<p>I know of at least one person (and there are many more, I'm sure) that was die-hard USMA but only received an appointment to USAFA. He ended up going to USAFA and is loving it. He never looked back. I think that there are certain intangibles present at each academy that we cannot perceive of until we actually get there--like the culture and the "feel" of the place. You never really know if you made the right decision until you get there and have seen the good and the bad. Your son could end up going to USAFA and love it (or USMA). Or he could receive an appointment to USNA next year and get there and hate it...I don't know; none of us do. It's all about making the decision he thinks is the right thing at the time, living with the consequences (good and bad), and making the most of the experience. Good Luck to you and your son!</p>