<p>come on tactical nuke, chair force? by far the easiest and biggest joke of an academy there is. plebes have tvs in their rooms and get promoted before sping break. but i guess they are kind of smart. they always build the golf course, officer's club, and movie theatre first, then they ask for more money to build runways. i'm sure you'll have a nice four years living at a country club.</p>
<p>Plebes actually don't have TVs in their rooms.</p>
<p>However, coming from the school that lost the Cyber Defense Exercise, I can understand how it may be hard to keep important details sorted in one's head.</p>
<p>Zaphod, USAFA does have political science as a major. Also, it's not entirely necessary (nor would I really recommend) poli sci for a lawyer. I'd get a technical degree and either minor in poli sci, take some courses, or double-major. In the end, however, you need to look at what law school you want and what they recommend. You can get into law school from any major. Now, if you can get into Harvard/Stanford/Yale, do whatever they would have you do from law school.</p>
<p>I'll agree with Z, that as I was reading your choices it appears ROTC is a better option, both from a JAG perspective and others. It looks like JAG has your name written on it, but an SA isn't the way to get there. ROTC is.</p>
<p>cyber defense exercise? wow, they're good at video games. impressive. what about a real test of militray skills (sandhurst) where you guys usually don't do to well. don't talk smack until you actually get there. you love afa so much right now, but believe me, soon you wont be so cocky. soon your life will change and the word "fun" will seldom be used anymore.</p>
<p>Just stop...</p>
<p>TN, why is ROTC a better option, in your opinion? Graduating from West Point is quite prestigious; wouldn't law schools view that favorably?</p>
<p>First off, Homer, apparently you honestly believe your Academy is better, which is kinda sad. They're all fantastic institutions, particularly catered to their specific branch. The problem with rivalries is some people take them WAY too seriously.</p>
<p>Secondly, I am excited about what USAFA has to offer, but have no unrealistic expectations: I'm going to have a tough time there, as I would at any SA. It's going to be very, very difficult.</p>
<p>I thought this was jesting in good fun, like I'll do with wheelah or Z, but geez man, cool it a bit.</p>
<p>UMICH, the point is that you can't do JAG out of an Academy, whereas out of ROTC there's a chance you can go to law school then go JAG, thereby using your service time doing two things you want to do (law and serving your country).</p>
<p>Umich10:</p>
<p>
[quote]
You mentioned a foundation program... they help one's chances of getting admitted? How can I apply for those programs?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>The foundation program is unique to the Naval Academy, in that every year a select number of candidates that are not selected for direct appointment attend a PG year (or a year at one of 24 designated schools) under the sponsorship of the USNA Alumni Association. Think of it as a year of "prep," only you don't apply for it- you have to be recommended (by the USNA Admissions Board) and then selected (by the USNA Foundation Program) for sponsorship.</p>
<p>The other academies have prep programs as well, however I would encourage you to research them on each academy's web site- the programs also are addressed in Smallwood's guides to each school.</p>
<p>As for the "Foundation Program," this pertains specifically to the program associated with the Naval Academy.</p>
<p>If I may add one other suggestion, there has been a lot posted on CC on the "foundation program" as well as other "prep" schools- try searching using those key words on the CC site (go to the advanced search, and select the academy forums).</p>
<p>As for prep programs in general, we have found quite a number of kids that chose the option of a PG year- whether or not they are planning on attending an academy. For example, kids needing an extra year of maturity, or a further boost in academics for ivy league consideration- sometimes opt for this route. It all depends on what you want, how competetive your admissions file is, and where you want to go- sometimes an extra year of prep can help those who are marginal for admission to their top choice school. Again, do your homework and research this out!</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>
[quote]
UMICH, the point is that you can't do JAG out of an Academy, whereas out of ROTC there's a chance you can go to law school then go JAG, thereby using your service time doing two things you want to do (law and serving your country).
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Not only that, but your options of pursuing a major more in line with what you want are wider in ROTC.</p>
<p>While TN's point of getting a technical major has some merit, the fact is that Law Schools look for pre-law and similar majors when looking for students. Not saying you won't make it, but it's akin to trying to get into Medical School with an Aerospace Engineering degree. So, if you really want to be a lawyer, that's all well and good, but you want to study LAW or its prerequisites so you can follow that dream up front.</p>
<p>Now, if you want to study engineering, there are few places that can beat a Service Academy.</p>
<p>I understand that you have received information on USMMA. A definite option in your case, perhaps even moreso than the traditional Academies.</p>
<p>P.S. - Air Farce still sux. ;)</p>
<p>UMICH10: </p>
<p>ps....our daughter wants to study patent law. She is a physics and engineering major. Point is, she could have gotten those degrees at any of the academies (she went the private route). In any event, patent law programs want a hard science- and that the academies can provide without question! </p>
<p>But you might be putting the cart before the horse.
Before law school, there are 4 years of undergrad work to get done.</p>
<p>And as many have suggested, figuring out where you want to end up is the best place to start- and then how to get there will declare itself.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>
[quote]
In any event, patent law programs want a hard science- and that the academies can provide without question!
[/quote]
</p>
<p>No kiddin'?</p>
<p>How about that? Ya learn somethin' new every day!</p>
<p>Thanks! :)</p>
<p>For the record: You could have any major you want, and go to Law School. Law Schools weigh your GPA, LSAT score, and the difficulty/prestige of your Undergraduate institution.</p>
<p>In regards to USMA-at West Point, I passed the first stage. :) I need to get a nomination now.</p>
<p>By the looks of it West Point seems like the best match for me. I need to develop my leadership abilities - an important trait for lawyers and businessmen alike, and West Point offers many, many courses and extra-curricular activities that seem very limited in other schools.</p>
<p>An appointment is handy, too. Oh, and DODMERB physicals help.</p>
<p>"In regards to USMA-at West Point, I passed the first stage. I need to get a nomination now."</p>
<p>UMich,</p>
<p>What first stage for WP did you pass? LOA's for the class of 2011 have not started going out. I don't think QQQ letters have gone out. I don't even think the applications for the class have been mailed from Admissions yet.</p>
<p>momoftwins...you're right about 2011 timelines. Maybe applications are coming in to Admissions, but it's only May...and last year it was in late May and June that notices to some applicants about starting their online Candidate Information was coming out.</p>
<p>Mine already came out a while ago. My interview with my politician is scheduled to be in December. So, now I have to wait.</p>
<p>My decision is USMA (West Point), or a civilian school for Undergraduate. I am debating between the two now. At least I decided which military school appeals to my needs the most.</p>
<p>UMICH,</p>
<p>What came out a while ago? MOC's are already scheduling their interviews for class of 2011? Don't misunderstand. I'm not questioning the truth of what you're saying. I'm just trying to figure out how West Point has informed you of anything while they are still filling out the class of 2010.</p>
<p>I just received a document stating that I should begin scheduling my interviews with local politicians. </p>
<p>My local politician notified me that the interviews take place during the month of December.</p>
<p>i'm not so mad about the fact that you are saying your academy is better. i just dont like the fact that you seem so cocky and you haven't even started. you seem way to excited to get to the academy. i get the feeling you're anxious to get there. my advice is to enjoy your next month or so. the next four years, regardless of where you go, are going to be extremely demanding.</p>
<p>Homer, he's not a cadet candidate for class of 2010. He is in the application process for 2011.</p>
<p>Homer is talking to me.</p>
<p>And Homer, yes I am anxious to get there and get started. I keep hearing people tell me to "enjoy my last months" and such. I am not ashamed to say that I want to get the Hell out of Dodge. I'm not cocky, I'm confident that I chose the right Academy for me. And, consider I'll be going there for sure, I see nothing wrong with a little pride for where I'm about to go.</p>
<p>There is a thin line between pride and cockyness, and it often depends in large part on who is looking for that line.</p>
<p>UMICH, I just sullied myself by going over to the Woop forum and reading your thread over there. </p>
<p>I have a simple question for you, for which I ask a straight answer: What is more important to you, serving as a military officer, or being a lawyer?</p>
<p>If your answer is, "Being a lawyer", then I suggest you look elsewhere for your undergraduate degree. It's really that simple.</p>