<p>Has anyone's Mid done a semester to WP or AFA? Mine is considering it. For history, WP would probably be better, but boy, it would be nice to have her in CO for a semester!</p>
<p>The exchange program is very competitive. For obvious reasons, each SA only wants to send its very best to another academy. Typically, USAFA is more popular with mids than USMA. </p>
<p>If your mid stands high in her class, she should apply. The exchange is done first semester of second class year, so typically the selection process is second semester of youngster year.</p>
<p>One other thing -- the exchange SA must have the right courses to allow the mid to complete graduation requirements in his/her major. This typically isn't an issue, but could be for someone doing Ocean Engineering or some other major that isn't offered at the other school. It's a rare occurrence but one USNA (and the other SAs) must consider given that everyone must graduate in four years.</p>
<p>Don't forget that Navy sends mids to Coast Guard, too! (that's where I'll be exchanging to next semester). In many ways it's the best-kept secret that people tend to forget about when considering service academies, but its small size makes it unique, and for exchange purposes, a very different (perhaps better?) environment than the larger USMA/USAFA. Additionally, since the Navy works extensively with the other "maritime service" midshipmen can gain a lot of useful knowledge about the work of their seagoing comrades.</p>
<p>I believe that basic requirements for the exchange program are that a mid applying have above a 3.0 CQPR, and B's or better on the last two PRTs, conduct grades, and aptitude, as well as some academic flexibility...so while the standards are somewhat limiting, not a lot of mids like the idea of uprooting themselves for a semester so it's not terribly competitive if a mid meets the basic requirements.</p>
<p>West Point accepts exchangers in the spring of youngster year, the fall of 2/C year, and the spring of 2/C year, while USAFA and CGA only accept exchangers during the fall and spring of 2/C year.</p>
<p>1985 is exactly right about academics, too! If a mid is majoring in, for instance, oceanography or naval architecture, then they can count on going to CGA regardless of their preferences since CGA is the only other school that has those departments. Likewise, mids majoring in, say, aero, can count on going to USAFA (with some exceptions) regardless of their preferences since USAFA is the only exchange school with an aero department. So school scheduling plays a large role in selection, as well as class rank and other quantitative factors.</p>
<p>Finally, if a mid applies for the program, then they really have to be willing to go anywhere, and not be dead-set on their first choice exchange school. A stipulation of the application process is that you are willing to exchange anywhere, even if it is not your first choice, depending on the needs of the program...in other words, you can't back out if you don't get what you want, so mids interested in the program should beware of that.</p>
<p>Heartcross, I know personally 2 young men who did a semester at WP and the Plebe list-serve's daughter on the USNA parent page...she did AF just last year...so you can contact her directly as well. At least YOUR girl wants to say in the States. MY girl, still in Jordan with Block One summer training and is in Language School....now tells us she will apply for an entire semester learning Arabic there in Jordan!</p>
<p>Well, as dd is majoring in history, it makes it easier! However, USMA does not offer Japanese, while AFA does.</p>
<p>I've heard of this, but this is the first time I've seen a thread. I'm interested in doing this (assuming I get that far, haha) and I'm glad to know that I'll probably end up at CGA since I intend to go for oceanography. =)</p>