<p>Thanks everyone. Don't worry about the side track on the comments - I found it all interesting. Of all the choices presented at this point in time, my son is strongly considering the Foundation Prep program as he (and we) feel it will just strengthen his chances of making it through the four years at USNA. The only new bump in the road is now with DODMERB and his vision. He does wear glasses but was lasted tested at 20/40. The DODMERB exam has him noted "worse than 20/40". I know this puts him in the "soft waiver" category but I'm thinking of having him tested by another doctor for a 2nd opinion.</p>
<p>Yeah, I'm not one of those last word types...so whatever works...just trying to help.</p>
<p>Well I am not proud, and sometimes I like having the last word- especially when it needs to be said.</p>
<p>The question was decisions. And choice.
For me, especially at this point last year, it was very helpful reading those struggles and how they were resolved; it gave me not only a better appreciation for the choices facing some of these kids, but ideas as to how to best support our own son as he made his. Back then it was done with a bit more grace I might add.</p>
<p>For some kids the choice is easy.
Oregon's 17 year old is sure he/she wants to be a naval officer. And study physics. Tough choice physics- the king of all science. I hope u do it.<br>
Dad's son is sure "MIT is really his first choice"...oh wait...that's USNA.
Someone else posted they want to be a navy pilot....for as long as they can remember.
Someone else wants to join the silent service- something they have always wanted to do.
A girl just posted today that she wants to work in the Pentagon.
Our son wants to study NA.</p>
<p>Lots of dreams- only one thing for certain- things change. I hope everyone of them gets to follow theirs for as long as possible. And I stand in awe of each and every one of them willing to raise their right hand and swear to protect and defend while they are at it.</p>
<p>Does it really matter how kids get here? Or what drives their choice? What matters is that they do.</p>
<p>You can't tell me, Dad, that your son did not explore several engineering programs to compare and contrast what would be a best fit for him. For awhile there I thought MIT was a sure bet. And rest assured no one in their right mind goes out and plunks down $40+ grand a year on a college education before figuring out if it is the right school with the right program for their kids, even if it is in your own backyard.</p>
<p>Some of these kids find easy solutions- ED's to their top choice- or perhaps only one choice to even choose from. It is a wide continuum. Others struggle between conflicting desires- one just posted earlier on ND vs. USNA. All great programs. Again, the need is to find the right fit- and for each that fit is different, as is the process of sorting it all out..</p>
<p>What brings a kid to the USNA really doesn't matter- I don't care if it is a life long dream or if it is a Top-Gun convert. What matters is that they have the desire, motivation and committment to serve this country in the US Navy. If they get to follow a passion while they are there, be it major, ECA, sports or otherwise, even better. I say go for it.</p>
<p>Ballstamom: you raised a question about foundation. It ended up being our son's decision. It was a good one for him. I hope your son is able to find the right path best suited for what he wants. It gets easier once the decision is made, no matter which way it goes.</p>
<p>Dad: "Yeah, I'm not one of those last word types"....one again he strikes. You offer lots of good information- I just wish you could learn to play nice in the sandbox and soften your delivery a bit.</p>
<p>"or worse yet, she may end up with the guy she's dating now and all hell will break loose.....the best laid plans and all of that."</p>
<p>Navy2010: That is so true. Our daughter is a clear example. This year, her last year of college before starting dental school, she met "the one". All the plans have evaporated and she is now going to be a teacher instead. They just left to Seoul, S Korea yesterday to "meet the parents"during Christmas break. That is why I am beyond scattered in my thinking because I have been following her 16 hour flight to make sure she is ok. All of the Academy/NROTC stuff with my middle son is on the back burner while I worry. Its hard to be a parent sometimes.</p>
<p>Oregon Mom: I hear you~ don't worry, your daughter will be fine, and before you know it she will be home with lots of pictures to share! And teaching is a proud profession- so much better than dentist- lots of summers off, and lets face it- no one really likes their dentist, do they? Well, unless you are an orthodontist- somehow they get a better rap- maybe it's those colored rubberbands!</p>
<p>Our daughter fell in love the first week of freshman year- and was dumped right before her engineering midterm the following year- and still not over him. Unfortunatly they see each other on a daily basis. So it has taken her all this time to meet this one- and he's ok, but I don't see what it is she does- so, honest to God, I bite my tongue and don't say a word- it's a real stuggle- just smile a lot- and pray she comes to her senses. Soon. God I hope so. After all those LSATS and law apps.....I dread the thought! I have to keep reminding myself that she has a good head on her shoulders, and she'll figure it out sooner or later. I am counting on sooner. Real soon. Like tomorrow can't be soon enough. Oye vey. I keep telling her an Irish Tauris and an Itatlian stallion are not a good mix. Not now. Later maybe. Like after law school. I don't think she's buying it. I worry. My husband sleeps. Go figure. Moms always get the worry part. And why is it daughters give all the hugs to the dads anyway?</p>
<p>Best of luck with your son- at USNA and with physics- it is a tough major- and I wish him well with it if he goes that direction. Who knows- maybe he'll develop an interest in NA!! (sorry - the devil made me do it!) Looks like I'll be adding on some extra Hail Mary's tonight!</p>
<p>Navy2010: Interesting comments, especially re: the delivery of some participants on these threads. </p>
<p>I continue to come back to this thread for unclear reasons. [1] it is interesting to see the discussion, anxiety, and concern of those that are going through what we went through a year ago; [2] it is interesting to see how some espouse their "expertise" about USNA processes when they have never attended the USNA and/or don't even have children there; [3] it is interesting to see how others spout out their "expertise" about a USNA that doesn't exist anymore; [4] it is cheap entertainment.</p>
<p>Just remember: What you hear in your mind as you type those words into a computer frequently does not travel across the electronic void very well.
Picayune corrections to the posts of others, mindless rantings, attempts to scare others of the big, bad wolf--I am not sure what they accomplish, but they sure make for interesting insights to others.</p>
<p>A year from now, when the choices have been made--either for or by your children--be sure to come back and look at the next year's crop of parental swallows coming back to College Capistrano.</p>
<p>Oh . . . I have to add that my son is planning on majoring in Physics at USNA. [Of course, he kind of surprised us this past week by suggesting that Marine artillery involved Physics?! Mom, of course, was not pleased with this suggestion.]</p>
<p>navy2010 -
Don't serenade me about delivery...
Like your 'Dad's son is sure "MIT is really his first choice"' line above wasn't completely taken out of context. Oh...by the way...USNA doesn't have EA.</p>
<p>Dad: Far be it from me to misquote anyone, or take it out of context. So to be as objective as possible, here is your quote from 10/30/05...lets see...thats 6 weeks ago- on the MIT site. You decide.</p>
<p>
[quote]
In my son's case, his GC (and also head of guidance) informed us (the parents) that MIT will think he doesn't really want to go there if he applies to others EA! Bad advice...and frankly, If I think about it too much... Oh well... got to get over it.
MIT really is his first choice and there is always RD...so I'm sure he'll be fine in the end.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>You need only go to page one of this tread to find that his first choice is really USNA. </p>
<p>Actually, I hope he gets into both so that you will experience the difficulties with having to choose between great options, which is what this thread was all about. We will have to wait and see. </p>
<p>The point? That kids choose programs to fit their interests, that they change their minds, all the time. If you are interested in engineering programs you don't apply to liberal art schools! And if you are interested in communication, you explore the top programs that offer that field of study! Discrete major or not! Obviously your son is interested in some form of engineering in considering MIT and USNA - I doubt highly that BC is on your list! So it stands to reason that if your son is interested in studying NA, then you explore engineering programs that at least offers that option over a school where there is no opportunity at all. Discrete major or not. Kids change their mind- all the time. MIT today, USNA tomorrow. It's hard keeping up with them sometimes....but you have to go with where they are at the point in which decisions are made. And discrete majors are not the deciding factor, but they are a factor nevertheless. </p>
<p>You seem to know the inside scoop on lots of areas, including the inner workings of MIT, government (20 years of service if I recall), Senator Kerry's office and nomination process- including how many get called in for interviews (23 I think you said), USNA admissions boards (how many letters went out, when they went out), minutes from BGO meetings (the very questions they ask on BGO interviews- didn't you even link to their powerpoint presentation?) It's amazing. </p>
<p>As for quoting me, I never posted USNA and EA. I posted ECA. Extra curricular activities. </p>
<p>As to your other comment, I have absolutely no desire or interest in serenading you. I will say it again- you offer a lot of great information on these posts. How you have access to it all is beyond me. But I do read them. I will even admitt that I have learned a lot. There is no need for shots across the bow.</p>
<p>Bill0510- Haven't seen you around for awhile. Hope your son is doing well at USNA and that plebe year isn't too bad--- physics-- tough- but a great major. Our daughter had a few tough times with it, but somehow got it done- and doing it with all the other USNA pressures will be rough- so best of luck to him!</p>
<p>Our son called us from the foundation school this morning and told us today marks 200 days until I-day. I thought the anxiety would abate after the "decision" last year, but I can see it will never end. He is happy and can't wait to get to Annapolis in June. They had 3 feet of snow up there yesterday, but there he is building his first-ever boat! Our family boat is called the "19th Hole"...I suggested he name his "The Plug"....he was not ammused! You are absolutely correct- some things just don't communicate well in cyberspace!</p>
<p>Let us know how your son is doing- and please forward a request to take it easy on the plebes next year! ;)</p>
<p>My son is doing GREAT! Despite all of the worry, despite the uncertainty, despite all of the stories you hear [and read] about, the USNA has been a great experience for him [and us] so far. There has been silliness, there has been discipline, there has been challenge; it has not been as bad as has been described herein and in other places.</p>
<p>If your child is academically gifted [I know, I know, which one of them isn't], then if he or she can manage plebe summer [it is manageable] the rest of the year will fall in place. He validated many first year classes and, for all pracical purposes, is taking second-year classes this semester.</p>
<p>Keys to success? As he put it: If you WANT to succeed here, you WILL succeed. Some that were bigger, smarter, faster than others have dropped out. [All one has to do is to look at the photos of some of the women attending; considering their size, it is evident that they WANT to succeed.]</p>
<p>Managing time is a big issue for many.
Following orders is sometimes difficult.
Accepting restrictions seems to get some in trouble.</p>
<p>Your son's or daughter's experience will be very company dependent. [One of my son's squadmates had transferred to Tango company, i.e. he was prepared to quit Plebe summer, when right before the final hour approached he opted back in. He was re-assigned to my son's company and has loved it ever since.] Some of the difference in company administration appears to be a factor of that company's commanders merely regurgitating what they experienced. Thus, if your Plebe commanders are "considerate," you tend to be a more considerate commander. My son's company has very much fit his personality, his intelligence, and his outlook on the Navy.<br>
I don't know how companies are assigned, but this was a great fit.</p>
<p>I've been lurking; sometimes it just doesn't pay to offer a suggestion when all you will hear back is additional chatter. But its interesting . . .</p>
<p>navy2010, my husband is a dentist. He is just as happy that she choses teaching.... Its a pretty stressful profession.</p>
<p>navy2010 -</p>
<p>OK...If its truce you want navy2010...that's fine. I never meant to and still don't think that I did offend anyone (including you) to warrant such a diatribe on an on about my opinions. You are free to express your opinions and I don't have to agree with them...likewise in reverse... That being said, I must add some more now </p>
<p>Actually...I believe you were the first to throw sand towards me in the box and you have continued to do so unnecessarily.</p>
<p>Now...I still think you missed another one of my points. But truly, I believe it is more due to my brevity or ambiguous style of posting than it is due to any intentional misrepresentation or accusation by you.</p>
<p>For example, I really think your quoting me was the first shot across the bow. If you read that MIT thread completely you should understand that it's whole premise was based on EA college application strategy. Of course I'm not going to mention USNA in the mix on that thread, because it is irrelevant. USNA is truly unique and does not have classic "EA" admissions. The discussion was about applying to multiple EA schools, and the possible consequences of such. SO...IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MIT THREAD, MIT was and still is his first choice. At the time, my son was quite anxious about it and didn't at all think he had a chance at MIT, but didn't want to ruin any chances he had by cross applying to a few other schools "EA". As it turns out, I humbly accepted that I was also worried about something that didn't exist (as mootmom tried diligently to assure me of, and I wasn't buying at the time). Ultimately MIT admission themselves (benjones) got on to confirm that MIT could care less how many EA schools you apply to.</p>
<p>Now for some more reality:
The elation in our household today was quite mind-blowing. The longer USNA waits to give confirmation, the more in tune my son will become with MIT admissions, USNA grad students at MIT, MIT NROTC and MCROTC Midshipmen, NROTC commanders and their staff, MIT Nuclear Engineering professors, MIT students...etc, etc, etc. I believe there will come a time that MIT will succeed USNA as his first choice because it is human nature to get more interested and involved with those who express mutual desires to work with you.</p>
<p>I could go on an on about my sons desire to attend USNA, but that should not be necessary. He has taken every opportunity to learn more about USNA when offered and he has searched for and attended events he was not contacted first about so it is insulting for you to take my quote from the MIT thread TOTALLY out of context. One more thing my son stated on his MIT app that MIT was his first choice school for use of his NROTC scholarship. However, he is not going to put on his MIT app that USNA is his first choice school .I mean come on now.</p>
<p>Now my posts are starting to look like yours .That is not a new shot across the bow .but I think I should stop going on about this. ;)</p>
<p>Truly no hard feelings on this end I love this forum and all the brave young people seeking acceptance by service academies to serve their country, including those looking for a undergrad NA degree. BTW, my son may pick that major, but it certainly wouldnt be why he chose to attend USNA .:)</p>
<p>Dad: </p>
<p>I do not want to continue with he said-she said- posts will speak for themselves. I will agree that perhaps it is your style. As far as shots across the bow, we will have to agree to disagree here- I suggested after the second one that if you did not like what I posted, you were under no obligation to read them- I believe I even suggested you just skip over them. So be it. Let it rest. This is collective energy that could be put to better use.</p>
<p>We seem to have come full circle- and right back to the heart of this thread- that decisions are tough. Tough to decide where to start, where to visit, where to apply, where one ranks over the other, and eventually, where to accept. All we can hope for is that our kids research all their opportunities thoroughly, enough to find the right fit for them- and having gone through this with our daughter already, the true test for me is not the day they accept, or even arrive- it is that Thanksgiving break- when they come home either loving their school and "can't wait to get back" or are unhappy enough that they never do. </p>
<p>I said it before and I will repeat it here- I hope your son gets into all of his choices- I wish that for all the kids- and I hope he gets lots to choose from. It doesn't matter where he ends up, as long as it is the right place for him. The journey is full of twists and turns- how each arrives to the destination is as varied as the number of applicants, be it MIT or USNA, a major or a career choice. The journey has to start somewhere. </p>
<p>As for a major being a decisive factor, which is what I believe triggered this whole discussion, there is something I hope will make the intent of my posting clearer, for I see now that it might not have been as clearly stated as it actually unfolded. So please bear with me for just a bit longer. Or, skip over.</p>
<p>Some kids know early on that NAVY and the USNA is "what they have always wanted." Some don't. Our son had no interest (abet, no exposure) to the idea of military- Navy or otherwise- but what he did have was a keen interest in boating. When thinking about careers, the idea of designing ships caught his interest- something he casually mentioned to his travel soccer coach, who just happed to be in the business- and loved our son- and took him under his wing, thrilled to have someone interested in his field of expertise (his own 2 sons are going business)- so he took our son to his office, introduced him to some NA's, took him to boatyards, had him meet the guy who runs the entire tug industry in NY Harbor (also a neighbor), and took him to a SNAME conference. They told him which schools offered NA programs, and which top programs to focus on. They gave him a list of 8 schools-which got knocked down to 6 when we factored in lacrosse. USNA was one of them. </p>
<p>We started at Webb, visited U-Mich, then headed to USNA. He expressed no desire to see the academy (we were heading to UVA on an unofficial recruiting visit)- "I don't want the military"- but we went anyway to look at the NA program- with the intent to compare the programs at U-Mich and Webb, as they both benchmarked themselves to USNA. It was the impitus for the detour to Annapolis that August.</p>
<p>Our son did not wake up one morning with the thought of Navy- or USNA- nor was there an ephony of any kind- how the seed got planted was a much more subtle process. The the visit caught his attention- it was the day the plebes were all lined up for their computer issue- we saw them chopping, sweating, some on crutches, but all with a big smile on their faces (well, most of them)....and it was enough to spark an interest. On the way home he told us to "keep USNA on the list." We did. We made several more visits, including a recruit visit for lacrosse. It was a productive day, and it became increasingly clear he caught the bug. All of a sudden the "I don't want the military" turned to "a career as a Naval Officer seems interesting" .....and for the following 16 months the interest steadily grew. He read. He made contacts. He spent a week during the summer. He spoke to professors. He visited twice more. We made sure he did the same elsewhere as well.</p>
<p>And it was so much more than NA that kept drawing him to Annapolis- it was the place, the stucture, the Mids he met, the summer visit, the coaches (being recruited also helped)- he liked the discipline, he liked the physical aspect, he liked the challenge- the whole place fit right into his competetive athletic spirit- he could study NA- he could play D-1 lacrosse- he could have that career at sea- it was so much more than the "major." </p>
<p>In the end, the USNA, and the NAVY, sold itself. And he has been locked on ever since....enough so that he turned down 4 other offers of admission for a year of foundation to get there. In my opinion, short of growing up always wanting to be a Naval Officer, it is the way it should be. And despite our challenges to his decision- and there were many- he has remained steadfast. That fact alone is very reassuring, at least to this parent. </p>
<p>So to restate, while it was the major that brought him there, it was not what kept him there. </p>
<p>Best of luck. It would be ironic if your son decides on NA at USNA. Life is full of surprises. Now lets agree to move on. I want to hear more from Bill051 and stories about how the academic side of things are going- </p>
<hr>
<p>Bill0510- alas, our son is not academically gifted- solid, but has to work real hard for his grades. Math and science seem ok. He has lots of talent on the athletic side, so that aspect should be managable, and I think he will also be ok with managing time, following orders and accepting restrictions. He's had lots of practice there to at least get him off to a decent start. I just hope the time spent on studying rates and the like do not distract from the core academics- that has me a bit concerned, and I would welcome your comments as to what your son has experienced with that. </p>
<hr>
<p>Oregonmom: I didn't really mean the dentist thing :)- I am sure your husband is a fine man- it is the New York dentists that we dread seeing- I have no doubt the ones out in Oregon are kinder and gentler- but still glad to hear your daughter has opted for teaching - kids love their teachers- and they bring lots of apples- and an apple a day keeps the doctor away- and we all know how we dread seeking them! ;) Hope you've heard from your daughter!</p>
<p>I've heard from her and that helps. It would be equally great for our son to hear anything from the Academy! But getting ready for Christmas helps too!. I know all of our kids are just so ready for vacation.</p>
<p>Oregon Mom: hang in there! We found USNA to be the last of the academies to get their acceptance letters out- so just enjoy Christmas and put USNA on Santa's list! Keep the faith!</p>
<p>Our son is at USMMA - currently at sea (which is why I was trolling, looking for others). I would like to reemphasize the point that Kings Point is HARD in the engineering field - you can look it up in all the top 10s. The school has many good kids drop out or be "asked out" due to poor GP averages at the end of their plebe or "3rd year" primarily due to calculus, physics, differential equations and "materials." I would highly recommend honors or AP math and science classes - and if there is any question, the NAPS or NM prep school be considered. If you look at the graduation rates, about 25% fall by the wayside.</p>
<p>:) Uh, this has nothing to do with this thread but needed one to post a question in:
Does anyone know how to contact CC to see if they will add a college to the list? There are a few kids (& me) who have questions about how to put up a new forum for The Citadel. I looked and it there isn't one. Hello out there?? The powers that be?? Can you please post a new Citadel forum under colleges for my young friends? Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>OR, better yet (see previous post). Perhaps a Forum called Military Colleges and Institutes with Sub forums as the Citadel, VMI, Norwich, ect. Just a thought....</p>
<p>sent your suggestion to the webmaster....</p>
<p>Maybe we should put together a list here? Please add... and I guess we should make sure they are not already on CC somewhere.</p>
<p>The Citadel
New Mexico Military Institute
Norwich University</p>
<p>NMMI is a Prep School and Junior College</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nmmi.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://www.nmmi.edu/</a></p>