<p>For me and mine, USNA all the way. Additionally, mine was fighters all the way. Kinda agree with a couple of the posters further up. By now, one should have a pretty definite idea of how they want to serve their country. A candidate, at the interview stage. who doesn't know about Naval Aviation, does not deserve an appointment. USNA and USMA, except for being a Marine, are pretty much polar opposites. Both are fantastic institutions. One who, again, at this stage, doesn't have a first choice is going to have a tough time convincing me that he has done the research commensurate with an informed decision.</p>
<p>One who, again, at this stage, doesn't have a first choice is going to have a tough time convincing me that he has done the research commensurate with an informed decision."</p>
<p>While I agree that most candidates at this point should have a clear idea of what they want, s has really been at the whole process a short time. He's being recruited as an athlete by two SA's. He has always talked of military life, but really didn't investigate academies. I have no idea why. He will visit USMA this week, but won't have seen USNA by the time the 2nd interview is held (first was yesterday). He can see himself very happy at both academies he's applied to. Our district is fairly competitive, so getting a nom to both will be a neat trick. Our senator's assistance suggested telling the congressman's staffers that he wanted to be considered equally for both lists. Ultimately, I think if the coaches want the athletes, they find appointments for them. I am hoping this is the case, anyway!</p>
<p>Of course an athlete is required to somewht attempt to withhold judgement based on which coach desires him the most and perhaps is the only one to offer an appointment, thusly perhaps avoiding dissapointment. With that said, one must examine if the true reason to attend an academy is for a career or for sports and how much emphasis is placed on each. </p>
<p>Play a game. Suppose your son comes home from school Monday and has voice mails to call both coaches. Which one will he call first?</p>
<p>Bottom line, a career should be the primary factor in the decision making. Thirty years from now, where one spends the next four years is almost immaterial.</p>
<p>Don't forget the new emphasis on Special Warfare. The numbers for SEALS have climbed since the 5 slots on my sevice selection day. I think it is somewhere north of 25.</p>
<p>28 is what a mid told me last week. 80 trying. And then also there is EOD.</p>
<p>Pardon the pun, but the sport (diving) is the springboard to get him into the academy. In a tough district, being an athlete is just a plus. Once the kids walk into the academy, they are on equal ground; how they got there is immaterial. I would expect most kids to know in November what they want. Since S just started the process in September, I am not surprised he is unclear at this point.</p>
<p>my s heard a rumor that he may be a #7 on a senator's nomination list. he interviewed last month. i'm not sure what this exactly means...</p>
<p>where on earth could he hear a 'rumor' like that?</p>
<p>Mom3boys:</p>
<p>Our son was also recruited - to several schools, 3 academies amongst them. In weighing his decision, we encouraged him to make it taking athletics out of the equation.... what we reminded him is that the reality is that "you are one injury away from not playing at all." What is important is being happy where you are as a baseline- athletics is merely the cherry on top! </p>
<p>Other realities:
-sport programs get cut
-recruited athlete that fails to make roster
-coach that resigns
-having to withdraw from team in order to focus on academics</p>
<p>just things that come immediately to mind.</p>
<p>Please do encourage your son to visit all the schools he is considering- and consider them seperate and distinct from the "athletics"- can't stress enough the importance and value of those overnight stays- (NCAA allows 5 official visits, so save them for the top considerations)- it will make the "decision" that much easier! </p>
<p>In the end, if all other things are "equal," then let athletics be the thing that tips the scale! </p>
<p>Best of luck! </p>
<p>rally_crew:
just remember- #7 is at least "on the list!"</p>
<p>I just don't get why anyone would apply to more than one. The Army, Navy, and Chair Force are so vastly different. Almost everyone I know had their hearts set on the Navy. Why do anything else? I would never go AF or A. I dunno. I think people should be compeletely dedicated to their future branch.</p>
<p>There are different reasons why one might be attracted to one, or more, of the service academies (and other schools as well). Each academy has something different to offer- what they all have in common, however, is leadership, duty, service to others and honor. From that foundation, you get to decide where your interests lie- land, air, sea..... and from there, get to narrow your choices down even more. </p>
<p>"completely dedicated to their future branch"- it is all part of the process, one that starts with the decision as to which is the "right fit." For some, the path comes easy- for others, the decision declares itself over time. What remains important for all is to do your homework so that you can make an informed decision as to what is right for you!</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>JackTraveler-
I am currently pursuing the naval academy as my number one by far, but Air Force is still on my list. I have my heart set on Navy- but for a while I had to decide whether I wanted to fly with the Navy of the Air Force. It took me a while and there were things about both services that I admire. In the end, Navy won me over (by a lot actually), but I know I would still be honored to serve in the Air Force. If I attend the Naval Academy ( and hopefully I will ) I will be 100% committed to the Navy. If I had to take my second choice and attend the Air Force Academy, I would be 100% committed to the Air Force ( though I would always have a great deal of respect for Navy personnel)</p>