<p>I just joined the site and I am a sophomore in high school. I know that I want to do something in the military but i'm not sure what yet. I know a lot more about Annapolis than Westpoint because I know a few people who went to Annapolis. Could you guys help me out with what the benefits are of Westpoint? Thanks!</p>
<p>Since you have some time to make a decision and you arent sure what you want to do in the military, you might want to read some books and websites about the services. All the academies are great but it boils down to what you want after your years at the academy are over. Once you figure that out you will have a better idea of which academy is for you.</p>
<p>If you get the military channel they have a three part series about the academies (except they left out Merchant Marine). It is a good overview of life as a cadet or mid.</p>
<p>Having a son whose only interest was Army I am biased toward West Point. To find out more about West Point I recommend these two books: Duty First by Ed Ruggero and Absolutely American by David Lipsky. The National Geographic DVD series Surviving West Point is good too. </p>
<p>Im sure some current cadets will add their two cents here when they have the time.
Good luck to you.</p>
<p>MossFan,</p>
<p>Since you're on the east coast you may want to plan some visits to both academies. Also, take a look at the profiles of incoming classes (on their websites). You have the time to plan and aim for one of these 2 marvelous institutions. You should also consider applying during your junior year to both of the summer seminars offered. It's a great way to get a flavor of life at an academy.</p>
<p>Good luck and stick around. There are other sophomores here and you can learn from each other as well as from the regular posters here.</p>
<p>Definately do the summer seminars. Both of them. They are a GREAT opportunity to look at life at each academy and talk with cadets/midshipman about their experiences.</p>
<p>Thanks, Im planning on applying for both seminars but i heard that they are sometimes even more competitive to get in than the academy itself lol. What does each academy look for in applying for the seminars? Is it any different that the regular application?</p>
<p>Are you kidding me? If you can get into USNA go there. If you can get into Air Force, take that second. If you can't get into either one of those then settle for West Point. Unless you have some physical thing about water or flying or you are a 3rd generation West Pointer, TAKE THIS ADVICE! There is no better advice no matter what anybody else tells you!</p>
<p>Settle for West Point? Its amazing how someone can lose credibility so easily</p>
<p>He believed the joke about the one thing that USNA mids and WP cadets have in common.</p>
<p>wasn't the answer something like: Both applied to USNA, Cadets did not get accepted?</p>
<p>By the way george2007 is USNA Class '82</p>
<p>I'd be willing to bet that if you looked into West Point enough, you'd realize how amazing it is. I have nothing against Annapolis, but the army is about leadership. I went to my state's academy day, and the Navy Midshipman talked about Annapolis and all the cool things that they do, and then about how much he enjoyed the academy. Then the West Point Cadet got up in front of the Audience when it was his turn, and explained that West Point is all about leadership. You dont go to West Point to have fun, you go to West Point to serve your country as an Officer, one who aspires to become the best. Fun and exciting things come along with that, but it is not the reason West Point was made.</p>
<p>
[quote]
By the way george2007 is USNA Class '82
[/quote]
wow. </p>
<p>Inhibitor - perhaps George just wanted to have fun.</p>
<p>I was just sharing my experience with MossFan4 about Academy Day. Look for a program like that to be held in your state, I really enjoyed it and it would have helped immensely if I would have gone as a Junior instead of a Senior.</p>
<p>Yes, I think you're right! I guess McCain and Carter just wanted to have fun but didn't learn much about leadership</p>
<p>Welcome aboard George. We don't have to incite arguments over here. Enough comes our way unsolicited. You were correct about the joke. Both were accepted at WP.</p>
<p>Thanks. Sorry but I can't resist; who's won the Commander and Chiefs trophy for the best football team over the past 4 years? Army - no Air Force - no</p>
<p>And then there's the win versus Notre Dame -- life is good</p>
<p>Wait till all the mom's attack you. OBTW, you're on your own.</p>
<p>lol notre dame blows though. any more suggestions?</p>
<p>If you want to go to an honest to goodness Military Academy go to West Point.</p>
<p>If you want to have fun, Club Air Force and Club Navy are great choices as well!</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>Back to the original topic.</p>
<p>"Thanks, Im planning on applying for both seminars but i heard that they are sometimes even more competitive to get in than the academy itself lol. What does each academy look for in applying for the seminars? Is it any different that the regular application?"</p>
<p>Mossfan,</p>
<p>1) Score well on the PSAT which you will take early in your junior year. Yes, preparation will help.
2) Keep your grades up. Take the challenging classes. Qualify for NHS.
3) Participate in sports and aim for varsity level.
4) Learn about Boys or Girls State. You may want to participate.
5) Learn all you can about both academies as well as career paths after graduation. We do a lot of fun trash talking around here, but we also recognize that it's ultimately all one team. It's really about what you want to do when you graduate. The Navy and the Army will offer different jobs - but both will provide tremendous leadership opportunities.
6) Consider running for student office. </p>
<p>You may want to find the Smallwood books on how to get into the service academies. Here's a link to the West Point version. I believe he has written versions for USNA and USAFA also. Amazon.com:</a> The West Point Candidate Book: Books: William L. Smallwood</p>
<p>George2007- must I repeat that I have nothing agianst Navy (until I get to WP :P ). I was just letting Mossfan know that the Navy Midshipman made the impression that it was fun at Navy, and the Army Cadet flatly let us know that the Academy is all about becoming a leader, who would "take that hill when told to", even if the obejective was dangerous. The impression I got from Navy was "That'd be neat to go there. I'd bet it would be a great opportunity." The impression I got from USMA was "Duty, Honor, Country. That is what it's about and that is why it's perfect. I have respect for this institution. This is really what I want."</p>