<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>If your son enters a service academy he will spend four years at the academy and at least five years in service. Which academy is best for your son depends entirely on how he wants to spend the next nine years of his life; either in the navy or in the army. If crusing the worlds oceans is what gets him excited, than it's the USNA; if being in command of fighting troops at the worlds hot spots is a challange he can't pass up, than it's the USMA.</p>
<p>As far as a career afterwards is concerned, I doubt there is really any difference and both West Point and Annapolis will give your son the best undergraduate education the world has to offer. I'd have him go over in his mind what he wants to do over the next nine years first; his career afterwards will take care of itself.</p>
<p>One can be a Jag in all three of those services. So it comes down to where he would be happiest. As far as my opinion goes I always say "Go Army!!!"</p>
<p>I would also like to point out that West Point will gureentee you grade school if you do 8 years active duty.</p>
<p>Grade school... I think you mean Grad school. :)</p>
<p>lol what a pay off</p>
<p>Yes well spelling has never been my strong point. But it could be grade school depending on which major you enter.</p>
<p>I wonder if all officers get offered that at some point, for those that don't get into the academy? Just so one can secure a career in the army. BTW what degree do you guys think would be better at this point in time, Arabic or Engineering?</p>
<p>You will choose both an engineering sequence and a foreign language. You'll have opportunities to receive information on a variety of majors. This information should include careers both in the Army and once you enter civilian life. The best major will be the one that you want to keep pursuing.</p>
<p>Grad school is the one that gives you your Masters right?
Is it in USMA or is it a payed scholarship in a civilian university?
Is it hard to get accepted to the program?</p>
<p>sorry to be so brief, but, yes, civilian, YES!</p>
<p>How many are accepted on average? And can you apply each year of the 5 years you are in service?</p>
<p>Last time I checked there were five academies. :D</p>
<p>What you say?</p>
<p>Five academies...some of these posts implied there are just three.</p>
<p>USNA
USMA
USAFA
USCGA
USMMA</p>
<p>That's all...</p>
<p>Boss is correct. All except the order. Its more like this:
USMMA
USNA
USMA
USAFA
USCGA</p>
<p>Carry on.</p>
<p>Somebody doesn't know protocol. The only correct order is as follows:</p>
<p>USMA
USNA
USAFA
USCGA
USMMA</p>
<p>That is the only and correct order. But I think you knew that and know someone at the Merchant Marine Academy...</p>
<p>If you want JAG, I don't recommend going to service academy. It is VERY competitive to get into the programs of medicine or law. You may think your a hot shot in high school, but at West Point, you'll be a cow among the herd with whatever high stats you have. Law is tough as you CANNOT branch law. You can apply to law schools once you are a captain... Expect a huge service commitment after the fact. Go civilian if you want JAG, but thats just my opinion. If not, go to west point and get tortured for 4 years. Love it.</p>