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What do you all think of the military academies? Has anyone applied to one of these schools? I don't hear much discussion about them, but from what I understand they're good engineering schools. Is this true? The reason I ask is because I was accepted to West Point, but am having a difficult time deciding whether it's for me. I've got a while to decide, but it's a concern nonetheless.

Thanks for any insight.

By Okiew5 (Okiew5) on Saturday, December 13, 2003 - 05:10 pm: Edit

Hey, I was accepted into the Air Force Academy, and I also have to make that huge decision. I just cannot bring myself to terms of 4 years of preety much hell, followed by another 5 years of service owed. Great schools and will get you anywhere in the future, but the decision that I have to make is if i really want to make that sacrafice of the 9 years.

By Disparat (Disparat) on Saturday, December 13, 2003 - 05:22 pm: Edit

Definitely. Personally I wouldn't mind the service after I get out. You don't have to look for a job, and there's all kinds of cool stuff you can do there that you can't anywhere else. The academy itself, I think, will be the hard part. What were you looking at majoring in?

By Bobby443 (Bobby443) on Saturday, December 13, 2003 - 08:02 pm: Edit

Go, and you will be set for life.

By Kode (Kode) on Saturday, December 13, 2003 - 08:57 pm: Edit

But is it the kind of life you are looking for, is the question. Whatever you do, good luck!

By Galagos (Galagos) on Saturday, December 13, 2003 - 10:30 pm: Edit

They are great engineering schools, and are rated among the highest in the country. However, if you are not completely committed to joining the service I would recommend against going to a military academy. If you have any doubts going in you likely won't make it past the first year.

By Galagos (Galagos) on Saturday, December 13, 2003 - 10:37 pm: Edit

They are great engineering schools, and are rated among the highest in the country. However, if you are not completely committed to joining the service I would recommend against going to a military academy. If you have any doubts going in you likely won't make it past the first year.

By Disparat (Disparat) on Sunday, December 14, 2003 - 12:35 pm: Edit

I know that the first year is the most difficult, but I really think it gets better after that. I did a candidate weekend at the Naval Academy last month, and it definitely wasn't as straight edged and uptight as I thought it would be. I was surprised. However, I know that physical fitness is a big thing, and I would probably have to prepare for that. I am definitely on the more academic side than the sports side (I'm applying to MIT too), although I do do sports all year long.

And galagos, about having doubts- I don't know that that's too big a deal. I know most people who go there are gung-ho and sickeningly-patriotic, but I'm a very motivated person, and if I committed myself to going, I don't know that I would have a problem.

Thanks for all the opinions though, guys. I would appreciate anymore input.

By Ickyfoo (Ickyfoo) on Sunday, December 14, 2003 - 12:37 pm: Edit

ROTC scholarships are also a good alternative to look in to if you're not completly sure about going to an academy.

By Alphachimp (Alphachimp) on Sunday, December 14, 2003 - 01:47 pm: Edit

definetly, though my NROTC interviewer told me on Thursday that it's just as tough as going to a Service Academy, at least in terms of the physical requirements.

By Spiegel186 (Spiegel186) on Sunday, December 14, 2003 - 02:08 pm: Edit

I got an NROTC scholarship through ISD (Immediate Selection Decision). It wasn't that hard. I'm also applying to Naval Academy and Military Academy. The nomination is the hardest part.

By Alphachimp (Alphachimp) on Sunday, December 14, 2003 - 02:10 pm: Edit

nice...I dont have mine yet because my teachers havent sent in my recs =(

What school did u get it at?

By Linden (Linden) on Sunday, December 14, 2003 - 02:20 pm: Edit

A military academy education is undoubtedly a fine one. Your future career outlook post-service years is also excellent. Big question-can you give up all control of your life for about the next 9-10 years. Almost every decision in regards to whom you live with, where, for how long, maybe even what you end up studying(they heve been known to renege on promises)will be out of your hands. If you can live with those terms, then God speed.

By Disparat (Disparat) on Sunday, December 14, 2003 - 02:40 pm: Edit

Speigel: For me the nomination wasn't too difficult. If you have a parent in the military, from what I understand the Presidential nominations aren't that difficult to get. I just sent in the required information and that was it (no interviews, essays, etc.). Good luck with that. I also applied to the Naval Academy as well as West Point. Personally, I like the Naval Academy more, but perhaps that's because its the one I am more familiar with.

The biggest attraction that I have to the academies is the military service after you graduate. A job is guaranteed, and it doesn't even necessarily have to be related to your degree at all (can be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it). It'd be awesome to be a naval aviator. Another thing is that it's free. That would definitely make my parents happy.

By Spiegel186 (Spiegel186) on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 12:58 pm: Edit

I got the NROTC scholarship directly from the Navy. I wrote down that my top choice of schools which were: Georgetown, MIT, Tufts, Duke, Occidental, and the UC's. The academic curriculum of West Point and Annapolis has a mix of engineering and whatever major you want to pursue. I'm actually interested in a political science major with an emphasis on international relations and national security.
I really want to serve in either the Navy or Army and probably make it a career. Too bad i can't fly though. My vision sucks. If i had to choose a navy branch it would be SWO (Surface Warfare Officer) or Submarines. For army it would be armor or infantry. Huah.
I just got listed for a nomination from Congressman David Dreier in CA's 26th district. He actually listed me for both a military and naval academy one. I'm still lost when it comes down to choosing one though. The naval service i think is better at everything and there are more options to a career from SEALS to Marines to Ships to Aviation. I like West Point more as a school since it is more well-known and i'd like to be an army ranger. I just don't know what to pick.

By Jae (Jae) on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 - 08:32 pm: Edit

Spieqel86, If you've already received a NROTC scholarship then you're good to go man. Yes, West Point is a great school, but don't forget about having the civilian life thrown in as well. You may find that you are just as happy, if not more, with the NROTC scholarship. And congrats on your nomination!

By Jae (Jae) on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 - 08:38 pm: Edit

Linden, you speak as though from experience. Did you go to an Academy?

By Spiegel186 (Spiegel186) on Thursday, December 18, 2003 - 12:19 pm: Edit

I was thinking about the NROTC scholarship, but i'd rather go to the academy since i personally think that the education and opportunities are much better at the academies. I visited the Naval Academy and saw the 3rd classmen or Sophomores having a great time. They did normal stuff like chatting on AIM, playing video and computer games, and watching anime. I think the life at the academies is well balanced instead of strictly military.

By Jae (Jae) on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 12:16 pm: Edit

Spieqel186, I just received a nomination from my Representative to go to the Naval Academy. Waiting on one Senator now.

By Wpgrad (Wpgrad) on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 02:56 pm: Edit

Listen...I am a graduate of West Point, albeit 14 years ago. I had no idea what I was getting myself into (i.e., no military in my family, etc.), but made a very difficult decision at the age of 17 to commit at least the next nine years to the military. As many Academy candidates do, I had a number of alternatives, and it was very overwhelming. All I can say is that West Point has molded my life. I didn't spend the rest of my life in the Army (some do..some don't), but I HAVE spent the rest of my life expecting more from myself than I do of others and knowing that I can deliver.

Having said that, I don't agree with the thought that if you go to an Academy you will be "set for life." Life is what you make it...the Academies (well, I can only speak to West Point) teach you many intangible things that give you the opportunity to be successful. Nothing falls in your lap, but you learn how to give yourself better odds.

Finally, don't take West Point or other service academies lightly. They are definitely the "road less traveled" but they build character and integrity -- things that are abundantly obvious when you get into the real world. If you want to learn more about what Academy life is like, read the book "Absolutely American". It is written by a Rolling Stone Magazine writer who spent four years interviewing and hanging out with cadets at West Point. While you must remember that this is one person's perspective looking at only a small portion of the cadet population, it gives you the most thorough perspective on cadet life that I have seen to date.

Feel free to respond to me, as I have been through the process you folks are immersed in.

Go Army!