Dobson wrote this book to fill a void he discovered when his son applied to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Readers will find practical advice on how to decide if a service academy is the right fit for them. The author covers high school coursework and extracurricular activities, including leadership and community service. Students and parents will appreciate the step-by-step discussion of the application process. The explanation of how to secure a nomination to an academy will be of special interest to those unfamiliar with the system. Dobson's skill as a writer is apparent as he explains the complex admissions process in a way that makes it clear. The author is honest in the description of the work required to be accepted into and in attending an academy; his tone is always positive. He provides practical advice on how to reapply should one not get accepted and how to address potential stumbling blocks in one's record. VERDICT Attending a U.S. military academy isn't for everyone, but Dobson's guide is a must-read for anyone considering this career path. Highly recommended for high school, public, and college libraries. * Library Journal, Starred Review * Popular writer and workshop leader Dobson has put together the telling story of the complex and daunting process by which a young man or woman wins appointment to a US service academy. Based on his own experience as a parent of an applicant, the author provides a description of each of the five premier military service academies, and goes on to detail pertinent topics concerning high school preparation, physical fitness, the application process itself, and the all-important notification process. The book's four appendixes cover law, class profiles, resources, and sample nomination letters. The bibliography offers sources that give a glimpse of the academies in 2015. Most valuable is the author's accompanying free, downloadable PDF, which promises to update the information in the book on a regular basis. Parents who have successfully gone through this process themselves (as has this reviewer) can affirm that readers of this book will appreciate having a one-stop resource to help navigate the complex, 18-month process. With success, the journey will culminate in the achievement of an appointment at one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in America. Summing Up: Recommended. For public libraries and high school or community college students. * CHOICE * This book leads students and their families through the process step by step, offering the tools needed for the very best chance of success. * Intelligencer * For those considering beginning their military careers through acceptance at a service academy this is the perfect source. Michael Singer Dobson's book covers every aspect an aspiring candidate needs to know about the admissions process. Referencing this book as a guide, once you have decided to seek a nomination, will smooth your pathway to admissions. -- Jillian Ventrone, author of From the Marine Corps to College: Transitioning from the Service to Higher Education, From the Navy to College, and From the Army to College If knowledge is power, then Michael Singer Dobson's newest book is a powerhouse. The labyrinthine service academy appointment process has rightly earned a mystique that seems daunting to the young people who dare to venture onto that path. Armed with the well-organized, thorough, and complete information offered in How to Get Into a Military Service Academy, those aspiring soldiers and sailors will find that the maze is navigable after all. Dobson's work sheds light on every step of the process, from the first expression of interest to the moment of entering the ranks of either of America's service academies. -- Deborah Roszel, speaker and author of The Mom's Guide to Surviving West Point As an executive with the leading firm that specializes in placing military officers into Corporate America, I see the strong demand from Fortune 500 companies for leadership talent - specifically service academy graduates - every day. This book is a great starting point and an invaluable roadmap - a must read for any student AND parent considering a service academy education and the benefits it is sure to yield in the future. -- Michael Arsenault, Vice President, Candidate Services, Bradley-Morris Inc.