<p>USMA vs. USNA. Which one has a more rigorous physical fitness routine? Which one is just generally harder to complete? Also, being the Naval Academy, how much more of the fitness is set aside for swimming as opposed to the Military Academy? I've recieved an appointment at both places and honoestly can't decide. West Point is close to home, while I think the Naval Academy will suit me better. Also to clear something up, is either Academy "more prestigous" than the other? Thanks to anyone who helps.</p>
<p>This answer is extremely complicated, and really cannot be boiled down to which is better or more prestigious than the other.</p>
<p>West Point is more well known, but Annapolis is regarded as perhaps more well-rounded. It truly depends on who is making the determination.</p>
<p>What you have to ask yourself in choosing is this: Where do I want to serve after graduation? Only YOU can answer that. After that choice is made, I can assure you that both academies are EXTREMELY well thought of, and offer EXTREMELY good educations and training. In short, you won't go wrong picking either.</p>
<p>I'm sorry if that doesn't answer your question the way you were expecting, but the fact remains that, in large part, which school is "best" depends largely on what the individual attending wants to achieve.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>Oh, BTW. Navy is better. :D</p>
<p>First of all, congratulations on your acceptances to USNA and USMA- job well done!</p>
<p>But now please clarify: you would base your decision on what summer is/is not the hardest? or the most prestigious?</p>
<p>I would suggest to take a step back and really think through what TYPE of military career you see yourself doing....and compare/contrast the career choices and avenues offered by both.</p>
<p>Any of the academies are "prestigous." But so are a lot of civilian schools. You need to really think this through carefully. No matter which academy you choose, based on what past and current mids/cadets have posted it will be grueling, challenging, difficult and not without a huge committment on your part. </p>
<p>Being close to home has it's advantages, and disadvantages....as does being further away. What "suits you better" is just that- it is who you are and where you see yourself.</p>
<p>Choose wisely young grasshopper~
Choices are tough- try and make the best one for YOU.</p>
<p>(now having said that, we all know it's all about the Blue and Gold!! ;) )</p>
<p>theofleury993 ..first off, congratulations on your appointments to 2 service academies. It says mucho about your abilities! The advice posted so far, I concur with. </p>
<p>I think you are looking at the wrong question. You should not think about your first 6 weeks of summer training at these schools to determine where you belong. You need to think about WHAT you most like doing? If you love the idea of dirt and grime, leading men under fire in combat in terrain, sleeping outdoors, experiencing duty stations oversees in rugged places where you are on your own...then maybe a future as an Army Officer is what you should do. If you are really turned on by the idea of being at sea, at experiencing foreign ports and thier duty stations, if serving in a Naval environment really appeals to you...maybe that is where you belong. You have to take the LONG view on this one. When you look at your personal heroes...who are they? Generals? Admirals? What about family members...did they serve in one branch over another? Do their experiences speak to your heart more strongly for Navy or Army or visa versa? </p>
<p>I have heard it said over and over that as far as school...WP is tougher on military discipline/drill...USNA beats them hands down on being tougher academically. Each school serves their mission - and each school is training the best of the best to serve their country. </p>
<p>I would encourage you to make a decision and then stick to it without regrets. If you have these options open to you, it only means that you are up to the challenge either way.</p>
<p>Now, since you ARE posting on a USNA site, my final caveat is.</p>
<p>GO NAVY!
BEAT ARMY!</p>
<p>:-)</p>
<p>Thank you for your replies.... I am in no way basing my decision on plebe summer. Just a question out of curiousity... I am running and lifting everyday to prepare for the tasks either Academy offers. Also, the prestige question was because I was told that the Naval Academy is viewed as the hard place to get in and view in the public's eyes as more prestigous. The movie "Annapolis" probably adds to this skewed (in some ways) comparison of Academies. Again, thanks for your input!</p>
<p>theo,</p>
<p>I also congratulate you on receiving both nominations. Since you obviously have an interest in both institutions and you will graduate as an officer from both, you have to ask yourself some questions regarding the 4 academic years as well as the years post-graduation.</p>
<ol>
<li> What do you want to study? If you are certain about your choice, which academy offers the strongest program? If you are uncertain, do you think you want to pursue engineering? political science/international relations? etc? Perhaps you can identify general areas of interest. Then which academy will provide more intellectual stimulation for you?</li>
<li> What kind of extracurricular activities do you prefer? Are they offered at either or both academies?</li>
<li> Which career options make you salivate? Are you itching to be a leader on a submarine? Or bigger boat? And are you willing to live with the long time at sea? Or are you interested in leading soldiers in combat? We're not talking about playing soldier - we're talking about the Army.<br></li>
<li> Too many cadets/mids think that they will only have a 5-year commitment after graduation. Assume that you will have a 20-year career rather than 5-year. Which option gets you jazzed?</li>
</ol>
<p>Both options are prestigous. Both will provide a challenging summer. Both will offer exciting career and training options. You will serve your country in either case. Your parents will burst with equal pride no matter which academy you choose. Being close to home can be an advantage, but not if you are unhappy with your choice. The first year is very difficult and you will need to know exactly why you are there or those challenges may become impossible to meet.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you! </p>
<p>GO ARMY!
BEAT NAVY!</p>
<p>
[quote]
GO ARMY!
BEAT NAVY!
[/quote]
</p>
<p>AHEM!</p>
<p>The Woop forum is THAT way! ----></p>
<p>:D</p>
<p>Zaphod,</p>
<p>I love the way you quote me! You finally got it right!!! :cool:</p>
<p>I had to quote you, as I am prohibited by honor from uttering your blatantly incorrect version myself. :D</p>
<p>Forget that rediculous movie. If you want a taste of USMA beast, borrow the 2 DVD set of "Surviving West Point" by National Geographic from the library or rent from Blockbuster or Netflix. The entire series (14, 1/2 hour shows) is quite informative. Too bad USNA does not have a similar quality documentary reference for perspective candidates.</p>
<p>There is a series that covered all the Service Acadamies. It came out in 1999 or so. It was 2 or 3 hourlong shows.</p>
<p>I wish I could remember the name, but it was VERY well done.</p>
<p>That is a History Channel special that has been showing on Saturdays the last couple months on the Military Channel. Didn't get a chance to watch it after asking a friend to record it for me, since son decided to not go to USNA.</p>
<p>It's called "Inside America's Military Academies" (at least that's close to the name). It actually covers USMA, USNA, USAFA, and USCGA. USMMA is, unfortunately, not included. But it's pretty well done and usually presented as a 3-part series. Up until recently it has not been available for purchase.</p>
<p>That's the one!</p>
<p>MOT, thats the very series that came to mind. Its required viewing in my opinion. When we watched it The Jamz was pumped while knowing it would be hard while older brother was rubbing his hands together with gleeeeee at what was about to happen to younger brother. He woulda made a great DI... LOL </p>
<p>Yep, they did leave USMMA out of the line-up. Too bad! It remains America's best kept secret. ;) Congrats to Theo! It'll be tough decision making. Take to heart all thats been said here. Its good advice! You'll do fine in whatever you decide. Being in shape will help so keep up the good work.</p>
<p>Oooops. GO NAVY! Geez, I almost forgot. Must be slipping....</p>
<p>Got a few pm's pn this. When I said "up until recently" the series wasn't available for purchase, I didn't mean that it is now available. I only meant that since the last time I checked, it wasn't available. Sorry! There was actually a video being mailed around several months ago by parents who did not have access to The Military Channel.</p>
<p>I think you might be able to purchase the series here:</p>
<p>Click the preview link and it gives you a phone number to call for pricing information.</p>