<p>[Sister</a> is 4th sibling to attend an academy - Navy News, opinions, editorials, news from Iraq, photos, reports - Navy Times](<a href=“http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/03/ap_academy_siblings_030908/]Sister”>http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/03/ap_academy_siblings_030908/)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>This may not really relate entirely to the post, and is a personal opinion, but do you suppose that affirmative action is a reason this may have happened? I'm sure that the daughter was more than minimally qualified. But I didn't know if this was one of many cases of siblings/family going to academies.</p>
<p>Families definitely have a slight advantage, but I haven't seen a case in my experience where the next generation or sibling was not qualified. So, my answer to you is a sort of "yes," but they still uphold the required standards and use their system.</p>
<p>I personally know children of a ret. Col. for the Marines, each child went to IVIES (Princeton, Duke, Harvard and Yale) When I first met them, not knowing they were military I was impressed, when I found out they all went ROTC full ride I was more impressed. Legacy is about a dependent child, siblings are making it on their own steam. From what I understand the parents sre like the Full Bird I know said..."make it or break it on your own" G Bless the parents we need more of them and less of the Hilton/Spears/Lohan types ;)</p>
<p>
[quote]
but do you suppose that affirmative action is a reason this may have happened?
[/quote]
ouch. I wonder how much you know about academy admissions.
There have been quite a few cases of families sending more than one child to a service academy - plenty where they are all boys so I doubt it has any thing to do with "affirmative action". That was quite a smack in the face to not only this young lady but her parents as well.
I applaud the parents and all four kids - it is quite remarkable.</p>
<p>I know a remarkable young woman who will be an Air Force cadet next year - her brother, a West Point grad is in Baghdad. I don't think her appointment has anything to do with "affirmative action".</p>
<p>bulletandpima - FWIW - Duke is not an Ivy - I guess that child was a slacker - LOL.</p>
<p>JAM, I wouldn't take offense to it, I think the words "affirmative action," which puts a sour taste in many a mouth makes it seem more sinister. I think it's a legitimate question. It is a factor for many siblings and children of grads in admission. However, these people are more qualified than most in my experience! I am going on an immersion trip with the 3rd sibling of one family; she is outstanding in all aspects of academy life! Same for her siblings here. </p>
<p>I think a good question is if children of grads (and to an extent siblings) tend to do well based on backgrounds? There are examples where this isn't the case, one in my squad, and one person on here that recently left the academy.</p>
<p>I digress though.... :)</p>
<p>JAM I agree with all of your sentiments, EXCEPT the Duke slam ;)...don't tell Bullet I said that since UMD plays them in the ACC :)</p>
<p>I also agree with hornet there are many families with academy history, they may have legacy, but I tend to believe the family knows what a cadet need to get an appt. and directs the child to guarantee that they have every square filled. </p>
<p>My only question is how "affirmative action" was ever placed into the equation...is it due to the fact that the appointee is a girl, heck, she probably has a better chance of graduating then our DS, her brothers can explain and help her through, our DS only has us, nobody in our family can even begin to understand what he will deal with at the academy. Yet, I still have to ask how does her sex have to bear anything to her appt. isn't it about the WCS ?</p>
<p>In my squad, we have a four dig who has at least 2 siblings here...and I think one who graduated already. It confused the heck out of me when I saw her twin in another squad!</p>
<p>PIMA,
I have to agree with you about "affirmative action". I wonder if the 4th child had been male would "affirmative action" been a question? I know my daughter didn't get her LOA because of "affirmative action."</p>
<p>JustaMomOf4, I did not mean to attack the family, daughter, or anyone for that matter. I apologize for my question, it may have been asked the wrong way. But I do believe that the daughter is very well qualified, and did not mean to imply that she got "the easy way in" or "got it handed to her."</p>
<p>B&P: I also misused the word affirmative action... I think I meant something around the term "family legacy" (if her brother graduated as a very successful cadet, etc.) or such. Kinda at loss for the right word/phrase that I'm thinking of... Help?</p>
<p>Apologies for the rather rash question/comment. :( Forgiveness is asked :)</p>
<p>See; you all are looking at the superficial. I am looking DEEPER;</p>
<p>"becoming the fourth member of her family to attend a major U.S. military academy."</p>
<p>CONCENTRATE on the word "MAJOR". They mentioned Air Force, Navy, and Army. Hmmmmm; I wonder if the "Coast Guard" and "Merchant Marine" are "MINOR" academies??????</p>
<p>LOL!!!!! Sorry Luigi; just funning with you. I am proud to have someone of your caliber; from what I've seen here. in the Coast Guard Academy. I know quite a few CG that are excellent officers. "Except my current Boss". He's retired CG/academy and he's a 100% pure weenie. But there's always 1 bad apple.</p>
<p>As far as the "Legacy" factor goes; I think that is more accurate than an "affirmative action" method. "However, we could be talking semantics, in which case disregard. Legacy is very important in any college. The military academies more so. When you legacy at a FRAT/sorority in a traditional college, they are looking for a commitment and brotherhood/sisterhood that sticks together. Legacies are traditionally more committed to the "Family". The military academies are no different. However; because a cadet can leave any time they want to, shy of starting their 3rd year, the academies must keep that in mind. A legacy is probably less likely to be of concern. They pretty much know what they are getting into.</p>
<p>Also; there are most definitely the "unwritten" benefits of being in the military, retired, dependent, and most definitely being a "ring knocker". (academy grad for those not there yet). I've seen that military ID card give me quite a few "unofficial" benefits in my lifetime. If my son graduating from the academy makes it easier for his son/daughter to go when the time comes, (Assuming their are qualified), then more power to them. I'm all for it. Again, assuming they qualify. Our military members don't get paid anywhere near what their service is worth. Discounts on rental cars, movie theaters, va loans, commissary, bx, recreation, travel, health care, and all other privileges and benefits is the least they should get. If a brother/sister/son/daughter can get an extra couple of points to put over them over the top on an otherwise excellent application, then more power to them.</p>
<p>My point is, I don't think that a military family legacy should be viewed as affirmative action or any other negative innuendo. If there is any special considerations; along with a military parent able to get a presidential nomination instead of a congressional, then it's another well deserved benefit of those serving our country. I would however be quite upset if a person who got into the academy under some sort of unwritten legacy policy, had a 3.0gpa in high school and had a relatively weak application.</p>
<p>A</a> Family Affair - GoArmySports.comThe Official Web site of Army Athletics</p>
<p>here is an article about 4 siblings from PA - all who played tennis for West Point. </p>
<p>I guess the question is - do those who have siblings at a SA have an edge in the application process?
Perhaps - but I don't think it is much of one - unless it is Congressional. There does exist the possibility that an MOC would name a sibling a primary nominee - guaranteeing them an appointment as long as they are qualified.</p>
<p>Beyond that - the academy MUST go by order of merit. This is required by law.</p>
<p>Remember that all who receive appointments must be qualified: academically, physically and medically.
There are really no "special favors" - they have all earned their spot.
One bonus of being a sibling or legacy - they may have a greater understanding of what to expect and what the overall committment is -the reality of the experience going into it. Of course there is always the "risk" that they are there for the "family name" - as well.</p>
<p>is there anything to be said about the parents of these 4?
i heard it said in a keynote speech, "when you see a turtle on a post, do you wonder how it got there?" point being, those 4 siblings have not only genetics in their favor, but an upbringing that drove them to strive for excellence!
kudos not only to the siblings, but to Mom and Dad!</p>