How much weight does the personal statemnet actually carry
About the closest I've ever heard in this regard is when somebody once asked, "What advantage is it having a parent as an alum?" The answer they got (from a BGO) was "... about the same as a well written essay."
Absolute guess:
The theme for USNA is "Why you want to go to a Service Academy and serve as an Officer in the Navy" or something to the like, right?
Well... Parent in the Military = knowledge of Military life = good essay?
Unless they've changed it recently, I believe the personal statement question is:
How does attending the Naval Academy help you obtain your goals and what event in your life has helped shape your character?
It's really two questions.
No, the USMA ones are fairly different. At least in my opinion...