"Thank you, we're very proud..."

[mom3boys]

I just have to vent. I wonder if anyone else is experiencing what we are. As we are running into friends/aquaintances the question invariably comes up: where is DS going to school? When I proudly answer "West Point!" the answer that comes back is not the "wow!! how great!" that I expect, but more of a mix of "You're going to let him (!!!) do THAT??" or "I'll pray for you!"

When I was in school (albeit long ago...) getting into WP was one BIG accomplishment. I thought it still was...I believe it still is HUGE. Yes, military service is not a risk-free career choice. I get that...I guess I'm very frustrated that the kids who are gaining acceptance into some of the schools my DS turned down (to go to WP) are celebrated, where my kid is looked at like he must have a screw loose for choosing this path. So I ask, "whose kids are supposed to go and be the leaders? Someone not as valuable as my son? Whose son/daughter is that?"

Excuse my rant...I just needed to vent before I blew up at the next person who makes insensitive, stupid comments about my son's choice.:unhappy::mad:

[Zaphod]

When I proudly answer "West Point!" the answer that comes back is not the "wow!! how great!" that I expect, but more of a mix of "You're going to let him (!!!) do THAT??" or "I'll pray for you!"

Oy! Some idiots shouldn't be allowed to breed! :mad:

Excuse my rant...I just needed to vent before I blew up at the next person who makes insensitive, stupid comments about my son's choice.:unhappy::mad:

No excuse is needed. I know I'd feel the same way. OTOH, you know precisely what your son is doing, and what it means. So does he.

The rest of the planet can go and spit.

Frankly, I'm looking forward to your next post, where you tell of how you totally went medieval on the next moron who responds to you like that. Just be sure to post the video of the ass-whooping they got on YouTube! :thumb:

[donsauga]

mom3boys have you ever thought they are not being insensitive, but they are being heartfelt. If I was the mother of a son of course I would be exstatic, but there is always going to be some worrying. Don't get so upset, but yeah great congrats to your son!

[kp2001]

I can totally see this response coming from a subset of people in today's society.

One thing many people don't realize is that by going to West Point they are going to college and not war. You'd be amazed at the number of people who think by going to West Point you will be in a warzone within months. They seem to forget that there are four years of hard work and dedication to come before a cadet/midshipman gets near a war zone. (Unless they go to USMMA which continues to send it's midshipmen into war zones on a regular basis)

[mom3boys]

Donsauga, some of it is heartfelt concern, certainly; but the looks on the faces speak volumes. They think I am nuts for not forbidding this (one friend said: so and so's son wanted to do that too, but she just put her foot down and said absolutely not...). Most of the comments are made by clods who don't understand that a strong military is crucial and a strong military has a strong leadership as its backbone. Sigh. :eek:

[Antoinette]

mom3boys, your experience is not unique. Last year, my WP candidate, my husband, his brother, and I all got those questioning comments about his choice to attend West Point. It is part of the the experience. Perhaps it is training for the harder times ahead...Over the last nine months many have come forward with messages of support. We celebrate that and forget the rest.

Many congratulations to your son for making the choice to serve his country as an officer. I am hearing the jets flying over and the marching bands in celebration of his amazing and wonderful appointment to West Point!

:tomcat: :tank1: :usa:

[Zaphod]

I can totally see this response coming from a subset of people in today's society.

Most of the comments are made by clods who don't understand that a strong military is crucial and a strong military has a strong leadership as its backbone. Sigh. :eek:

Repeat after me....

"They DO support the troops! They DO support the troops! They..." :rolleyes:

Way back in the day we didn't have much to worry about aside from a sudden all-out war with the Soviets which, in hindsight, wasn't all that probable short of a real screwup somewhere.

Still, going into the military isn't exactly the safest and most cuddly profession even in peacetime. When my mom proudly announced that I was going to Navy, the reaction was either "Really? Where's that?" or "Oh, my! Aren't you worried?" Different attitude altogether from those described above. More often than not, the reaction was a simple "Wow!".

Parents who "just put their foot down" and prevent their kid from going to USxA are beneath contempt in my book, because there is NO GOOD REASON they can give for it.

[sealion]

Hey Mom3boys - you're proud of your son and that's probably what matters most to him. He sounds like a fine young man who understands and appreciates intrinisic value and worthwhile endeavors.

Personally, I practice extreme patience with people of underdeveloped discretion. Eventually some will come to acknowledge what you already know and it's good to leave that door open.

Thanks for not bashing Harvard! :smile:

[mom3boys]

Just so you don't think all our friends are clods: DS went w/ me to vote last month (his first election). Neighbor behind us makes conversation: "Where you going to college?" DS: "WP, sir." Neighbor: "Please allow me to shake your hand! My dad was stationed there and I could not even get in! I commissioned through my second choice. I am so proud of you."

It just seems for every one great comment like that one, we get to listen to 10 dolts. Yes, we support our troops...just don't ask for our kids to join!

[donsauga]

to kp2001 i do not in any way think that a service academy= war, what i meant is there a natural maternal instinct to worry about your children when they go away to college, especially a service academy where a mother cannot help you with your troubles. i am not a subset of those people, but i am a person who knows that even if they will not admit it parents will always worry, and they truly want someone to understand where they are coming from. sorry for the confusion.

[Zaphod]

Personally, I practice extreme patience with people of underdeveloped discretion.

:yllol:

I've GOT to remember that expression! :biggrin::thumb:

[AFAMOM08]

I'm sorry you are getting those types of responses. I find it is best to ignore those who don't "get it" and move on.

We have had so many people say things like " you must be so proud" and "please thank your son" over the past four years. Whenever my son has traveled home, (we live in Las Vegas) he has been welcomed and given all sorts of perks (none that he has asked for ). I'm in the process of planning our son's graduation from USAFA in May and have had to limit our list of guests, since so many of our friends have expressed an interest in attending the graduation ceremony and showing their support. It has been a very interesting ride!

M3Boys--congratulations to you and your son--welcome aboard--the next four years will drag by at the same time that they fly by!

[LineInTheSand]

My parents always got "Oh....hmmm...why didn't he go to college?"


Of course, pre-Katrina...and pre-news coverage of my branch, my HS classmates thought it was Baywatch.


In fact, the first time I even felt the least bit good about a response was while I was visiting a good HS friend who was at Yale. His female friend asked where I went, and I told her, and to my surprise, she said "That's a very tough school to get into, congrats."

Other than that as my ship pulled into south pier in NYC, my friend still thought, as he attended medical school in NYC, that after I graduated I would be cleaning the head (bathroom) and getting yelled at. I clean my head, and sometimes I am "Corrected", but not to the level he expected.

[AZcadet]

Sometimes I get irritated when people just assume I'm not going to college or am "wasting my life when I could go ivy league" (no offense). I just have to realize that I know and my (soon to be) fellow cadets know that we're proud of what we're doing and honored to serve our country.:rolleyes:

[USNA69]

If your goal is that either you or your son or daughter attend a service academy for prestige or to reap accolades from the general American public, you will be in for a rude awakening. All tirades and angry faces aside, as several have pointed out, they don’t know what the heck you are gloating about. On a scale of one to ten, with one being enlisting and being on permanent KP, peeling potatoes their entire enlistment, something akin to Gomer Pyle, USMC, and ten being a full free ride at Harvard, expect a response in the ‘two’ range. Remember, the average American family now is at least a generation removed from any military involvement and, tuning past the Army-Navy game, seeing the Army battalion spirit video from Iraq, think it is actually Army troops playing Navy sailors, and thinking that if we have enough troops to play a ball game, all the news about enlistment shortfalls must be a bunch of bull crap.

Go to the Academy for your own personal satisfaction and to meet your own goals.

[momoftwins]

Comments I received:

Can't you talk her out of it?
Don't you know that since they can't sign any soldiers up that they'll pull her out to go to Iraq and she'll die? (that one made me feel so good :rant2:
Did I hear you say you're actually proud? Why?
It's free. That's a great deal. So, what will you do with the college savings? You can remodel your kitchen! (some girlfriend!)
Do they have sororities?
What do you mean military college?
Why not Navy? I'm sure it would be safer and she'll never have to go to Iraq. (No offense, zaphod or usna69 - not my thoughts at all)
So, what can you do after graduation?
Didn't she get into any real colleges? (love that one - NOT!)
You mean you'll let her go into the Army???!!
Ooooh! All those boys. And how many girls?

And:

The world and our country need kids like this. Thank you.
I wish I had gone to West Point.
I'll pray for you.
What an honor!

Some people really just don't understand. And some think they do.

[kp2001]

to kp2001 i do not in any way think that a service academy= war, what i meant is there a natural maternal instinct to worry about your children when they go away to college, especially a service academy where a mother cannot help you with your troubles. i am not a subset of those people, but i am a person who knows that even if they will not admit it parents will always worry, and they truly want someone to understand where they are coming from. sorry for the confusion.

Donsauga, my comments were not in any way directed at you. We were actually typing our responses at the same time so I had not even seen your response when creating mine.

[donsauga]

sorry my bad. I guess i just read it wrong

[mom3boys]

Thanks Momoftwins. I feel much better, and ready to face the day! Everyone here "gets it," as I knew would be the case. I'm glad I have a safe place to vent, as if I said what I thought to these others I would alienate them all! None of the comments I get bother DS...he knows why he made the choice to attend WP. He has the quiet confidence that comes with good choices. I guess no matter what comments I get in the future the best response will be, "yes, I'm very proud of him, thank you." :rolleyes:

[USNA69]

Some people really just don't understand. And some think they do.

Change both 'some's to 'most's and you have summed it up quite nicely.

[LineInTheSand]

It doesn't stop once you graduate and receive a commission.

I generally try to be apolitical when associating myself with the military. I also generally doing come right out and tell people what I do, of course I don't think many people do. I'm not ashamed of what I do in the least.

When you tell people you are in a service, it apparently solicits a political question, or some underminded comment. It may catch you off guard the first time, but you almost anticipate it later.

[popeyesmom]

Our son is in the application process for 2013. As soon as they ask "Where is your son thinking of going to college?" If we answer USNA, people are full of advice of "how to get in" and most of what they offer is incorrect - everything, from "contact everyone you know who ever graduated from an academy and they can get you in" to "write to the entire US Senate, somebody will get you in".... I hate to answer sometimes, because of all the incorrect, but well-meaning, advice I get. It's almost as bad as when we announced we were going to have a baby.....all the advice....

[Cougar_62]

Mom3boys,

West Point? Wow, you must be so Proud! What an amazing young man. I'd like to shake his hand and thank him myself.

You might not get many of those, but hey, he gets to go to West Point. Those who don't know, don't matter. He'll protect their sorry selves anyway.

[bruno]

I just have to vent. I wonder if anyone else is experiencing what we are. As we are running into friends/aquaintances the question invariably comes up: where is DS going to school? When I proudly answer "West Point!" the answer that comes back is not the "wow!! how great!" that I expect, but more of a mix of "You're going to let him (!!!) do THAT??" or "I'll pray for you!"

When I was in school (albeit long ago...) getting into WP was one BIG accomplishment. I thought it still was...I believe it still is HUGE. Yes, military service is not a risk-free career choice. I get that...I guess I'm very frustrated that the kids who are gaining acceptance into some of the schools my DS turned down (to go to WP) are celebrated, where my kid is looked at like he must have a screw loose for choosing this path. So I ask, "whose kids are supposed to go and be the leaders? Someone not as valuable as my son? Whose son/daughter is that?"

Excuse my rant...I just needed to vent before I blew up at the next person who makes insensitive, stupid comments about my son's choice.:unhappy::mad:


Venting is always good. You can't control what other folks say or think. But you know that your son got accepted to one of the most selctive schools in the country, with one of the most demanding curricula and is taking up a career where his decisions and abilities will matter immensely. Good soldiers are putting their lives on the line and they require smart and dedicated leaders with them and in front of them. I can't imagine a more important career than the one your son is embarking on. So vent- and be proud !!! And- congratulate your son from me- all the other posters on this site and thousands of others out there who do understand what he is undertaking.
Hooah!

[NorthernCalMother]

Mom3Boys, I posted a message similar to yours when my son was accepted @ NAPS (<-- even more difficult to explain than service academies!). Friends, acquaintances and strangers offered shocking, ignorant and even cruel reactions to his decision.

After a while, my righteous indignation just ran out of steam. Yours probably will, too. It's kind of a relief. But periodically, I also run out of steam when supportive civilian friends ask how he's doing @ USNA now. By the time I explain OOM (Order of Merit), I'm too exhausted to brag on his standing.

I've learned a lot from my son's behavior. He reacts to negative reactions with something like, "It will be an honor to serve," and is embarrassed when thanked ("I'm just in school -- vets deserve the thanks"). Mouths of babes, huh?

Back to being a parent: For an understanding community plus good information, join your local USMA parents' club. Subscribe to a parents' listserv, and lurk here and on other military academy boards. If they don't suit you (and for some of us, they can be a little rigid and political), seek out other parents individually. My son had the greatest roommate imaginable @ NAPS, and his mother has become a treasured friend of mine. She is my lifeline. I am ever grateful for another mother who understands my fears, enthusiasms, and pride.

When I feel lonely in my concerns about the future, I think about the parents who are living that future now.

[txtwinmom]

My best friend said "Too bad you don't know any of the congressmen personally, she will have a hard time getting into a service academy. People only get in if they pull strings."
Without any "string pulling" my DD received an LOA to USAFA, a nomination and appointment!
Others have said, after being told that my DD will be attending USAFA, "why isn't she going to college?"
I even had to explain to the Army recruiter that phoned our home what the Air Force Academy was, "Its like West Point but for the Air Force!" :eek: That was the strangest discussion I've had so far. But for the most part DD has received a great deal of support from her school and our community. She has already been asked to talk with some younger students to encourage them to apply to services academies.

If we can't vent here, then where? Go forth and vent!:thumb:

[WAMom68]

It used to bother me when friends or acquaintances would say negative things about my son choosing West Point. Now I just ignore it. It does not happen as much as it did at first because people can tell that I am proud of my son’s choice so they tend to keep their negative comments to themselves.

The thing that bothers me most is that my father-in-law is negative about any of his children or grandchildren choosing to go into the military. It is okay for someone else’s child to die for their country but not his. He does not see it as a worthwhile profession either. Which is ironic because as a young man he lied about his medical history to join the Army; then we the truth came out he was given a medical discharge. My father-in-law had the nerve to tell my son that he needs to get out of the Army before he gets killed! Fortunately for him he did not say this in front of me because I would have had to say something that would not have been very kind.

Mom3Boys, I posted a message similar to yours when my son was accepted @ NAPS (<-- even more difficult to explain than service academies!).

I know exactly what you mean. I ran into this problem when my son chose to take the civil prep option to get into West Point. Most people did not really understand what he was doing.

[inthenavy2008]

I have utmost respect for anyone, particularly in these days of terrorist uncertainty, to want to serve, whether going through an Academy, ROTC, or enlisting.

I have more concern about those who want to go into the military for its benefits, but get upset when they are deployed. Duh, why would you go into the military and think you wouldn't possibly be deployed?

When I told people that my son wanted to go into the Navy through the USNA or NROTC, many were surprised in this day of uncertainly. But, knowing my son, they could see him as a Navy officer, and were happy for him and his goals. And, of course as a parent, I am concerned for his safety. But, then again, I am always concerned about his safety.

I am proud of my son and his choice to serve his country!

I was told by a mother of a USNA midshipman that some called her "abusive" by "allowing her son" to go to USNA. I just consider people who say that just totally ignorant.

Many forget that their freedoms have been defended over the years by many who have voluntarily gone into the military, knowing that they may be placing themselves in harms' way. My Dad was drafted while in his 30s to serve in WWII in the Navy. He served proudly. His mother, an immigrant, was proud that he and four of his brothers, served to defend their country.

So, for those of you parents who are going into one of the Academies or have a child who will do ROTC, I say "thank you and God bless. . ."

[SemperExcelsius]

Wow... I'm an aspiring academy cadet (C/O '13) and just wanted to say, after reading all the parents responses I'm somewhat shocked at why an American would say something anything partially negative to a parent or kid for wanting to join the military, or attend a very selective college that requires military service. After all, they are the people that will be saving your butt if a military conflict begins... And they'll do it without moans, groans, B******, or complaints.

I got a response from my uncle (who comes from a country where they are conscripted), after telling him that my goal was to join the Air Force after high school, that was almost identical to many of the responses that others have received. But I can understand his logic somewhat. He told me that "the two years I spent in the military were a waste of my life that put me behind in my education, and I can't get them back." I don't think that a person who believes should be blamed personally for believing this. But this idea came from growing up in place where the military is an evil that cannot be escaped. There is very little pride, patriotism, and self-reward within that military.

I'm not stating that EVERYONE thinks the way I mentioned above, but I thought that it was peculiar with the way two people from two completely different countries could think with a very similiar mindset.

[VMINROTChopeful]

I got a response from my uncle (who comes from a country where they are conscripted), after telling him that my goal was to join the Air Force after high school, that was almost identical to many of the responses that others have received. But I can understand his logic somewhat. He told me that "the two years I spent in the military were a waste of my life that put me behind in my education, and I can't get them back." I don't think that a person who believes should be blamed personally for believing this. But this idea came from growing up in place where the military is an evil that cannot be escaped. There is very little pride, patriotism, and self-reward within that military.

I'm not stating that EVERYONE thinks the way I mentioned above, but I thought that it was peculiar with the way two people from two completely different countries could think with a very similiar mindset.

same here. my family is also immigrants. and they have this cheap immigrant mentality. i've heard too many times how awful the military is. i've even heard how the nrotc scholarship i've applied for is "blood money". :eek: no one in the family supports my idea of becoming a naval officer. they all think success = becoming a doctor and making $$$. and to become a naval officer is a pitiful occupation for failures. :mad: i have to just ignore all this garbage i am fed, and i really thought it was because of my family's immigrant roots, but i now see from reading this thread that it is like a cancer in american society. how will this country last another 100 years with ppl that spew garbage about the military like that? :blowup:

[SemperExcelsius]

success = becoming a doctor and making $$$

^^ Haha, yes. Almost exactly how it is.

it is like a cancer in american society. how will this country last another 100 years with ppl that spew garbage about the military like that?

^^ Now, I don't think that is entirely correct. Yes, there are many people that do not appreciate the military and all the sacrifice and work that goes in to it, to keep this country safe. But I think that a broad generalization such as "cancer in American society" is incorrect. There are so many people that believe that the armed forces are a great asset to this country and have extreme patriotism within themselves, they perhaps to not demonstrate it nearly as much as the people who are against the war (the media seems to concentrate their focus on the negative aspect more than the positive aspect).

[Zaphod]

I'm somewhat shocked at why an American would say something anything partially negative to a parent or kid for wanting to join the military, or attend a very selective college that requires military service.

Don't be. It's a sad fact that too many people in this country are "Americans" simply because they happen to live here rather than because they actually BELIEVE in the heritage, culture, greatness, and inherent goodness of this nation.

These are the same people who love to run their mouths off about freedom but are unwilling to defend it. You find them marching in front of recruiting stations hurling accusations of the most horrid kind toward the people who VOLUNTEER to defend those freedoms with their very lives, but then act shocked and outraged when you dare to question their patriotism.

HYPOCRITES! COWARDS! TRAITORS! ALL OF THEM! :mad:

Still, when one raises their hand and takes the Oath, one swears to uphold and defend the Constitution. That wonderful document, for better or worse, allows the most ignorant, base, and despicable creatures to roam free on our streets running their mouths off. It's better than the alternatives...

Just remember that there are millions..... MILLIONS, mind you.... of REAL Americans who appreciate and value your service and your sacrifices, but who are too busy making this country work to be out grabbing headlines alongside the bottom-feeding hippies that infest the headlines. They are the ones who will be smiling at you when you walk through an airport in uniform, and may even buy you lunch if they see you in a McDonalds.

Serve for them if for no one else. :smile:

[bruno]

Just remember that there are millions..... MILLIONS, mind you.... of REAL Americans who appreciate and value your service and your sacrifices, but who are too busy making this country work to be out grabbing headlines alongside the bottom-feeding hippies that infest the headlines. They are the ones who will be smiling at you when you walk through an airport in uniform, and may even buy you lunch if they see you in a McDonalds.

Serve for them if for no one else. :smile:

Semper E: Zaphod has it right!! You serve because you know that it is the right thing to do- because it's necessary and because you learn to love the soldiers you serve with. There are always naysayers and second guessers out there- going back as far as the American Revolution but there are also millions out there who do know and do understnad and do support what you are serving for- so don't sweat the press. They will be on to some other cause soon enough.
Hooah!

[AF6872]

ZAPHOD

Don't hold back next time. Let us know how you really feel. By the way, I agree.

[Zaphod]

If I didn't hold back, I'd have to ban myself. :wink:

[raimius]

Some people are idiots...

Others simply do not understand how the military works. They do not need such understanding to perform their perceived roles in society. They leave the military stuff to the military.

Who takes the most meaning from this quote?
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
George Orwell
I say it is the military. After all, military members are the ones standing guard and doing violence so that others can sleep peacefully. The military does the military's work, and sheeple don't worry about it. The whole concept does have its drawbacks though, as you might wind up with a disconnected military and unknowing civil population.

[Coltonzors]

I actually get alot of "You're going to the Naval Academy? I thought you said you were going to college?"

People are just ignorrant.

[flyboy]

mom3boys, i know i am only seventeen and haven't been through a fraction of what these other guys are saying, buuuut.....i have discovered that sometimes only your fellow comrades truly understand who you are and what you have really accomplished. i learned that through four years of football. other kids in my school not on the team would sometimes critizise me for doing my job (they just couldn't tell) and then exalt me for doing something wrong (they couldn't tell either). remember, i was a lineman so its a bit harder to tell if you did a great job or not so good a job. i learned through those experiences that sometimes only your teammates appreciate what you have put in, and that in the end, that's the part that truly matters.

[NorthernCalMother]

We parents could learn from your observation.
Good luck @ Air Force!

[flyboy]

thank you very much :)

[USNA2011Dad]

I like the comments that start with "Don't worry maybe when he finishes there he will go to college."

[mnolan]

I tend to look at most things positively and feel that ignorance is probably the majority of the "problem".

I have been employed in higher education for 25+ years, and although I knew about the Army, Navy and Air Force academies, I was unaware of the Coast Guard Academy till 4 years ago, (and now my daughter has been admitted to USCGA; class of 2012). I didn't know about the Merchant Marine Academy till my daughter started applying to USCGA. So I can see that unless your family has a military tradition (either service in or attendance at an academy), you might be unaware of the academies and how they function.

My response to those who inquire and show ignorance (and my perception is that very few show any malice in their statements), is something like....

"...the US Coast Guard Academy is one of the most highly ranked engineering schools in the country and very selective. Far more selective than Purdue (where I work) and almost as selective as some of the Ivy League schools. After graduating with a degree in engineering, my daughter will serve at least one tour of duty as an active duty officer in the US Coast Guard and maybe longer......."

Their reaction is usually something like "...Wow I didn't realize that, congratulations!...."

So I figure that I nicely made my point, and more importantly educated them a little.....all-in-all a good thing.....

Mike

[LineInTheSand]

If we're looking at "selectivity" alone, you can rank most of the academies higher than most Ivy Leagues....my year Juliard was more selective.

[mnolan]

Your statement about selectivity is true, although comparison between "normal" colleges and the service academies is hard to do because of the unique entry requirements, (academic, medical and congressional), and self selection of the SA's. In any case, my statement usually makes the point to the person who I am talking to, and I think they begin to understand a little better at that point just what the deal is.

Some stats (as last reported by the schools, usually class of 2011) to be taken as EXAMPLES and not to start any arguments :biggrin: are:

USCGA admits 11.7%
USAFA admits 14%
USMA admits 14%
USNA admits 10%
USMMA admits 16%

Harvard admits 9%
Yale admits 9.6%
Princeton admits 9.5%
MIT admits 12.3%
Cornell admits 20.5%
Stanford admits 10.3%
Northwestern admits 29%

Purdue (my school) admits 80% but ends up enrolling 35% (public schools get a LOT more applications but fewer actual enrollees.)
University of Michigan admits 50% and enrolls 21%

Any way you look at it, the SA's are right up there and ahead of most!

Mike

[zachogden]

Just out of curiosity (not questioning the validity of the figures), where did you find those numbers?

[mnolan]

All over the place. I have my own schools data (Purdue), but pretty much googled the rest. Googleing something like "(university name) student profile" will usually get you there. If you are looking for somewhere specific and can't find it, let me know.

Maybe we will see you sometime at the academy when we drop off/visit my daughter.

Mike

[LineInTheSand]

Profs have secret little networks!


Thanks for the numbers! That is most outstanding.


In 2001, Julliard was at 7%, as I remember it. Well, I'd like to take a walk around that school, with my ears wide open.

[time2]

On all of the Academy websites, they post a variety of stats of the current class. As with most statistics, they are open to interpretation and you have to be careful to not jump to invalid conclusions. The number of applicants are those who 'start' the application process (regardless of how far they get). From other sites, I have read that some never even complete the application (i.e. change their mind, find it too time consuming, etc.), so the calculation of that final % can be a bit misleading or at least difficult to compare to other colleges.

For example, for USNA, in the Admissions section the 2011 class stats:

http://www.usna.edu/Admissions/documents/Classof2011Profile.pdf

[zachogden]

I have heard some say that getting through the application(s) itself/themselves (I had a total of 5 applications for USAFA... 4 nom apps and the actual app) is the first step of the weeding out because it shows that you're at least driven enough to spend a few hours banging away at the often lengthy app, so I think using 'applicants' as those who just open the app is legitimate.

[time2]

I agree.

[wolfemom]

I think the degree of ignorance about the SA's is very dependent on your location and the culture of your town/suburb/city and high school.

Our high school has sent boys (no girls lately!) to the USMMA, the USCGA and the USNA every other year or so....for as long as I can remember. A boy from the high school down the road went to USMA this year. Everyone around here knows of the SA's pretty well.

I haven't had anything less than a *hugely enthusiastic* congratulatory response since son got his appointment last week! :thumb:

SO-proud mom of USNA 2012-- :shake:

[rustypc]

I am a West Point Grad - Class of 1978 - which means I entered USMA just as the Vietnam War was spinning out of control. Not a very popular time to choose an academy. I am very glad I selected the road less traveled.

Now, retired after 24 years in the Army, I am fortunate that my new career allows me to travel to all the service academies several times a year. My co-workers fight to accompany me on these trips – why – because of the cadets/midshipmen they interact with during the trip. If restores their faith that we as a country are still doing some things right. One of those is sending our finest to the academies.

We all know how the poem ends.

[Zaphod]

I didn't want to edit your post without being certain, but I think you meant 1968. :smile:

Good year, too! I was born then! :biggrin:

[jamzmom]

Welcome Rustypc. Like the name by the way. It is indeed a fact that there are great kids out there willing to serve our great country! When you say "all of the academies", I hope you have been to USMMA as well! :thumb:

[rustypc]

Absolutely - I visit USMMA about 3 times a year. Great school. I will be back up there for A-day, I have to pass out those "Proud Parent" bags.

[Zaphod]

Next time you swing by USMA, shoot me a PM. I live less than 45 minutes from there.

Yeah, it's behind enemy lines, but SOMEBODY'S gotta give the place some class! :biggrin:

[zfam]

and can so relate. We have a rich tradition of military service in our family (both officer and enlisted, and have covered every branch except the Navy) and thru the years have heard just about every comment you can imagine. I truly think family & friends mean well; sometimes in the spirit of good wishes the funny stuff slips out...
My son received his appt to the USCGA on Monday, and of course, we are thrilled beyond belief, as it was his first and only choice of the service academies.
Here are some of the more interesting comments we've heard the past week:
"You have to go to school to be in the Coast Guard? Wow!"
"Hey, that's great! And aren't you glad it's free!!"
MY daughter told her friend, her promptly called her mom and said, "yeah they got the good news! He's going to the Coast Guard Academy and then he'll be in the Army!"

But my favorite so far,
"Congrats, the Coast Guard! Aren't you glad he won't be in the military?!!":confused:

[Zaphod]

"Hey, that's great! And aren't you glad it's free!!"

Well, at least that one is ACCURATE! :yllol:

But my favorite so far,
"Congrats, the Coast Guard! Aren't you glad he won't be in the military?!!":confused:

I am SO not going there! :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

[Coastie for Life]

We have been a Coast Guard family since 1980. I find it amazing the amount of people who do not know what the Coast Guard does...a lot only know it at as search and rescue and drug busts. My dd tried to educate a lot of her fellow students in her ROTC class, only to be chided and to listen to jokes about it being in the department of transportation and dad being a bus driver???? She had to educate them again about the department transferring to Homeland Security and other missions of the Coast Guard. I guess somethings never change. I do look forward to her returning to her HS after all is said and done.

[raimius]

"Hey, that's great! And aren't you glad it's free!!"

Well, it is accurate.
Yeah, the monetary price is a nice benefit!

[zfam]

Well, it is accurate.
Yeah, the monetary price is a nice benefit!


You're right it's a great benefit.
But as we here know, freedom isn't [I]free[I]...my husband (a USAFA grad) when feeling snarky will add to that comment, "yeah, it was a free education, and I got it shoved up my bum one nickel at a time while there" :redface:
I'm not that crude and will tell friends and civilians about the 5-yr military commitment following graduation, too.
Here's another interesting comment we heard this weekend, hubby told a friend about son's CGA appt and he said "congrats, my son wanted to go that route but frankly, the admissions process by itself overwhelmed us.."
A compliment in a round-about way! :smile:

[jamzmom]

I find it amazing the amount of people who do not know what the Coast Guard does...a lot only know it at as search and rescue and drug busts.

Coastie for Life, you made me grin.

rustypc, do be careful with the new group of parents! We tend to like free stuff that has anything KP printed on it. :smile:

[teddy]

We have no family history of serving (my dad World War II) and this is all new to me. We never hesitated to support our son with his decision. It's a heart and soul commitment and for them to know at thier age is something to be proud of. They have a dream and will serve us all well. The best of the best!
Teddy
2012mom

[Clif]

My family is sort of new to this as well. My mother had/has great skepticism about my decision. She prayed I wouldn't apply again because, "I knew you'd probably get in." She's confident in my abilities, but she'd never lie to me about how she feels. She was hoping some Ivy League would sway me, but no luck. She was afraid I was getting into something I wouldn't be happy with since I never talked about it; but a certain amount of skepticism is healthy in my opinion -- for one thing I'm as close to 100% as you can be before getting there that I want this. That said my father couldn't be more gung-ho; I'm one of three girls so he never thought any of us were interested. I was surprised how supportive he was when I got my appointment since he never said anything during the application process -- he's the one that left the message on my phone to tell me I got in.

I had someone actually look at me and go, You? You really think you can hack it? You're so not cut out for that. First time I was furious; now whenever someone has the gall to say something like that, even a raised eyebrow I merely smile and shrug and then walk away thinking, If that's true then why do I have an appointment?

[raimius]

Clif, if you got an appointment you can hack it. I'm not the most physically fit person around, (wound up on athletic probation for almost 2 years). You just have to work hard and know that you can do what you set your mind to.

[Zaphod]

I had someone actually look at me and go, You? You really think you can hack it? You're so not cut out for that. First time I was furious; now whenever someone has the gall to say something like that, even a raised eyebrow I merely smile and shrug and then walk away thinking, If that's true then why do I have an appointment?

Trust me, it's FUN to ram it down their throats years later. Ask me how I know. :thumb:

My high school class was full of the moonbats you now see marching through the Village in New York or over at Berkley. I was called a murderer, a baby-killer, a warmonger, and several other choice adjectives. Then it became "You'll never make it. You can't do it." When it was announced that I was going to NAPS, one classmate was heard to remark, "HA-HA! Not the Academy, loser!"

So what did I do? Simple. I SHOWED UP TO OUR 10-YEAR REUNION IN MY UNIFORM.

I didn't have to say a word. None were needed. :biggrin::biggrin:

Yes, the looks on their faces were priceless! Except, of course, for the worst of all of them, who hadn't made it to the reunion because he had become a homosexual heroin addict in the interim. Karma's a bitch. :yllol:

You go to the Academy and clean it's clock. If I can get through it, you bloody well can. After that, you can go back to the idiots who doubted you and, if you wish to burn the calories, just smile at them. You'll know how stupid they'll feel whether they tell you or not.

Go get 'em! :thumb:

[Clif]

Zaphod & raimius

Thank you for the support!

Even though I feel relieved that I have the appointment in my hands, I still worry! If I make it through the physical demands, will I get through the academics? And will I be able to juggle all the demands that I am expected to handle? I am well aware that I will be among the nation's "best and brightest," and I just hope I can live up to that name!

[wpmom2011]

Clif:

West Point wouldn't have given you an appointment if they didn't believe you could be successful there. It will be hard work and you will be challenged more than you ever have been before. You will be successful if you choose to be successful. It's all in your attitude and determination.

It's normal it be nervous; just don't let that stop you. You're going to be fine!!!