Similar to most other hopeful military academy attendees I was wondering about the general difference between the two military academies I am currently interested in (West Point v USNA). Beyond the difference of one being army and the other navy what are the lifestyle and general career differences between the two.
In addition, I’m currently a high school junior who is very determined to get an appointment to the academy of my choosing need any tips or suggestions for anything else to focus on for my application.
The general Rundown:
ACADEMICS
weighted GPA - 4.75
unweighted GPA - 4.0
I’ve taken 16 AP classes throughout high school (all 4’s and 5’s on exams ) * made a 3 on my AP ART History Exam
SAT - 2260
ACT - 34
EXTRA CURRICULAR
2 varsity letters (tennis + golf)
Tennis - 2nd team all conference; set a all time school record of 40+ years as a regional finalist in Florida (very competitive state for tennis), TennisTeam Captain
Key Club Secretary
Science Olympiad 1st place regional (team + individual)
School Academic/Brain Bowl team multiple awards/competitions
200+ volunteer hours at a community shelter for abused victims and underprivileged children/families.
First suggestion is for you to sign up for Summer Leadership sessions at both academies. You have all the righ qualifications and test scores and are a very strong candidate. Academically Annapolis and West Point aren’t that different. I went to West Point and a close colleague at work went to Annapolis. When you graduate, an Army Officer tends to have more soldiers working for him or her directly earlier in their career than a Navy officer. An Army Officer may be more directly involved in conflicts on the ground. I would say 30 years removed from the experience that they are actually very similar. Annapolis is next to a beautiful town while Highland a Falls is nothing to write home about. Are you saying you’ve taken 16 APs as a junior? I find that difficult to believe
Your stats are fine, and could get you into either school. The real choice is where do you want to serve. If you choose west point you will serve in the army and its no secret that you will serve in combat. Since I graduated in 2004, 16 of my classmates have died in combat, 52 others wounded. 90% of the people who graduate in a time of war will see combat. But with this danger comes real leadership and the ability test yourself and face your fears.
If you choose the naval academy you will serve in the navy. The only thing people in navy are dying from is boredom on their ship. Their hasn’t been a naval battle since WW2. Unless you join the marines after graduation or become a SEAL, it his highly doubtful that you will ever have a bullet flying at you. Naval officers aren’t in charge of their subordinates like we are in the army. Its generally a more peaceful existence.
All are pretty difficult to enter. You must pass the physical so congenital anomalies are out. You must be in shape. They are mainly looking at leadership & character qualifies. Everyone must play a sport there. Be of good academic fortitude-this is not to say only straight As get in but you must demonstrate discipline. Generally most are considering a science major. There are only limited majors offered at the academies. Very regimented. As the others have said, in the navy-expect to be at sea for a length of time. The academies have always enjoyed good reputations-what you must realize is what happens when the country goes to war.