USNA or Bust!

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 07/05/2026

What’s Happening in July at USNA update

Important military and patriotic days:

Independence Day–July 4th
National Hire a Veteran Day–July 25th
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day–July 27th
Anniversary of the Army Chaplain Corps–July 29th

Here are some articles to help you through July:

Like every year, I am exuberantly celebrating America’s birthday. I’d say times are tough here in the US, but that seems to be true everywhere in the world. So, I won’t complain. I love America as all of my international friends love their own homeland. This one–Chris Stapleton–8.2 Million views since Super Bowl 2023: Here’s the feel-good video for all patriots. If you missed this viral video from the Navy Women’s Lacrosse team, enjoy! https://youtube.com/shorts/u-dsWFOiOIg?si=cKUCB-4A082Uo4zb Read More…

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Posted in Monthly events

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 07/03/2026

July To Do List for USNA Applicants update

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here is a book to get you started:

Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.

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Posted in Monthly events, To Do List for Academy Application

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 06/05/2026

What’s Happening in June at USNA update

Important military and patriotic days:

D-Day–June 6th: the Allied invasion of Europe
Flag Day–June 14th
Army Birthday–June 14
Birthday of Navy Hospital Corpsman–June 17
USCG Auxiliary Birthday–June 23rd
PTSD Awareness Day–June 27th
3 Posts about I-Day

Here are some articles to help you through June:

Now, check the ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

June To Do List for USNA Applicants

June To Do List for USNA Applicants update

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment in time and money because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more before achieving your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here’s a book to get you started:

Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy their first choice college.

2 Comments

Posted in Monthly events, To Do List for Academy Application

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 05/04/2026

What’s Happening in May at USNA update

By now, you’ve finished your application. You have two big jobs remaining: Prepare physically and keep your academics strong.

Important military and patriotic days:

Loyalty Day–May 1st
Silver Star Service Banner Day–May 1st
Public Service Recognition Week–first full week of May
V-E Day–May 8th
Military Spouse Day–2nd Friday in May
Armed Forces Week – May 9-15, 2021 – (Week prior to Armed Forces Day, the 3rd Sunday in May)
Armed Forces Day–third Saturday in May
Maritime Day–May 22nd
Memorial Day–May 30th
National Military Appreciation Month

Here are some articles to help you through May:

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Posted in Monthly events, To Do List for Academy Application

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 05/01/2026

May ToDo for USNA Applicants

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment in time and money because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more before achieving your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here’s one book to get you started:

Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy their first choice college. Read More…

3 Comments

Posted in Monthly events, To Do List for Academy Application

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 04/16/2026

What’s Happening in April at USNA update

By now, you’ve finished your BGO Interview and attended a Candidate Weekend Visit. You have one big job remaining: Keep your grades solid, your attitude positive, and your goals clear.

Important military and patriotic days in April:

Gold Star Spouses Day–April 5
Army Day – April 6
Appomattox Day – April 9
National Former POW Recognition Day–April 9
Air Force Reserve Birthday–April 14
Army Reserve Birthday–April 23

If you’re just starting to think about attending the US Naval Academy, here’s your guide to making that dream come true:

Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

Now check the April ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

April To Do List for USNA Applicants

If you’ve been accepted or are the parent of a child who has been accepted, it’s time to start thinking about Plebe Summer:

April ToDo for USNA Applicants update

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money to achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here’s a book to get you started:

Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy their first choice college.

Read More…

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Posted in Monthly events, To Do List for Academy Application

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 03/04/2026

What’s Happening in March at USNA

By now, you’ve finished everything and are waiting to hear. Your only remaining job is to continue with the traits of leadership, aggressiveness, physicality that made you a good candidate to start with.

But, just to be sure, check the ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

March To Do List for USNA Applicants

Important USNA, military and patriotic days:

March 1st–Candidate Section of the application is due!
March 3–Navy Reserve Birthday
March 3–National Anthem Day
March 4–Hug a GI Day
March 5–Alamo Day
March 5–Seabee Birthday
March 9–First Battle of the Ironclads
March 13–K9 Veterans Day
March 25–Medal of Honor Day
March 29–National Vietnam War Veterans Day
March 31–NASS applications close

March ToDo for USNA Applicants update

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here’s a book to get you started:

Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to-earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy their first choice college.

Read More…

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Posted in Monthly events, To Do List for Academy Application

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 02/04/2026

February at USNA update

Important military and patriotic days:

National Freedom Day – February 1
USO Birthday–February 4th
National Salute to Veteran Patients–week of February 14
Remember the Maine Day (U.S.S. Maine) – February 15
Coast Guard Reserves Birthday – February 19
Iwo Jima Day – February 19
President’s Day – February 21 (Third Monday in February)

If you have suggestions for patriotic days I should mention next year, add them to the comments.

Here are some articles to help you through February:

Valentine Greeting for Your Soldier
The USNA Love Formula (uses a bit of calculus)
USNA and Summer STEM
5 Critical Skills to Accomplish During High School
10 Great Books to Read Before You Become a Midshipman

Now, check the ToDo list to see if you’re up to date on requirements for your application:

February To Do List for USNA Applicants

February ToDo for USNA Applicants update

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here is a good book to get you started:

Building a Midshipman

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice. She is now Commander.

2 Comments

Posted in Monthly events, To Do List for Academy Application

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 01/07/2026

January at USNA

By now, you’ve finished your Congressional Interview, maybe even your B&G Interview. You’ve attended or are preparing for a Candidate Weekend Visit. You likely have all pieces submitted for your application.

Important military and patriotic days:

Desert Storm (Persian Gulf) Began — January 16 (1991)
Vietnam Peace Day – January 27
Panama Campaign Ended — January 31 (1990)
SWO Ship Selection

Now, check the ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

January To Do List for USNA Applicants

January ToDo for USNA Applicants

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here’s a good book to get you started:

Building a Midshipman

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.

3 Comments

Posted in Monthly events, To Do List for Academy Application, USNA

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 12/03/2025

What’s Happening in December at USNA update

By now, you’ve finished your application, all the interviews, and have one big job remaining: Keep your grades, your leadership, and your physicality in top shape so when you receive the acceptance letter, you’re ready.

Important military and patriotic days:

Pearl Harbor Day–December 7th
War declared on Japan–Dec. 8, 1941
Germany and Italy declared war on the US–Dec. 11, 1941
US National Guard Birthday–December 13th
Army vs Navy game–December 14th
National Wreaths Across America Day–December 14th
Bill of Rights Day–December 15th
Official end of War in Iraq–Dec. 15th
Battle of the Bulge–December 16th Remembrance Day
Space Force birthday–December 20th
Official End of WWII–December 31st
RED Shirt Fridays–honor deployed soldiers by wearing red Fridays (RED=Remember Everyone Deployed)

Here are some articles to help you through December:

Now, check the ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

December To Do List for USNA Applicants

–image credit Deposit Photo

“The content presented in this blog are the result of creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”

Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is the author/editor of two military-tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days (starring the USS Bunker Hill), over one hundred resources on integrating tech into education, an Amazon Vine Voice, adjunct professor at UC and CSU, and mother of a CDR in the Navy and a SFC in the Army.

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Posted in Monthly events

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 12/01/2025

December To Do List for USNA Applicants update

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here are two books to get you started:

Building a Midshipman

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Monthly events, To Do List for Academy Application

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 11/05/2025

What’s Happening in November at USNA

By now, you’ve finished the application save a few remaining items. Your job becomes to wait, patiently. Keep your grades solid, your physical in shape, your leadership well-tuned.

Important military and patriotic days:

Election Day–Nov. 5th
Marine Corps Birthday–Nov. 10th
Armistice/Remembrance Day–Nov. 11th
Veteran’s Day–Nov. 11th
Grenada Campaign ended–Nov. 23, 1983
Warrior Care Month–entire month
National Military Family Month–entire month

Here are some articles to help you through November:

What’s it Like to Parent a Midshipman?

Want to Attend USNA? Prepare Yourself Junior Year HS

Headed for USNA? Prepare Yourself Sophomore Year HS

Do You Recognize the Early Warning Signs of a USNA Midshipman

39 Reasons to Love the Marine Corps

Now, check the ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

November Checklist for USNA Applicants

4 Comments

Posted in Monthly events

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 11/03/2025

November To Do List for USNA Applicants

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here is a great book to get you started:

Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Monthly events, To Do List for Academy Application

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 10/03/2025

USNA Happenings in October

Important military and patriotic days:

October 10th: Happy Birthday, USNA! (initially opened with 50 midshipman students and seven professors)

October 10th: US forces take Okinawa
October 13th: Happy Birthday, US Navy! (the Continental Congress authorizes construction of two warships)
October 18: Military World Games
October 26th: Day of the Deployed
October 27th: Navy Day

Here are some articles to help you through October:

Now, check the ToDo list to see if you’re up to date:

October To Do List for USNA Applicants

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Posted in Monthly events

Posted by: Jacqui Murray | 10/03/2025

October To Do List for USNA Applicants update

Depending upon where you are in the process, you may have done some of the items on this list. Skip them. Be happy you’re done. Move on to the next:

First Steps:

If you’re serious about attending the USNA or any other military academy, buy a few books (or check them out of the library) on the process. It’s worth the investment because if you pursue this dream, you will be investing much more of your time and money before you achieve your goal. Better to make sure this is the direction you want to go.

Here’s a good book to get you started:

Building a Midshipman: How to Crack the USNA Application

From the perspective of a woman who was accepted and how she accomplished it. Down-to earth, personal, definitely not dry, and should give confidence to any teen, male or female, considering a military academy as their college of choice.