<p>U.S. Air Force Academy Colorado Springs, CO
U.S. Naval Academy Annapolis, MD
U.S. Military Academy West Point, NY</p>
<p>Unlike other universities if you are accepted you pretty much go. Each has about 4,200 students with high academic profiles, good athletic abilities, and resume of community involvement second to none. The Cadets and Midshipmen are paid to go to school but each has a minimum of 5 years post graduation service obligation. The academics are very technical in nature with science and engineering being dominant and unavoidable even if you ultimately major in English. They are evaluated on everything academics 60% weight; military proficiency 30%; and athletic performance 10%. They pretty much go to school year around but they also get to see the world as they study. While the classroom experience would rival an MIT or the California Institute of Technology their experiences overall do not look and feel little like any other school.</p>
<p>Our oldest is in his third year at the Air Force Academy and all we can say is wow! He has traveled the US extensively, been to Japan, and been involved with projects for NASA. And, I am biased that it should be on every Americans bucket list to see a service academy football game when they play each other. Jet fly overs, parachuting on the field, Cadets and Midshipmen marching onto the field in formation at the beginning and their schools hymns at the end. In the middle you will witness the most exciting football known to man, with enthusiasm second to none unique in tone and delivery.</p>
<p>There is no free ride in their journey. They earn their education and commission through hard work. They come to serve their country. Yes, many come to fly jets but some of them end up dying for our Country too. Make no mistake, the service academy route is a road that only makes sense for a few some of the finest young men and women I have ever come to know</p>