards of ministry training.

1. Academic Rigor and Theological Depth

Students often expect spiritual discussions, but the academic intensity surprises many. Courses require critical reading, structured writing, and deep analysis of biblical texts. Professors expect engagement with historical context, language nuances, and theological debates. Assignments push students to form well-supported arguments rather than simple reflections. Time management becomes essential, since reading loads grow quickly. Students must balance intellectual growth with spiritual insight. This combination creates a demanding yet rewarding environment. Consistent effort builds confidence and sharpens understanding. Those who stay disciplined find that their knowledge expands in meaningful ways that support long-term ministry goals and practical leadership. (more…)

Interesting thoughts from the Ask a Tech Teacher team on how education  paves the way for better psychiatric nursing care…

Caring for Mental Health: How Education Prepares Nurses for Psychiatric Care

Mental health care requires nurses to use specialized training to meet patients emotionally and psychologically. Through education and clinical learning, nurses develop the patience, communication skills, and understanding needed to support those facing mental health challenges. Academic preparation highlights attentive listening and calm guidance, helping patients feel understood rather than judged.

Each interaction becomes an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained through coursework, simulation exercises, and supervised clinical experience. Educational preparation enables nurses to remain flexible and thoughtful, particularly in psychiatric environments that can change rapidly and require a measured, informed response.

The Evolving Role of Nurses in Mental Health Education

Nurses preparing for psychiatric care quickly learn that the role extends beyond traditional bedside tasks. Educational programs in psychiatric nursing emphasize the importance of relationship building, emotional awareness, and patient-centered communication. Students study behavioral science, mental health assessment, and therapeutic interaction techniques to gain a deeper understanding of how mental health conditions affect behavior.

Academic training also introduces future nurses to real-world scenarios through case studies and clinical placements. These experiences help them recognize behavioral patterns, support medication plans, and guide patients through periods of confusion or emotional distress. Over time, education shapes a professional style that blends clinical structure with empathy and clear communication. (more…)

Here’s an overview and a check list for what you want to accomplish this year (reprinted with permission from Building a Midshipman):

For many college entrance requirements, sophomore year starts the academic record- /GPA-/placement in the class-countdown. But not the Naval Academy. They count Freshman-Sophomore-Junior year. Senior year only counts for applicants on the scholastic bubble. This summer, like last summer, will be spent on scholarly pursuits, repairing damage and preparing for sophomore year.

• Develop a plan of action for the next twenty-four months designed to correct freshman year flaws and insure the accomplishment of your dreams. You post it on the wall above your desk. Every time you sit down to do homework, you’ll see those goals, remember those reasons, and study harder.
  
• Retake Geometry over the summer. Your confidence in your math and science abilities fractured after Honors Geometry and this will reinforce what you did learn while backfilling what you didn’t understand
• Drop to non-honors Algebra II and non-honors chemistry for sophomore year. These fit your aptitude better and you hope will allow you a better chance to absorb the material
• Play summer soccer with the District’s soccer league. You’re aiming for Varsity next year, so spend this time ironing out shots on goal, dribbling, and perfecting soccer strategy. You practice four days a week, play ten games, and get to know teammates and coaches. A good investment of time.
• Recommit yourself to violin. Dedicate several hours of each summer day to practice, and reevaluate next year. You had a few setbacks with your violin. You didn’t qualify for All-State, and because of the shortened weekly practice (studying for classes took a lot more time than you had planned), you didn’t progress sufficiently in the classical repertoire required for college auditions. Still, this summer can make a difference. Violin gives a voice to your ‘other’ self buried beneath math formulas and memorized facts.
• Research the fundamental premise of your science project. DNA has intrigued you since seventh grade. Read about singalization, hybridization, plate tectonics and paleogeology, and try to puzzle out your hypothesis.

(more…)

Education is changing as the world does, too. It’s not just undergrad and then grad or trade school. Here are more ideas from the Ask a Tech Teacher team of what’s available:

Opportunities Driving Broader Educational Reach for Students Today

Education today isn’t locked into classrooms or bound by rigid schedules. Students can build their learning around their lives instead of the other way around. Whether it’s joining an online program, traveling for a short-term study experience, or tapping into free materials, the doors are wide open.

What’s changed the most is the range of choices available. Students can learn from international experts without leaving home, explore career-focused programs that fit into part-time hours, or find specialized courses that match their personal goals. The variety means each learning path can look completely different, shaped around what works best for the individual. (more…)

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

Man in the Arena,  a speech by Theodore Roosevelt

 You didn’t even know the US Naval Academy existed until your brother decided to attend a Service Academy Night at the School District. He’s a year younger and a passionate student of military history. Mom joined him and when they returned, pronounced, “It’s you.”

(more…)

From Shifts to Success: How Nurses Can Keep Learning Without Burnout

Image source: Pexels

Nursing is one of the most demanding careers. The hours are long, the work is intense, and the responsibilities are never-ending. Yet, many nurses know that professional growth is just as important as patient care. Whether aiming for leadership roles, higher pay, or specialized expertise, continuing education opens doors. The challenge is finding balance. How can nurses keep learning without adding stress or risking burnout?

In this article, nurses can find some smart strategies that can help them advance their careers without compromising their well-being. (more…)

The K-8 education journey is tame compared to post-graduate school. Managing the years required to obtain a Masters and in this case, a Doctors, can be daunting enough to frighten off the most committed of students. The Ask a Tech Teacher team has a quick overview of how to make it less treacherous and more successful:

From Students to Scholars: Navigating the Doctoral Journey in the Digital Age

Image credit: Pexels

Today, employers, universities, and research organizations value candidates who can contribute original thinking and lead projects that solve complex problems. This has created more interest in doctoral programs than ever before, but it has also raised new questions. How do students prepare for such a long academic journey?

The doctoral journey is very different today than it was even twenty years ago. Students now have more ways to access advanced education, but they also face new distractions and pressures. This article takes a closer look at what it means to move from student to scholar in the digital age, and how learners can navigate the path with confidence and preparation. (more…)

The College Interview is intimidating and usually only applies to the Ivy League schools. If you’re considering the US Naval Academy, it’s called a Blue and Gold Interview. They will put you through a rigorous test of thinking on your feet, fast, and without ‘umms’.

Here’s what you should know:

The B&G (Blue and Gold) Interview is one of several opportunities for the Naval Academy to insure they appoint candidates who will make it through the next nine years.

Few colleges invest the time and money in a personal in-home interview. For the Naval Academy, it’s a mandatory step, and an important nod in the approval process. The BGO (Blue and Gold Officer) knows you better than any other person involved in the selection process. His/Her opinion of you will weigh heavily as they review your application. Make sure by the time of this interview, you have developed a good rapport with yours. You chatted with him/her at several Academy Nights, emailed him/her at critical junctures in the application process, and updated him/her on your progress.

Here’s how it went for my daughter:

He arranges a coffee meeting at a local restaurant. You decide to wear khaki pants and a  collared shirt—conservative, respectful, but not a tie-and-jacket-pretentiousness. His questions remind you of those at the Congressional Interview—why do you want to attend the Naval Academy? What will you do if they don’t select you? Nothing tricky. By now, you’ve passed the Naval Academy’s physical test so he commends you on that. His lone suggestion reminds you to continue increasing your SAT scores, currently at 1350. He suggests a review course. Your time restraints make this difficult: Although it’s senior year, you have eight classes (including four APs). You’ve dropped the violin lessons, practice time reserved for Orchestra at school (where you are the Concertmaster) and the Youth Symphony Sunday sessions (where you are 1st violin). You know  yourself. If you overload your schedule, you implode. You’ve learned this from Freshman Year experiences. You do commit to taking advantage of the free Princeton Review SAT course offered at school for IB (International Baccalaureate) applicants.

All in all, a stress-free interview. It ends with you returning home to study Calculus. You send a thank-you note to your BGO, and sign it “Go Navy Beat Army!” You start checking the CIS website to see when it shows up as completed. Not yet, but it’s only been six hours….

–Taken from Building a Midshipman 

This series delves into making the military part of college-career choices. All the links are there but some for future dates:

• 5 Must-do Skills to Accomplish During High School
• 5 Popular Excuses for Not Going to USNA
• 9 Secrets for Getting into a Service Academy
• 11 Ways to Become a Navy Officer and a Gentleman
• Apply for a Military Academy
• Average USNA Candidate
• ASVAB or a Service Academy? You Decide.
• College Bound: Take Inventory
• Didn’t get into a Military Academy? Try NAPS
• Goal Setting for a Fourteen-year-old
• Is a Military Academy Right for You?
• Leadership Traits Found in USNA Midshipmen
• Preparing for the College Interview
• OCS–an option
• STEM at USNA
• Successful USNA Graduates
• What Happens After USNA Graduation
• Why the USNA?
• You’re a Freshman and Interest in USNA
• You’re a Sophomore and Interested in USNA
• You’re a Junior and Interested in USNA
• You’re a Senior and Interested in USNA
• You Know You’re a Plebe if…

(more…)