<p>Fairly new to these message boards and appreciate all the knowledge and opinions. I would like to know if there is anyone that has had the experience of applying to all three academies and how they decided which academy would be the best fit. My son has received an LOA from USMA. He has visited USNA and is visiting USAFA this weekend. He is considered a recruited athlete which is why I think he received the LOA. We would appreciate any opinions as to what he should be focusing on should he be fortunate to earn a spot at more than one academy. Between USMA and USNA he seemed to favor academy life at West Point, but thought he would have more career choices at USNA. His long term career goal is to become a JAG. Im posting this on the 3 different forums to get a variety of opinions. We appreciate any input we might receive.</p>
<p>Well, there is a WP exchange cadet in my squad, and he likes the "social" life here better. </p>
<p>It is important to considder which service he would rather be in. Would he like being in the Army, Navy, or Air Force better? Most Academy grads go not go to law school as a first assignment. One big thing is "fit" does he see himself fitting in better at one academy (AND service)? With some of the civilian colleges I looked at, I just did not like the place, at others, I was right at home.</p>
<p>How important is flying? If it is, I wouldn't consider USAFA too seriously although there are plenty of interesting non-flight careers in the AF. If it is important, I really believe that USAFA offers more and better opportunities for this (though others will argue that). What are your sons interests?</p>
<p>His interests aren't necessarily flying. He has strong leadership skills and presents himself well. I think he would be more interested in getting into the public relations end of things. As I mentioned earlier, his longterm goal is to get into the JAG program. Being his mom, I can tell you debating is his speciality! I've read that their are cutbacks in the airforce. Can you tell me if this is true and if it is, is it something we should keep in mind?</p>
<p>If he wants JAG the academies are not for him. The military recruits JAG officers right out of the top law schools.</p>
<p>He's discussed this with a few people and they like you, have told him that it's not the best way to get into the JAG program. He still wants to serve in the military and if he can't get into JAG while he's there, he'll probably go to law school once his commitment is done. The information we've gathered from the academies is that each branch of service offers the JAG program to roughly 25 people a year - i.e. they'll send you to law school and you've basically signed up for a career with the military. Do you know anything about this program?</p>
<p>I'm afraid I don't know much...but the people able are correct. If you come to USAFA, the only thing you are guaranteed is an assignment and likely a deployment right away. For some select few, that can mean medical or law school. </p>
<p>But let me tell you this...I have a roomate who wants to be a doctor. He has to be able to be one of the top 15 out of everyone who applies to medical school...he's always beating himself about his homework, always studying or reading...if your son doesn't like the idea of having to be an amazing student AND go to practice at the same time, which is nearly impossible here, he will not get into law school out of the Academy.</p>
<p>Plus, he will probably not find it worth it...the academics are as tough if not tougher than at other schools, but at a normal law school, he would have a life. He won't have that here.</p>
<p>My D looked at going to USAFA. She also wants to be a lawyer. This is what we learned. </p>
<p>You can not go to law school straight from graduation. The earliest that you can go is 2 years after and you have to meet a board to be selected to do so.</p>
<p>So if you want to be lawyer and want to be an officer the best way to do it is to wait until you are an L2 and apply direct commission. There is an intership program I believe after your L1 year to see how you might like being a JAG.</p>
<p>So my D took at full tutition scholarship at a state school and is now working on her applications for Law school. I'm not sure if whe still will look at being a JAG. I'm sure she would have a shot, but the AF is downsizing the next few years, so who knows.</p>
<p>I am one of the those trying for Med school. I don't beat myself up tho as most have noticed. :) Not so many apply and the odds are high that you will get to go if your GPA and MCAT's are decent. Dunno about law though.</p>
<p>USAF s making a 40,000 man cut (12% of the force) over the next few years to place the money in modernizing the force more. If you son is a leader not so interested in planes and more interested in people, I'd say USNA or USMA is better for him. Probably USNA if I had a choice.</p>