<p>I'm curious to know if there are any women out there who have decided to attend the Naval Academy(or any military academy for that matter) after completing a few years of college? I have wanted to go to the USNA ever since I can remember (my father had went there) and I never took up the opportunity to apply in high school, partially due to a serious relationship and partially because I didn't know if it was for me. It has been on my mind frequently and I fully regret not going when I had the chance. For the women (and men) who have gone to a military academy, did you find it challenging to make friends? Right now, my only biggest fear about attending the academy is that my age will affect my ability to make friends, considering most people in my class would be much younger than me (I'd be 21 when attending). Any help is much appreciated! :)</p>
<p>I’m sure you understand that you’d necessarily start as a Plebe, notwithstanding your undergraduate academic credits. </p>
<p>Not that it comes from personal experience, but I have a feeling that’ll you’ll be bonding with your fellow classmates rather quickly as a survival mechanism, regardless of age. Military training is intentionally designed that way, to form group cohesion in the face of adversity.</p>
<p>I understand that I would be completely starting over, but to go to the Naval Academy and to ultimately sail under my country’s flag, I am willing to make the necessary sacrifices.</p>
<p>@sbop222: Good for you! I am a retired senior officer and I admire your desire to serve. I also helped teach classes in Aero Engineering at Navy for many years (after my Navy retirement, but while I was a Lockheed Martin director). Presuming you become a Mid, you may be able to transfer many academic credits to Navy; obviously, this will not – and it should not – allow you to graduate and be commissioned any sooner, but it may provide appreciable flexibility in the courses/electives you are able to pursue. It may also permit you to take Master’s level courses while at the USNA, which certainly could be a “career accelerator” after you are commissioned. </p>
<p>Further, with regard to your “friendship” concerns, I wouldn’t worry about this AT ALL. Plebe Summer – and Plebe Year – have changed greatly in the last 50 years (my blood runs cold when I do this personal arithmetic). However, what will NEVER differ is the bonding and the “siblinghood” of classmates (ask your dad to verify this assertion). Please consider one more important fact: you will be older, more experienced, and more academically qualified than many of your peers. Therefore, you may well informally become an important scholastic and “life” coach for some classmates, which is likely to enhance your stature and to promote strong friendships. </p>
<p>I sincerely wish you good luck.</p>