A Very Special Package in the Mail Yesterday...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Military Academy - West Point
21

<p>First, Congrats to son of OK3. What a relief to have the acceptance so early - but make sure he keeps up his grades and stays in shape. </p>

<p>For any other applicants/parents reading this thread I just want to remind you that the nomination/acceptance can come very late - so don't be disappointed if you don't hear early. My son didn't hear until Mid-May and only after I was told a week earlier by the admissions officer that he wouldn't be getting in! He's a Firstie now, in the top 5 percent of his class (even with a major in Chemical Engineering, has been given the Superintendent's Award for Excellence each semester he's been at WP, and he'll be starting on the Varsity squard of one of the major sports even though he was a walk-on. So don't give up - anything can happen.</p>

22

<p>Hello Folks,</p>

<p>My apologies for not responding sooner. I’ve been out of town on business and returned late last night. Thanks very much again for all your kind comments. Our son is VERY excited about his appointment. And quite frankly, so are we! I’ve probably said this before, but he put a tremendous amount of work in to this. When I look back to my high school experience I cannot imagine having done what he’s done at age 17.</p>

<p>Our son spoke with his local USMA Admissions Representative. He asked whether he should continue seeking the three Congressional Nominations he applied for despite the fact he’s already received an Appointment to the Class of 2013 predicated upon his Presidential Nomination. The answer was yes. Actually, after all the work he put in to his congressional nomination packages I think he truly wanted to complete the interview process anyway. On the lighter side, his Admissions Rep told him to “be darned careful between now and R-Day!” You know, it may just be time to get that bubble wrap out…</p>

<p>Best Regards,
OK3-Wire</p>

23

<p>OK3-Wire: Bubble wrap time indeed....Congratulations to your son. It truly is an exciting time :)</p>

24

<p>OK3-Wire. Congrats on your son. However, enquiring minds want to know. Why USMA, not USNA?</p>

25

<p>Good Morning,</p>

<p>USNA69 is asking an excellent question. By way of background, I’m a retired Naval Aviator and one certainly would be inclined to ask, “Why not the USNA for your son?” And many folks have asked our son that very same question during the preceding week.</p>

<p>While not an Academy graduate myself, I had the honor of serving with numerous absolutely brilliant USNA graduates during my career, not the least of which the current USCINPAC. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t at least attempted to steer our son towards the USNA and a career in the Navy. He researched the USMA and USNA last winter, and immediately applied on-line to attend the USMA Summer Leaders Seminar (SLS). The USNA Summer Seminar application window was not yet open at that time. He was accepted to attend the USMA SLS very soon thereafter, and submitted his request to the USMA for a Presidential Nomination. </p>

<p>Our son also researched the Army and Navy ROTC programs last winter, and started his Army ROTC on-line application. The Navy ROTC application window had not yet opened. We visited several Army and Navy ROTC schools and spoke with ROTC instructors during the preceding year, including Georgetown, Cornell, Duke, UNC and Wake Forest. He completed his Army ROTC application and interview late last spring. He applied for the USNA Summer Seminar as soon as the window opened, but had already somewhat decided to attend the USMA SLS. He completed his Navy ROTC application and interview process when the window finally opened.</p>

<p>The one candid observation I would make throughout the entire process was that Army repeatedly beat Navy to the punch, and was very responsive to his interest in both the USMA and ROTC. Moreover, I wouldn’t for one moment consider steering our son towards attending a Service Academy he wasn’t 150% committed to. He simply didn’t seem interested in attending the USNA and didn’t seem to have a “warm and fuzzy” regarding the Navy when compared to his experience with the USMA and Army ROTC. I also believe he appreciated the greater number of career choices the Army offered.</p>

<p>The two final clinchers were the presentation by the USMA Field Force last spring and attendance at SLS. The USMA Field Force invited our family to attend their local presentation, and had several students present who had received Appointments for the USMA Class of 2012 (two of which my son new personally). The presentation was very matter-of-fact and informative. Each of the local Admissions Representatives spoke with the kids in small groups at the end of the presentation, providing advice and answering questions. I most strongly encourage your son or daughter to attend one of these sessions if you’re provided the opportunity. And credit where credit is due: the USNA Director of Admissions invited our son to attend a similar presentation when he was in 8th grade and they too did an excellent job.</p>

<p>As I understand it, the SLS was the icing on the cake. My hat’s off to all the cadets and admissions staff who put that program together. According to our son’s account it was in a word, SUPERB. We drove to West Point to both visit the campus and drop him off, and I’m thankful we did. He couldn’t get rid of us fast enough during the check-in process, and frankly, I believe would’ve stayed for the second week if they’d allowed it. He especially enjoyed the field day at Camp Buckner. OK, how can a kid not enjoy shooting a .50 cal and running around in a Humvee? Our son is big in to camping, backpacking and climbing, so he was truly in his element. He was extremely impressed by the quality of the Cows that ran the SLS program. </p>

<p>While at West Point my wife and I took a self-guided tour of the campus. It is beautiful and to some extent a haunting place when considering those who have graduated, and the impact those leaders have had on our nation’s history. And no less so by the way, for those who haven’t had the opportunity to visit the USNA in Annapolis.</p>

<p>Well, I’ve rambled-on long enough. I hope somebody finds this useful in their decision making process. The bottom line is I honor anybody who enters any service. It is truly a privilege to serve your country no matter what your choice. Good luck with your adventure!</p>

<p>Best Regards,
OK3-Wire</p>

26

<p>CONGRATULATIONS to your son!</p>

<p>Last year when I got my appointment I could hardly wait to get to BEAST in the summer...It is truly a great experience.</p>

<p>If there is any advice at all that I can give, it is this: tell your son to have absolutely as much fun as he possibly can before he leaves for West Point. During the down time at Beast, especially in the beginning, I was able to reflect upon the great times I had with my friends before I left and that helped pump me out of my homesickness. As soon as he reports to West Point on R-Day, his life will change tremendously.</p>

<p>If you or your son has any questions for a current plebe right now I'd be more than happy to answer!</p>

27

<p>Thanks, 3-Wire. It did, and still does intrigue me. You must have raised a very independent son. Naval Air seems to be the one community where the acorn doesn't fall too far from the tree. They may, to show independence, not go to the same community, but that is about it. Of the probably 40 or 50 Naval Air juniors that I know and are aware of, probably only 3 or 4 did not fly Navy. </p>

<p>I always assumed that growing up around Naval aircraft their entire life was the utmost in recruiting tools. I did everything I could to get my son to apply to WP and he wouldn't hear of it. He wanted to apply to AFA and I shamed him out of it though. When his BGO asked him what he would do if he could not fly jets. He said he would shoot his foot off to get out of his commitment. And the same thing his First Class year when the head of the Aviation Board asked him the same question. Not an answer I recommend. However, honestly I do respect the focus.</p>

28

<p>Independent indeed! And that’s a GOOD thing! LOL. In my view we will have succeeded as parents when at the end of high school our son is capable of stepping-out and fending for himself. I left home at age 17 and didn’t return, other than as an occasional guest. I’m not suggesting we had a dysfunctional family life…actually quite the opposite was true. It was simply what was expected of us. My father did the same thing at the end of WW II when he was 17, and did quite well in life. I’m always amazed to see the opposite extreme these days with kids returning home to live while in their mid-20’s or 30’s, still dependent upon mom and dad for support. </p>

<p>It’s been very interesting to watch our son’s friends going through the college application process. In many cases the parents rather than prospective applicants are making the phone calls to the various college admissions offices. I know my wife gets tired of hearing me say it, but my standard comment when hearing this is, “It’s time to cut the apron strings and let Bill (or Jose or Jane…) get involved in the process!” I recall hearing the head of our state’s USMA Admissions Field Force at their presentation last year clearly warning to NOT do the work for sons and daughters during the application process, and in so many words, if they didn’t want it badly enough to do it themselves, then they didn’t want it. I think that was very sage advice.</p>

<p>And this takes us back to the excellent “why the USMA instead of USNA for our son” question asked by USNA69. Our son just seemed to feel better about West Point and I wasn’t about to convince him otherwise. If that’s what he truly wants, that’s fine by me. As a matter of fact, last night he forwarded a copy of the e-mail he’d sent to his USNA Blue & Gold Officer politely thanking him for all his help and telling him he’d accepted his Appointment to West Point.</p>

<p>Best Regards,
OK3-Wire</p>

29

<p>I continue to be intrigued. I was just sitting here thinking of my anecdotal base and I can only think of two classmates/squadron mates/acquaintances whose kids went Army. You have stated that WP itself was a major factor and that he is a camper/hiker/outdoor type so was an Army career an important factor also?</p>

<p>Trust me, I am not being critical. Just intrigued. Thanks for the responses.</p>

30

<p>USMA69 is asking another darned good question. Our son has for some time wanted to be an Army burn doctor. His personal goal is to shoot for the 2% of USMA graduates that are allowed to continue on to medical school. And yes, he knows that’s a very lofty goal! Barring that, he wants to go Infantry, and eventually get in to medical school for a career as an Army burn doctor. The USMA offers a very diverse range of BS degrees compatible with pre-med. He’s a pretty motivated kid and I have no doubt will get there one way or the other. As I’ve repeatedly told him, “If you want something bad enough in the military, and you’re qualified, you’ll eventually get it. They want people to want to do what they’re doing.”</p>

<p>One of the gents I currently work with in my post-retirement occupation is a retired Navy P-3 pilot. Both of his kids chose Army ROTC over Navy. His son just completed Ranger school and is returning to Iraq. They too simply weren’t interested in what the Navy had to offer. He jokes about it all the time.</p>

<p>As an aside, my younger brother is a civilian physician and one of the only in my extended family not to have served in the military. One of the doctors in his medical group is a West Point graduate. He’s frequently astounded at how this guy thinks on his feet, and can step in to any crisis ER situation and lead. And my brother doesn’t offer compliments lightly!</p>

<p>Best Regards,
OK3-Wire</p>

31

<p>First - I am going to assume that OK3-wire is some kind of Navy lingo.....</p>

<p>Anyway - Your son sounds amazing. Congratulations to you, your wife and your son and welcome to the West Point and Army family.<br>
I hope you realize that Navy parents whose children attend West Point must now cheer for Army in the Army/Navy game. ;)</p>

<p>Your son's goals are lofty but doable. USMA does encourage cadets to strive for medical school and your son will be mentored along the way. In fact, I can think of no better place for a young person with aspirations to become an Army physician to do their undergraduate work.<br>
Your son will be an Army soldier - turned Army doctor.</p>

32

<p>OK3-wire,
I had to laugh at this typo...
[quote]
USMA69 is asking another darned good question.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I'm surprised USNA69 hasn't called you on that one. :D</p>

<p>Congrats to your son!</p>

33

<p>
[quote]
As I’ve repeatedly told him, “If you want something bad enough in the military, and you’re qualified, you’ll eventually get it. They want people to want to do what they’re doing.”

[/quote]
</p>

<p>So true. And those are the ones who succeed. However, there are those who insist on suspenders AND a belt. </p>

<p>Hah, I knew if I dug long enough I would get to the real reason. Great choice. Your kid has done his homework. The Army has realized that soldiers make the best doctors. Maybe someday the Navy will realize the same about sailors. I have heard rumors but nothing concrete. Cost effectiveness seems to be the overriding rationalization.</p>

34

<p>My most humble apologies to USNA69 for my egregious typo! I take full responsibility and will endeavor to never do that again!</p>

<p>Regardless of our son’s career aspirations, the fact remains the USMA recruiting force beat the USNA force to the punch at virtually every juncture, from start to finish. Same with Army ROTC versus Navy ROTC. I say that with absolutely no malice intended towards the Navy. It was simply our son’s experience. I’m sure others might suggest the opposite held true in their experience.</p>

<p>One additional compliment I’d like to pay the USMA is regarding the quality of their official web site. I’ve looked at tens of college and university web sites during the preceding year. In my view the West Point web site beats all the others hands-down for its depth and breadth. There’s just about nothing you can’t find there. I’m curious if the cadets have been involved in the web site development. For anybody that hasn’t visited, you can start here:</p>

<p>United</a> States Military Academy at West Point</p>

<p>JustAMomOf4…thanks very much. You are absolutely correct regarding the Navy lingo. All carrier landings are graded on a scale of OK to Cut Pass, and the target of the four carrier cross deck pendants is the 3-Wire. Here are a few highly gratuitous youTube videos of day and night carrier landings from a pilot’s perspective. The daytime landing was filmed on an usually calm day from aboard a S-3 Viking. The deck is moving a bit during the night landing. Enjoy!</p>

<p>Day:
YouTube</a> - Aircraft Carrier Landing</p>

<p>Night:
YouTube</a> - Night Aircraft Carrier Landing</p>

<p>Best Regards,
OK3-Wire</p>

35

<p>I didn't even catch the typo until you just mentioned it.</p>

<p>Federal law requires nominations prior to appointments. Nominations are not due to the SAs from the congressional offices until Jan 31. At present, USMA feels the necessity to push this envelope and take a few risks moreso than USNA in order to capture the talent out there. USNA efficiently spreads out the workload to meet the federally mandated deadlines.</p>

<p>I beg to differ about the website. USNA offers the catalog online and USMA does not. The catalog is the source of all pertinent information. With that said, USNA Admissions is presently advertising for an IT person to clean things up if you know someone interested in the job.</p>

<p>I was getting warm and fuzzy until your last post. Please don't tell me a flashy website and a overzealous 'sales' team contributed to your son's life choice.</p>

36

<p>
[quote]
USNA offers the catalog online and USMA does not.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>If you are referring to the USMA curriculum catalog, it is online. Go to the USMA main page, click on "Dean" over on the right side of the page, across the top you will see "Academics" - click on that and in the drop down under "Curriculum", click on "Catalog ("redbook")".</p>

37

<p>“Necessity to push the envelope” and “overzealous ‘sales’ team?” Jumpin Jehosafats! Those are some pretty harsh words. Is that how you truly feel regarding the West Point admissions team? I sure hope not. Kind of nuclear when conventional might do. The West Point Field Force is manned by professionals just like professionals man the Navy Blue & Gold Team. I’ve seen each in action and hold them all in high esteem.</p>

<p>I respect your differing opinion regarding web sites. I wasn’t singling out the USNA web site as being inferior. Nor did I suggest the West Point web site directly influenced our son’s career choice to go Army. I simply stated the USMA web site was in my view the best, with no malice intended towards the USNA. It was just an opinion.</p>

<p>Let’s lighten up a little, OK? We’re all supposed to be having fun here!</p>

<p>Best Regards,
OK3-Wire</p>

38

<p>No, I was referring to the standard college admissions official catalog. I called Admissions for one in the spring, and double checked to make sure it wasn't on line. They told me that it wasn't so they mailed me one.</p>

39

<p>
[quote]
Let’s lighten up a little, OK? We’re all supposed to be having fun here!

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Trust me. I am having fun. I guess I should send you all the behind the scenes PMs that I am getting from all my Woop mom friends. </p>

<p>Didn't mean to make you the butt of a discussion and was happy when you mentioned medical school. However, USMA admissions policy has been a good natured bone of contention between the Woops and USNA for many many years. USNA is accused of arrogance. USMA is accused of used car sales tactics. </p>

<p>Sorry. You rose above it with the medical career but then regressed a little with the glossy early response regressions. Your son made a great choice. I will be the first to congratulate him. However, it doesn't mean I cannot pout a little when the Woops steal one.</p>

40

<p>Like I said earlier, I honor anybody that that chooses to serve their country in any service. I'm sure everybody here agrees with that concept.</p>

<p>And don't think for a moment I'm not taking a lot of jabbing from my Navy buddies! Whew!</p>

<p>LOL,
OK3-Wire</p>