The U.S. Air Force Academy is in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The average ACT score for students admitted for the class of 2014 was 30 in all subjects. In the past ACT scores for the Air Force Academy have ranged from 26 to 29 in English, 27 to 32 in reading, 28-32 in math and 27 to 31 in science. Top-performing students may receive scholarships to civilian graduate school programs, including medical and dental schools depending on the need of the Air Force at the time.
The U.S. Military Academy is in West Point, New York. Commonly referred to as "West Point," the academy admits students from the top 20 percent of their graduating classes who have also demonstrated leadership through extracurricular activities. The average ACT score admitted is 29 for English, 30 for reading, 29 for math and 28 for science. Admission to West Point is highly competitive. Candidates must obtain a recommendation from their congressional representative and pass a medical examination and a fitness test.
The U.S. Naval Academy is in Annapolis, Maryland. The academy admits students with an average of 26 or above on the ACT for both math and English. The lowest possible admissible score is a 22 in English and a 24 in math. Candidates must receive a nomination from a congressional representative, vice president or other avenue before applying. A physical examination, physical fitness test and interview are also required. The Naval Academy also recommends that interested applicants graduate in the top 20 percent of their high school class.
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is in Kings Point, New York. The school trains civilian mariners to protect the nation's waterways. The academy accepts average ACT scores of 23 for English and 28 for math. The minimum composite score acceptable is a 23. Candidates must also pass a physical examination and fitness test. Unlike the other four military academies, students at the Merchant Marine Academy must pay tuition. The cost of attendance for 2011 was $4,052.
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is in New London, Connecticut. The academy admitted students for the class of 2014 with a median ACT score of 28 in math and 27 in reading. Candidates are not required to obtain a congressional nomination but will need a commanding officer recommendation if currently serving in the Coast Guard. Interested high school juniors can get a taste of academy life through AIM, a one-week summer program.