<p>Ok heres the deal, I have been battling whether or not i should apply to the Naval Academy for the past 2 years. I keep opening an application and then closing it because I've never been 100% thats what I want. The first time i backed out because my sister and I (2 of triplets) were both applying out of high school and I knew she wanted it so bad. I was unsure so I backed out since I didnt want to compete with her for a nomination because I knew she wanted it. I have looked into NROTC and have been to the academy several times. My crew schedule right now would make NROTC near impossible. I am in love with the academy and the idea of discipline and the whole environment the academy has to offer. However, I am going into my 2nd year of college and if I do apply again and get in it would be a total of 6 years of school and then 5 years service. I just don't know if Im ready to commit that amount of time. I really do not know what to do. I mean right now I am on the crew team at my college and will be majoring in biomedical engineering. If i went to the academy I wouldnt really have the variety of majors Id be interested in. After my sister got accepted, I got to know the academy that much more and I still very much would consider going if accepted. However, I am confused as to my reasons for wanting to go because honestly, if my sister did not get in i dont think i would be putting this much thought into going. I get so jealous when I visit her or see her in uniform. I almost hate going there to visit just becaue it hurts me to be there because a part of me still wants to go there. There would be a lot of benefits that I would like to have like the overrall discipline and leadership you'd gain, one of kind experiences, travel, prestige, pension down the road, alleviation of tuition. I am also obsessed with fitness so Id actually look forward to the physical demands and classes. But, are these good enough reasons to attend? I do love to travel and originally wanted to major in international relations. So the service afterwards might be rewarding and right down my alley. This decision often brings me to tears and I would really like some advice. Normally Id just apply and see what happens but It kills me to think if I do get a nomination Id be taking it away from someone else. I dont know right now if id accept or turn it down. I really wish to see how this year goes because last year I was at times very unhappy at my school. Yet, if i dont at least try to go there I feel like ill regret it. I dont want to always think "what if" I want to know. Half of me wants to apply and get rejected so I at least have my decision for me and the other half really wants to get in because if i dnt Id have to live with the fact my sister got in and I didnt, and Id love to go there. What should I do? Please help me.</p>
<p>Have you considered just graduating from college and then applying to Officer Candidate School? That way you can graduate from college without having to go to USNA or do ROTC and then be commissioned as an officer in the Navy.</p>
<p>If you feel like you should apply just to see if you could actually get in, go for it…but you will be starting college over (assuming you go) for something that you are really ambivalent about. I went to USMA after a year of college for other reasons and, while there were positives, I truly regret my choice.</p>
<p>Consider the previous poster’s suggestions. Think about that service commitment you mentioned. Ask yourself if this “move” would get you ahead in your area of study/passion or if it would just be a very long detour. Reflect on your relationships with your siblings (the triplet two) and determine whether your itching desire to attend USNA is somehow competition-based. And the list goes on…</p>
<p>Anyway, good luck! And feel free to pm me with any more questions or concerns…</p>
<p>A few thoughts … 1. You’re right! There is nothing and no place like USNA. Your intuition is telling you no lies. 2. You’re likely experiencing, understandably in light of your early interest if not total commitment, envy. And perhaps some frustration. Both would seem fully in order and “natural.” 3. In light of your ACADEMIC interests, USNA is likely NOT a good fit for you at this point in time. 4. If you did decide to pursue, depending upon your academic and athletic history, when joined with your previous app AND your sibling’s success, well you’d get some extra “points” for those aspects. You might even be a recruited athlete, altho USNA does not beg for women’s crew like many schools with aids. </p>
<p>With these as my foundation AND your mixed sense of commitment, I’d say you might want to pursue the OCS. Hard as it is for some to perceive, and as unique and fabulous as the USNA experience can be (btw, it is NOT for every Mid, even those who stay), this goes quickly and is NOT the end game. The end game is serving in the military and ideally, pursuing a career as an officer and a “gentlewoman.” And in that vein, I also hear hedging there relative to career (you talk of 5 years being a stretch) and you talk about timing (getting out at 35). Last thought is this … with these sound bites, one of the great, real advantages of a USNA experience AND network remains exclusive to those who dream of a career and maybe even sailing under their own flag one day. </p>
<p>In sum, it sounds to me like you have some tug, no push, and no real commitment to a career of service. These might not be the full or even accurate picture of your circumstances and feelings, and if not, maybe I’ve helped you to clarify one way or the other. The USNA thing passes VERY quickly … and the real issue is do you have a burning desire to serve your country as an officer in the USN? Well, you still have 2 options open, one of which might require bagging the crew, which you did not indicate as any possibility. </p>
<p>Good luck. You’ll figure this out and move on.</p>
<p>Do you want to be an officer in the Navy or Marines? That is what the Naval Academy is for. If it is not really high up on your list of goals, I wouldn’t recommend it.</p>
<p>The thing is Im not sure of my study/passion…i am BioMed but Ive been switching my major. Its not like I am set on that major. And I never woke up one day with an urge to be a Naval Officer. Given the circumstances, the idea sort have grew on me and I feel like I would like this field. I honestly dont know how either path would affect my future because I am as undecided in future as one can get.</p>
<p>Pray. Doing so genuinely, thoughtfully, honestly will bring God’s calling to you. It’s guaranteed to the degree one believes it works. </p>
<p>In the meantime, steady as you go. No major course re-directions.</p>
<p>yes, you certainly should.</p>