<p>So I just became a "tentative candidate" for USAFA, which starts me thinking, "if I don't get into USNA, maybe USAFA is the way to go." If anyone can, I guess, "show me the light" (regarding the difference between the two) I would appreciate it. And one other thing, my friend was accepted into USNA and he had to get a gazillion vaccinations before he went to I-Day. So of course as mothers are supposed to do, my mom wants me to get the vaccinations right away so that I don't have to do them later...but we don't know which to get. Does anyone have a list of all of the vaccinations required? I know that's a lot to ask, but it would make my mom exstatic! Thanks!</p>
<p>My son passed on a sure appointment to the AFA (quoting our congressman) to simply apply to the USNA. AFA is a great school but does not have the history, the beauty or quite the caliber of leadership training as the USNA.</p>
<p>Besides who wants to look like a bus driver when you can wear Dress whites?</p>
<p>I wouldn't rush to get the shots; if I remember correctly, some of them have to be given within a certain time period before you report (anybody out there more sure of this? my brain is getting fuzzier every day.) If you get them now, you may need to get some of them again. Yuck!</p>
<p>I am way too biased toward the sea services, so I can only tell you that AFA never even appeared on my daughter's radar screen. Once she saw the yard, her decision was made. She never even applied to another college.</p>
<p>Hey one and all...my daughter is USNA all the way and frankly I agree it's the BEST of the Best....but I for one, hope we can honestly discuss the benefits of all our service academies and the young people interested in them without dissing them, except for the fun things like : BEAT ARMY, for example.</p>
<p>I know young people, decent, bright,incredibly talented patriots...motivated, eager to serve their country...who are currently at USAFA. I salute these young people. The same is true for West Point.</p>
<p>Now in my mind the real question is : HOW does one want to serve their country in military service? What do they see themselves doing? Where/what kind of places do they prefer to serve? If you can't stand sand, you may not ever want to think Army or Marine. If heights make you queasy you may not to hang around planes...Do you want to fly? Air Force Academy graduates get a 60% chance for a pilot billet - no other service academy comes close to that.</p>
<p>So if you are a young person not sure - I encourage you to talk, talk, talk to lots of military officers in all branches of the services. Find out about their careers, their duties, their stations. Ask them about what they like about their service selections. Visit the Academies - get the 'feel' for the place. West Point and Annapolis have a lot of history - and their ''feel' is quite different from Air Force. Observe the uniform standards of the services - what appeals to you? In each academy you'll have high standards of academics, but with different emphasises...so that is a factor as well.</p>
<p>Now, now, Peskemom! You know us better than that! :)</p>
<p>Despite the fun we have with our sister Academies (they deserve every bit of the flak they catch), you know darn well we'd rather a smart kid go to one of them than anywhere else (provided their primary desire is to serve).</p>
<p>With the fewest exceptions, I'll take any SA (even West Point, by God!) over any civilian school.</p>
<p>It's just that USNA is the best, the other SA's know it, and what the non-SA's think is irrelevant! :D</p>
<p>Z- I and many of last year's families know how some of us really feel. It's just that right now, alot of newbies are joining in - so I just want to remind us all to set the tone...</p>
<p>besides, you KNOW I'm one of your dearest fans!
:-)</p>
<p>I'm Zaphod, USNA Class of 1991 (The FINEST class ever to graduate from that stellar institution of higher learning, BTW. Please make a note of it!)</p>
<p>There is USNA, and then there are the "other" Service Academies. We are the best. Please make a note of that, too.</p>
<p>Of course, I'm just a tad biased, you see.... :D</p>
<p>The one thing I remember from academy night (two years ago) is that the USNA had a better retention rate for its plebes. But that's not why our son wants to go there.</p>
<p>My husband was air force and got a GREAT education. </p>
<p>My dad, on the other hand, thinks West Point can't be beat!</p>
<p>OK, I need to plug AFA -- actually, just offer a more balanced view. We spent a LOT of time researching all and we (son and I) came to the conclusion that you really have to think about what you MIGHT want post-academy, and work backwards. Aeroneutical engineering interests you? AFA all the way. Flying? -- still a better shot in AFA although USNA is a close second. Spending time at sea? It's a little obvious! What you should do is learn a little about the personalities and opportunities of each branch. What's it like to be a young officer in each branch? How are they treated? What do those officers say themselves? Do that kind of research. One school may be slightly better than another, but that is less important than where it will take you -- IMO. There are no bad choices here -- only what's right and wrong for you.</p>
<p>And finally, Zaphod is proof that anyone from the Naval Academy is simply unable to provide an unbiased view -- so if you go there, you will no longer be able to trust that any of your own opinions will be objective! ;)
(Sorry Zaph -- couldn't resist a little poke!)</p>
<p>While it is true my son looked long and hard at the AFA and loved most of what he saw there, he did pass on a "sure appointment" to simply compete for an appointment at the USNA. There is an amazing sense of history and beauty at USNA. The caliber of training and class offerings seemed the strongest of the various SA's. And of course my son feels called to the Navy. Class Profiles including GPA's, SAT's, ECA, etc., are pretty close between the Academies but I think the USNA is at or near the top year in and year out(check me on this).</p>
<p>I think Peskemom is correct all the service academies are amazing and build leaders better than any civilian schools. I am so proud of any kid who serves his country and am proud of those who get into any of our academies.</p>
<p>That being said, if you do not like sleeping in the dirt do not apply to West Point. If you feel the call of the sea, apply to USNA, CGA or The Merchant Marine Academy. Each branch of the service is different and after all,ins't that why the SA's exist - to provide well trained officers for their respective branch of our Armed Forces.</p>
<p>And you have to admit that the Navy "dress whites" sure look spiffier than what I call bus driver uniforms. ;-) But, any uniform of a young man or woman serving our country looks beautiful to me</p>
<p>USAFA may not have much of a history, but they do a great job at making leaders of character just the same as USNA but for their respective branch of service. I visited all of service academies and been to all the classes. They pretty much have their own idenity of course, however, they are very much the same. I think all of them are the best in the nation, personally. It really depends on the person.</p>
<p>Like I said, USAFA may not have a lot of history, but I plan on going there to make history and build upon it :)</p>
<p>oh yeah, bus drivers where I'm from where white ;)</p>
<p>
[quote]
And finally, Zaphod is proof that anyone from the Naval Academy is simply unable to provide an unbiased view -- so if you go there, you will no longer be able to trust that any of your own opinions will be objective!
[/quote]
Sir, they don't have to be OBJECTIVE, they simply have to be RIGHT.</p>
<p>As mine are. :D</p>
<p>In all sincerity, asking which SA is best is a lot like asking which is best among Ferrari, Mazeratti, Lamborghini, and Porsche.</p>
<p>Of course, the answer to THAT is.............. ALSO USNA! :D</p>
<p>You can also take a look at some of the academy's graduates in order to judge the academies. For Example: West Point produced men like Ike and Grant who became presidents after they were victorious in war; Annapolis produced a Democrat who did nothing as far as the hostage situation in Iran went, and he gave away the Panama Canal for no reason; Air Force, well if anyone can name an AFA grad please let me know, I've never heard of a famous one.
This is just a completely unbiased view of what the academies turn out.</p>
<p>MIDS!! because I'm from Maryland and like going down to Annapolis and watch games. And everyone around here believes that the Naval Academy is one step down from godliness, haha.</p>
<p>If you go to USNA you might get to bodyguard pop stars :D I just saw this on Inside Edition today and Deborah Norville mentioned he was a USNA grad and that she would surely be "very safe"</p>
<p>usna_reject,
Thanks for the hilarious article (that I forwarded to about ten people). I just couldn't stop laughing especially when I saw Perry's official USNA photo! Maybe the Apprentice guy will hire him! Looks like he's still working out too...</p>