Decision on transferring to West Point

Colleges and Universities A-Z Military Academy - West Point
1

<p>I am in a situation at the moment and am completely torn. But first, I must explain my background and how everything came to be where it is.</p>

<p>First off, I was in the United States Army Reserves and just recently switched to Army National Guard and my goal is to go active duty when I get done with college; which I am currently at the University of Cincinnati. When I was at drill one day, while still in the Reserves, my Lieutenant Colonel, a West Point grad, asked if I would consider applying to West Point. Because I am already an enlisted soldier, I would not need a nomination from my congressman or senator, just from him and my Commander. After thinking about it, I decided to give it a shot, thinking there was no way I could get in anyway because I did not have the greatest ACT scores in high school, just a really good GPA. I thought it was an honor to be applying and would not hurt to give it a shot, I mean I absolutely love the military and want to make it my career anyway.</p>

<p>The only reason holding me back from going all out for West Point is the fact that I love my life here at UC and I am happier here than I have ever been. I have a house I am moving into next semester with my roommates, who are like my siblings; a boyfriend here; school tuition that is 100% paid for; rent paid for through my GI Bill from Basic Combat Training; a program where I will be done with my undergraduate degree within two years and able to get my masters degree in one year; a campus that I absolutely adore; and a family close by that I am super connected with. </p>

<p>Yet, I think of going to West Point, getting out of Ohio, which I have always wanted to do. Being in a military atmosphere, one with structure, which is what I work best in; getting a top notch education that will set me up for my future when I retire from the military; 5 years guaranteed active duty with the ability to go to Airborne School and more; being the best soldier I can be; relearning what I have forgotten in Basic Training due to the fact that I only have drill once a month; becoming the best soldier I can be; and getting once in a lifetime shot to do something that most people couldn't do or wouldn't be able to get to do. </p>

<p>All of this was in my mind, but again, I never thought I would be good enough to get in, so I pushed it to the back of my mind. What I had going for me in my application was the fact I was already an enlisted soldier, I have never had anything but a 300 score on my PT tests, and my Lieutenant Colonel and Brigadier General gave me letters of recommendation. </p>

<p>About a month ago, I received an email from the director of admissions asking for my college transcripts because he was deciding whether to put me in the actual Academy or the Prep School. Since then, my mind has been on constant swivel for what I really want in my life. I have not received an acceptance letter yet, but if I do, I want to be prepared...</p>

<p>If I do get into the prep school or the Academy, will I be able to make it through the academics? Because I am not that smart, I am just a hard worker. I have also been wondering whether I will go to the Academy or Prep School and miss the university and friends I left behind; whereas, I could remain here, get through my undergraduate and graduate degree, go to Officer Candidate School, and then go active duty. Yet, I want to be the best I can be in the military, which I feel West Point will best prepare me for. </p>

<p>I have supportive friends and family, who are behind me whatever I choose, which almost makes it a harder decision. I know I have not received anything yet, and might be jumping the gun; yet, I just want to be prepared because of the email I received from the director. </p>

<p>Thank you for reading this long discussion and I would love to hear your advice. I want to serve my country active duty when I am done with college no matter what, it is just the route that I want to go that I am trying to decide. </p>

2

<p>Obviously a tough choice.</p>

<p>Personally, I would not accept the prep school route. Period. If you already have studied for two years at U.Cincinnati, then you have already established that you are capable of college level work. So, if they seem to think that you need even more preparation for West Point, then you actually are probably going to struggle at West Point. Struggling at USMA is no fun at all. It is not even a challenge. It can, in fact, be humiliating. Plus, you would take an additional five years to get your degree and your Army commission. My recommendation is to only consider an appointment directly to West Point.</p>

<p>Are you guaranteed an active duty commission in your current program at UC? If so, then the only real advantage of West Point is it superior education and its prestige (which is huge!). Otherwise, you still can do airborne training. OCS will bring back all of your lessons from basic. So, if you are guaranteed an active duty commission, then UC allows you to move on more quickly than does West Point.</p>

<p>In sum, only choose a direct appointment to USMA, and do so because you love it and want the best preparation for an Army career.</p>

3

<p>I’d stay where you are currently. Clearly you are happy where you are and it will lead you to the same destination as the USMA path. There is no arguing the prestige of WP but in three years on your current path you will have your Masters and then active duty in the Army. If you take the USMA route…in three years (without Prep school) you just be starting your senior year. If you are happy and excited about your current situation…“Why fix something that is not broke”? JMPO…
Good Luck!</p>

4

<p>Thank you aglages and NROTCgrad I greatly appreciate your advice!</p>

5

<p>It will probably be difficult for you to make this decision without actually visiting West Point. One simple visit. Even a couple of hours can tell you whether you would love it, hate it, or feel indifferent. I know a father and son who visited the Naval Academy from out of state, but never even stayed in a hotel. They flew into Baltimore in the morning, drove to Annapolis, and flew back out that evening. Amazing what even a brief visit can tell you.</p>

<p>Although there are very good reasons for not going to West Point (as aglages points out), you might want to imagine yourself in, say, the year 2030. Do you think that you will wonder “what if…” you had gone to USMA? Will it matter to you, or not? This is one of those chances of a lifetime, and it should be taken seriously.</p>

6

<p>I think either way…in 2030 you are going to wonder “what if…”. As NROTCgrad said “This is one of those chances of a lifetime, and it should be taken seriously”. That said…if you make the choice to attend USMA then commit to it and don’t look back. USMA is not easy. If you spend time and energy remembering how good life was at your civilian college you’ll make the time at USMA even more difficult. JMPO…</p>

7

<p>Yes, and that is one of the questions I have been struggling with. I know if I go I need to go at it with all I have, and I don’t want my life where I am at to be holding me back. And yes, NROTCgrad, I think a visit would be a great idea and I will definitely try to make that a priority as soon as I am done with this semester. </p>

<p>That “what if” is a huge factor in my mind right now, and I am doing a lot of thinking and research. </p>

8

<p>I always have one piece of advice about all of the service academies: “If you are in doubt, then don’t go.” </p>

<p>West Point and all the academies are too demanding for less than a full 100% commitment. Plus, each academy has a small subset of very unhappy cadets or midshipmen who got more than they bargained for, and who complain regularly. You don’t want to be one of them.</p>

<p>This advice goes double for you, because you have a good situation and have made significant progress towards your degree. ONLY go to West Point if you are extremely enthusiastic about it, and willing to start college all over again. It is only good if you love it.</p>

9

<p>

Well said!</p>

10

<p>considering you are almost done with your degree, its your best interest to stay, besides you have full tuition, and cash assitance as well. if you somehow get into wp, no gurantee you will succeed in the school. besides getting a degree, and masters,will make you look applicable as an ocs candidate.</p>

11

<p>Grantstudent Timely and helpful advice for a poster that was considering a decision that needed to be made in May 2014.</p>