Well, you said either defiantly or definitely works for the sentence I wrote, and being that defiantly means "in a rebellious manner" I assumed you meant that I'm going against what most rejected applicants do, and that is re-apply again.
No, I do not think that most kids do apply next year but what makes you think that most kids who do not re-apply to the USAFA don't go to the USMMA?
I definitely agree that "MOST" applicants don't reapply after being turned down by the air force academy. Especially the vast majority who didn't receive a nomination.
but what makes you think that most kids who do not re-apply to the USAFA don't go to the USMMA
Unless you can come up with some stats; I would say that LESS THAN 1% of the 9000-10,000 of those who didn't get an air force academy, wind up going to the Merchant Marine Academy. I would say that of all the academies, the merchant marine academy probably has the LEAST amount of applicants. Most people have never even heard of them. Air Force, Army, and Navy have the most recognition; (Probably about the same notoriety). Coast Guard is also known by the next largest amount. Merchant Marines are probably the least known of any academy. Now, if you were talking about those who got turned down by the naval academy going to the merchant marines, I might buy it. As aglages said, or eluded to, the air force and merchant marines are so different from each other, that it's pretty unlikely that it would be a person's #2 choice for each other.
Having said all that; there is absolutely nothing wrong with you or anyone else going to the merchant marine academy. They too are a valuable contribution to our military service and the defense of our country. Based on your first post of this thread, I assume you have been accepted to the Merchant Marine Academy. Good for you. And thank you for your service. And obviously, anyone who is attending an academy; whether it's army, navy, air force, coast guard, or merchant marines would not and can not apply to attend one of the other academies once they've enrolled.
But for those others who were serious about attending one of the academies; and if they went pretty far during the process with a nomination and good scores; many of them will probably reapply at least one more time. Many of them will look into ROTC at whatever college the do attend their freshman year. That too is a very honorable and admirable means of getting a commission. Many who did not receive an appointment will not reapply, will not pursue ROTC, and probably will not pursue any type of military service. And that too is alright. Chances are that those individuals didn't have serving their country as a commissioned officer as a very high priority. They probably had the free education higher on their priority list. And that too is ok, because the vast majority of applicants to a military academy really have no idea what they're getting into. Remember; the couple hundred of your that lurk and participate on this and other similar forums, are a very small percentage of academy applicants. Just because you are very knowledgeable about the academies, doesn't mean more are. So those that don't reapply the next year is probably for the best. For them and for the academies.
That's why you get a lot of brownie points for reapplying to the military academies after being turned down. After going through all that work, getting turned down, KNOWING what you're getting into, and willing to do all again;.... Yes, the academies will definitely give some extra consideration to those people. (Assuming they are competitive). And for those that don't reapply and choose not to do any military future, that's probably just as well for both them and the military. They probably weren't meant to be military officers. But best of luck to you yeti. I'm sure you will do well at the merchant marine academy. Later... Mike....