COLLEGE ADVISING
College advising helps cadets navigate the college search and application process with confidence and purpose.
Through individualized counseling, college exploration, application support, and scholarship guidance, cadets are empowered to identify postsecondary opportunities that align with their academic achievements, personal interests, and future aspirations.
Our comprehensive approach ensures cadets are prepared to make informed decisions and successfully transition to the next chapter of their educational journey.
College exploration encourages cadets to evaluate institutions based on academic programs, campus culture, location, cost, and career opportunities. Through research and self-reflection, cadets gain a deeper understanding of what they value in a college experience and identify schools that align with their goals and interests.
Many colleges offer virtual tours on their admissions pages.
5 Reasons to Visit a College Campus 1. See the Campus in Action – Experience classrooms, dorms, dining, and student life beyond brochures and websites. 2. Get a Feel for Fit – Discover if the academic, social, and personal environment feels right for your cadet. 3. Ask Questions Firsthand – Meet faculty, staff, and current students to gain real insights. 4. Show Genuine Engagement – A visit signals that your cadet is taking the process seriously and thoughtfully considering their options. 5. Make Confident Decisions – Compare campuses and narrow choices with clarity and peace of mind.
Applying to college often requires navigating multiple application systems and requirements. The College Placement and Academic Services team helps cadets understand the various application platforms used by colleges, universities, service academies, and scholarship programs.
Through personalized support and guidance, cadets gain the knowledge and confidence needed to complete applications accurately and on time.
Cadets are strongly encouraged to use their FUMA email when submitting applications. Colleges use email as the primary channel for time-sensitive information, and cadets have daily access to their FUMA email.
APPLICATION PLATFORMS
The Common App allows students to apply to up to 20 colleges through a single platform. Over 1,000 colleges and universities participate in the Common App, including some Service Academies and community colleges.
It is vital that the cadet add his assigned College Advisor as "Counselor" in the Common App. This allows the college advisor to upload the required documentation to complete the application.
It is also vital for a cadet to use his FUMA email when creating his account for immediate access to communication.
For tutorial assistance in filling out the Common App, click here.
The Common Black College App is designated for specific Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU). There are 40 HBCUs that participate in Common Black College App. Cadets will play a flat fee to submit applications to those schools that participate.
DIRECT ADMISSION (NICHE AND COLLEGE BOARD)
Niche and College Board offer Direct Admission opportunities that may come with a scholarship award. The student is not accepted and is not awarded the money until an official application is on file.
INDIVIDUAL COLLEGE APPLICATION
Colleges and Universities will have their own applications as an option as well.
**It is crucial that the cadet inform his assigned College Advisor if he applies through the school's personal application. No notification is sent to the College Advisor from the college or university.**
When a cadet submits an application, he must communicate with his assigned College Advisor to ensure all supplementary materials are submitted on time.
Colleges and universities offer a variety of application deadlines, each with its own requirements, timelines, and admission considerations. Understanding the differences between Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, Rolling Admission, and other application options is an important part of the college planning process.
Through individualized guidance, cadets learn to evaluate each type of deadline, develop an application strategy, and submit materials on time. By planning ahead and meeting key deadlines, cadets maximize their opportunities and remain competitive throughout the admission process.
Early Decision and Early Action deadlines begin on October 15 and last through November 15. It is vital to check each college and university for specific deadline dates.
The regular deadline is typically January 1. It is vital to check each college and university for specific deadline dates.
Early Decision Early Decision is a BINDING admission option for students who have identified a clear first-choice college. Applicants typically submit materials in the fall and receive an admission decision earlier than the regular admission cycle. If admitted, students are expected to enroll and withdraw their applications from other institutions.
Early Decision II Early Decision II offers students a second opportunity to apply through a BINDING admission plan after the initial Early Decision deadline has passed. This option is often appropriate for students who identify a first-choice institution later in the application process. As with Early Decision, admitted students are expected to enroll.
Early Action Early Action allows students to apply and receive an admission decision earlier than the regular application timeline while remaining non-binding. Students may apply to multiple institutions offering Early Action and are not required to commit until the national enrollment deadline.
Early Action II Early Action II provides students with an additional opportunity to apply early while maintaining the flexibility of a non-binding admission plan. Applicants typically receive admission decisions before Regular Decision candidates and are not obligated to enroll if admitted.
Restrictive Early Action Restrictive Early Action is a non-binding admission option offered by a limited number of institutions. While students are not required to enroll if admitted, restrictions may apply regarding applications to other private colleges' early programs. Students should carefully review each institution's policies before applying.
Regular Decision Regular Decision is the traditional application process used by most colleges and universities. Students submit applications by a published deadline and receive admission decisions later in the admission cycle. This option provides additional time to strengthen academic records, complete applications, and explore college choices.
Rolling Admission Rolling Admission allows colleges to review applications as they are received and continue making admission decisions until available spaces are filled. Because decisions are released on an ongoing basis, students are encouraged to apply early to maximize admission, scholarship, and housing opportunities.
The application process helps cadets translate their academic achievements, experiences, and aspirations into future opportunities.
Through careful planning, organization, and individualized support, cadets learn how to navigate application platforms, complete required materials, and manage important deadlines.
By approaching each step with purpose and attention to detail, cadets are prepared to submit strong applications and make informed decisions about their postsecondary options.
Important Note: The application process does not open for seniors until August 1 of their senior year.
Rising seniors cannot submit applications until after August 1 of their senior year.
Steps for the Application Process
1. Build Your College List
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Research colleges that align with your academic interests, career goals, financial considerations, and personal preferences. Work with your college advisor to develop a balanced list of reach, match, and likely schools.
2. Create Application Accounts
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Establish accounts on the appropriate application platforms, such as the Common Application, Coalition Application, institutional applications, or service academy portals. Record usernames and passwords in a secure location.
3. Review Requirements and Deadlines
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Carefully review each institution's admission requirements, application deadlines, testing policies, supplemental essays, and scholarship opportunities. Create a timeline to stay organized throughout the process.
4. Complete Application Sections
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Accurately complete all required sections, including personal information, academic history, activities, honors, employment, and service experiences. Take time to review entries for accuracy and completeness.
5. Request Supporting Documents
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Coordinate with the College Placement and Academic Services Office to ensure transcripts, school reports, recommendations, and other required documents are submitted by the appropriate deadlines.
**During the application process, the assigned College Counselor will submit the transcripts and school reports as requested and needed. Actively enrolled senior cadets completing the application process do not need to order transcripts through Parchment during this process**
6. Write and Refine Essays
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Develop thoughtful and authentic essays that reflect your experiences, character, and goals. Seek feedback from trusted advisors, teachers, and family members before submitting.
7. Submit Applications
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Review all application materials carefully before submission. Verify that each section is complete, fees have been paid (or fee waivers requested), and all required documents have been received.
College Leave Requests
College visits provide cadets and families with an opportunity to explore academic programs, campus culture, and postsecondary options firsthand. As part of the college search process, Fork Union Military Academy supports approved college visits through a structured leave request process that minimizes disruption to a cadet's academic and military responsibilities.
College leave requests are available to eligible cadets who have scheduled an official visit through a college or university admission office. These visits may include campus tours, information sessions, interviews, open houses, or other admission-sponsored events. To ensure cadets remain engaged in their academic and leadership responsibilities, all leave requests must be planned in advance and approved through the appropriate channels.
Eligibility
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Senior and Postgraduate cadets may receive up to three (3) excused academic absences for approved college visits during the academic year.
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Junior cadets may receive up to two (2) excused academic absences for approved college visits during the academic year.
All College Leave Requests must follow the proper procedures and be submitted by the deadline set by your designated College Counselor.
Expectations
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Approved college visits must be officially coordinated through a college or university admission office. Activities such as self-guided visits, driving through campus, attending athletic events, or visiting friends do not qualify for an excused college leave.
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Cadets are expected to demonstrate responsibility throughout the process by communicating with advisors, meeting deadlines, and obtaining any missed assignments or approvals from teachers, coaches, TAC officers, and other supervisors.
Request Process
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Contact your designated college counselor at least one week prior to the visit.
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Provide documentation confirming the official college visit.
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Receive approval from the College Placement and Academic Services Office.
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Submit the College Leave Request through ORAH.
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Obtain any additional approvals required for missed athletic, military, or extracurricular obligations.
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Monitor the request through ORAH until final approval is granted.
Important Reminders
College leave requests may not be approved during final examinations, parade days, or other required Academy events as determined by the Academic Department, Commandant's Department, or the Office of the President.
Because college visits are an extension of the educational experience, cadets are encouraged to prepare thoughtful questions, engage with admission representatives, and reflect on how each institution aligns with their academic, personal, and career goals.
For detailed procedures, required documentation, and ORAH submission instructions, please review the College Leave Request Procedures document below.
The college search process extends far beyond applications and deadlines. Through college fairs, campus visits, representative meetings, and senior seminar, cadets gain the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their future. These opportunities encourage exploration, self-discovery, and purposeful planning as cadets prepare for lives of leadership and service.
Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (VACRAO) annual college fair occurs in the fall.
The VACRAO college fair is available to all postgradutes, seniors, and juniors.
Over 50+ college admission representatives visit Fork Union Military Academy during the academic year hosting informational sessions for interested cadets.
These informational sessions are optional and available to juniors, seniors, and postgraduates.
Fork Union Military Academy visits college campuses for tours and admission presentations in the fall and the spring. Visits include colleges and universities within a two-hour radius of Fork Union Military Academy.
These visits are optional and available to juniors and seniors.