<p>Is it common for cadets to go to a regular college (for a year maybe) before attending a service academy? I'm asking because I'm going to NC State (on an Army ROTC scholarship) starting this fall, but have decided that I would rather go to West Point. Therefore, I'm having to apply for the class of 2013 which would put me a year behind schedule. Would it help me in the long run if I do end up going to West Point since I would already get some classes out of the way? Also, what other advantages or disadvantages would there be?</p>
<p>Realize that you would still have to go four years and in the end you get the same thing: commission as a second lieutenant. What a service academy will offer is a leadership experience, physical conditioning, and military training that second to none. In the end, both ROTC and the academies both provide good officers, but the service academies offer a way of life that will definitely change you and hopefully make you a great officer with a wealth of prior knowledge and leadership.</p>
<p>FS,
Around 30% of every incoming class came through a route OTHER than straight from high school. Whether it's ROTC, civvy college, prep school, prior enlisted, or MAPs, you're not in an unusual situation.</p>
<p>If you have any specific questions, let me know. I just completed my 2nd year at a community college in a mathematics track and will be attending West Point in 15 days. You will get no classes out of the way; even if you've already taken calculus, chemistry, English, etc. you'll still have to take them again (barring validation and whatnot). Nothing transfers in, so don't think you'll be getting any classes 'out of the way.' </p>
<p>The disadvantages are that you will have to start all over, all four years, just as AZc said. The advantages are that...it's West Point. AZc pretty much laid it out. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide if you want to be a Lieutenant or if you want to be a West Point graduate. If you decide to go the West Point route, your years at college will definitely give you a leg up. But it's definitely a gut check to, essentially, 'throw away' your last year on paper to go to West Point...so make sure it's what you really want to do :)</p>
<p>Anyway, I've been through the application/nomination/DoDMERB process twice and have gone to a civilian school in the meantime. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to PM me. But do it quickly...30 June is coming up fast :)</p>
<p>FuzzySlippers - Congratulations on your AROTC scholarship! NC State is a fine school, as well.</p>
<p>Both hooyahmicah and my daughter are entering West Point this summer - a "year behind". I use that term loosely! Yes, it is true, nearly 1/3 of the class is not coming directly from high school. Some will come from the enlisted ranks and are combat veterans, some will come from prep programs (my daughter) and some will come from college. You will not be an anomoly!</p>
<p>Ah yes, you will have to 'start over' - but depending on your college experience, it may be possible for you to validate some classes and free up room in your academic schedule for other courses. Commissioning wise, you will be on the 5 year plan.</p>
<p>Your dodmerb physical will still be good. If you needed a medical waiver from Cadet Command then you will have to get one from USMA.</p>
<p>Nomination wise - you will be qualified to apply for a service-connected nomination through ROTC, but you should definitely apply to your congressman and senators as well.</p>
<p>If USMA is what you want - go for it. Complete your preliminary application and get started - if somewhere in the year you grow to love NC State and ROTC - that's ok too. We are here to help - Good Luck!</p>
<p>A couple of years back, I met a cadet in his 3rd year at West Point who already had his 4 year degree (BA) from a US University (I think it was University of Colorado). A bit of an extreme example but as mentioned above, there are a number of cadets with prior college experience at WP.</p>
<p>From the parent's point of view~My son will be going to West Point with an associates' degree in math. I, for one, am happy with this. He has grown and matured a lot in the last two years while getting to try out some new activities and develop some new interests, and I think he probably has a better understanding of himself. While he will have to take all the basics over again, they ought to be a bit easier for him, so that's all good. </p>
<p>The drawback, of course, is in having "wasted" two years. He will be two years behind some of his younger classmates in "getting on with his life." However, in the big scheme of a lifetime, two years is not a big deal. Hardly a deal at all.</p>