Would appreciate decision advice (from attending/attended cadets)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Military Academy - West Point
1

<p>Hey everybody,
I am a current senior in NJ who has been fortunate enough to be accepted to USMA for the class of 2018.</p>

<p>Ever since sophomore/freshman year I've been striving to get into an academy. I love discipline, working out,hard work, and history. Summer programs and my schedule revolved around getting accepted. But, then I did the SLE and an overnight (I was lucky enough to receive an LOE) and I started to get nervous. During my overnight I'd say 40% of the people seemed borderline miserable. People just kept saying things like "it sucks but it'll be cool once we graduate/are upperclassmen". They kept saying they'll be able to go to parties at other colleges later but it seems difficult to plan and even meet other people at other colleges. Now, I don't want to go to a party school. In fact, it's the lowest criteria on my list. I just do want to go to SOME parties in college. It seems like a social necessity to avoid acting a little "off". It seems weird when ALL the fun is kind of like "regulated fun" within the institution.</p>

<p>All that being said, there were some great parts of my overnight. I loved the classes. The classes I got to go to were all hands on which was awesome. I loved the brotherhood people had. One of my cadet's roommates was like a mirrored version of me. We both had the same ambitions after graduation (serve, finance, possibly government). I loved the working out. I loved the meals and the traditions. </p>

<p>As for the military, I'm big on service so when I looked at colleges ROTC peaked my interest. I wasn't a specifically die hard army fan but I like the wide array of fields to go into after graduation. Nobody in my family has served (besides grandfathers), this is something I've wanted to look into on my own. </p>

<p>I'm just nervous. Everyone seems to be super into their college/academy and for me it's a tough decision. I can't tell where my heart is yet. Your comments won't be the deciding factor in my decision, I'm just seeking advice from people who have gone.</p>

<p>SO, any advice? Are my fears unfounded? Do I belong?</p>

<p>I also stumbled upon this while researching for my decision <a href="http://www.johntreed.com/gotousma.html"&gt;http://www.johntreed.com/gotousma.html&lt;/a> any thoughts?
I'd like to say I apologize to anyone I have possibly offended in this post. And my sincerest apologies to anyone who has not been accepted. </p>

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<p>This is simple. If you are not totally committed to going to West Point then you should not go. </p>

<p>I was in the Navy and one of my best friends went to the Naval Academy. He hated it. He also continued to complain about it after the fact. He should have gone the Naval ROTC route. After he left the Navy he got a Ph.D from MIT. He was a very smart guy. The academics were not what bothered him.</p>

<p>About six months ago I worked with a current Air Force officer who was graduate of the AF Academy (class of 2002). I asked him if it was common to complain at the academy, and if he did it. He said that there was some complaining, but he never participated and kept his distance from those who did.</p>

<p>I hope that you also applied for a ROTC scholarship. One advantage of ROTC is that it is reasonably possible to get a better education at a civilian college than at the academies. Definitely can be done if you pay attention to which schools you apply for.</p>

<p>Take some time to think about this decision. In fact, take as much time as USMA will allow. If you decide to attend West Point anyway, then also commit yourself to not complaining about your decision.</p>

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<p>I understand it is not simple- also, it is a huge choice.
I’m a firstie (senior) at USMA. Hit me up on facebook if you want some no ■■■■■■■■ answers to some of your questions.
Grant Petersen (Geeps) - Jacksonville, FL</p>

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<p>@Publius55</p>

<p>If you remain in doubt, another strategy is to enter USMA but with a “Plan B” on the understanding that West Point might, or might not, be a good fit. Then give it your best effort, yet also have a plan in place for transferring, either after your first or second year. Apply to civilian schools in time to enter without losing much academic momentum. You do have two years to withdraw from West Point without incurring any obligation. You could use that to your advantage.</p>

<p>Also, yes, you could still enroll in ROTC at a civilian college, if you still desire a military career, but certainly should not count on obtaining a ROTC scholarship.</p>