<p>I just got a call from my MALO and he said that I got the principle nomination for West Point, which is exactly what I needed because I was already admissible, but have not received an LOA. Basically now, West Point's in the bag!</p>
<p>Haha, gotta love my MALO. He told me of this great news even before the Congressman people. He advised me to be equally surprised when the Congress people call =P</p>
<p>Hopefully USNA pulls through too. While USMA's great and all, I'd still take USNA any day. (please don't kill me!)</p>
<p>I've only visited USMA during SLS because I wasn't invited to the summer seminar at Annapolis, but based on career opportunities after graduating, there are more things I wanna do in the Navy than I do in the Army.</p>
<p>Hey everyone, the wait is finally (well almost finally) over! My congressman called me to let me know I've been offerred an apointment to West Point!
W00t! </p>
<p>But now I have a dillema: I've been accepted to Navy Prep too and I'm unsure of what to do: go to West Point itself of go through NAPS and enter at USNA a year later with the class of 2012. Has anyone been in this situation before, where you've been accepted to your number two school but "deferred" by your number one school? How did you go about making your decision?</p>
<p>That's up to you, really. It boils down to which service you'd rather join: Army or Navy.</p>
<p>Completing a year of NAPS will put you ahead for when you arrive at Annapolis, but going to West Point will get you a commission a year earlier. Tough choice!</p>
<p>Honestly, going to NAPS won't hurt at all and I guarantee you'll be glad you did it (I'm in the WP Civil Prep program so I can attest to that). Sure, it puts you behind a year, but plebe year will be much easier if you have a year of prep behind you.</p>
<p>I talked with a girl whose a plebe at USNA and she said that going to NAPS was really good for her. If you really would rather be a squid, go to NAPS. In the long run, you'll thank yourself. One year of your life is nothing compared to the way it will prepare you for the next 20 if you make a career out of the military. I do wish you would GO ARMY though, but either way congrats on the appointment!</p>
<p>Go to NAPS. Clearly you're more interested in the Navy than the Army. Life will be easier for you - and the barracks will be air conditioned at USNA. When you're out on field training at West Point you'll just be cursing yourself for putting yourself through such grueling tasks. Most importantly, learning something technical in the Navy will be more important than learning about leadership at WP.</p>
<p>Alright I think I'm almost sure about my decision. I think the next two questions will be the last questions I'll ever ask concerning the army or navy dilemma:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>In your opinion, do you think it's better to go to your second choice school (West Point for me in this case) because they have careers you wouldn't mind going into and have classes you like? For me, I like West Point because their history major offers military history and I love watching those kinds of documentaries on history channel. I really wouldn't mind studying that for 4 years. However, at Annapolis, which has a history program too, doesn't offer such a course (at least it doesn't seem to be that way), but Annapolis offers more career options I like after graduation. What are your opinions on this?</p></li>
<li><p>At West Point or Annapolis, do they have extra help if you need it? I was never good in math, medicore in science and never particularly liked government or economics and these things won't help me when I go to these two universities. Could I seek out help in these areas if I needed it? Would I find help? I heard at West Point they use the Thayer Method of teaching wherein you learn the stuff on your own and come to class with the questions you have. I don't want to bring everyone in my class down when I say "Excuse me sir, but I don't get any of this."</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Any help on the above questions would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Do whatever you think is going to foster your career. I'm more of a military history aficionado myself, so I can't wait to get to West Point (HISTORICAL WEAPONS SHOOT!). Go with whatever you're going to be happiest with, and be mindful of the future. Navy and Army life is pretty different, especially in terms of deployment; you have to consider every aspect. What would be a deal breaker for you?</p>
<p>As for the extra help, I know for a fact that West Point has the Center for Enhanced Performance, which is basically a center dedicated to helping cadets improve in their classes and study skills. They'll teach you how to take notes effectively, etc. and they'll set you up to succeed. I'm not sure what Annapolis offers.</p>
<p>To add to what Triggs said...my son was told the professors at West Point will go out of their way to help you. They will make time after class or in the evenings to help if you need it.</p>
<p>If you are concerned about academics then maybe going to NAPS would be to your benefit. (just a thought) :)</p>
<p>I'm sure you know that many students choose a major during their freshman year. A very high percentage end up changing the major during their 4 (5?) years of college. You can be passionate about studying history. However, it's really about what you want to do with a military career after graduation. You likely won't branch "history", so where can you truly pursue your interests?</p>
<p>With that in mind, I know that WP faculty provide a tremendous amount of help. Just like at civilian colleges, you can join cadet study groups to help with some of your classes. Furthermore, you'll be expected to help your classmates who may be struggling with a class.</p>
<p>Now, the last thing I'd like to say is that 4 years studying topics in which you have no interest sounds horrendous. And those 4 years are pretty tough even when you're happy with your major. </p>
<p>All I can say (really, this is the last thing) is what others have already told you. Make the decision for all the right reasons. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>For all you West Pointers, current or former, how are the math and science classes there? I'm ok in sciences (I'm in AP Chemistry right now and doing fairly well and took AP Biology last year and did just as well. Didn't pass the AP Biology test though and uncertain whether I'll pass the AP Chemistry test) and I'm horrible in math- my pre-calculus year was horrible, and after a reality check in first semester this year, I'm trying really hard in AP Calculus. How would a student like me fit into the West Point mold? I'm sure it can't be an uncommon problem: I know some famous generals like Patton and Custer weren't the sharpest tools in the shed and they both graduated.</p>
<p>I am somewhat concerned/confused about your questions. You state that you are bad at math, mediocre at science, don't like econ or government. But you like to watch the History Channel; doesn't everyone (lol)! </p>
<p>Exactly what do you think getting a degree from any University entails? You simply do not get to study just what you want. Before you accept a spot at a military academy or any other prestigious school, make sure of the reasons you want to attend. If you don't relish the idea of military service then taking a spot from another more committed candidate would be the wrong thing to do. Absolutely loving history will not even begin to get you thru physical rigors of either Academy.</p>
<p>Have you gone on overnight visits to either USNA or USMA? That would be a very good thing to do. I know my post sounds critical; but I am a upfront person and am giving you the straight scoop. Think hard about your decision and the best of luck with your choice.</p>
<p>I think I understand your concern. First of all you may be a little too critical of yourself. If West Point admitted you then they (a whole bunch of professionals spending more than 40 hrs on your record) believe that you can succeed at West Point. It won't be easy and you may have some weaknesses that can be overcome thru hard work. The key here is that you have to do the heavy lifting. Our MALO here says that the person who leaves West Point is the one who gives up on themselves. If your desire is to make it to graduation then you can do it. </p>
<p>Now the question remains as to which Academy do you feel that you fit in most and where do want to serve on active duty? You hinted on a History major which does differ at the two-so you've got a start in your analysis.</p>
<p>During Beast you will take a series of exams that will be used to determine (along with any AP test scores you may have submitted) what level of math and science course you will be placed in when you become a plebe during the academic year.</p>