- Joined
- May 23, 2008
- Messages
- 338
According to the Naval Academy's website, the application dosen't open until 8:00 am EST. There goes your plan .
All excellent endeavors and a difficult choice. Especially with it being your last real free summer. Let's hope you get a different week. But if not, then try to put all things into "YOUR PERSPECTIVE". (And remember; I usually right with all potential readers asking a similar question in mind. So don't take everything I say as though it was personal).
While Summer Seminar definitely gives the candidate a better understanding of the academy; it doesn't really improve or reduce the chances of the candidate getting an appointment. Therefor; if you were as close to 100% sure you knew what you were getting into; I.e. Maybe you're a Military brat; then maybe Summer Seminar isn't that important.
Having to choose between air force and navy in my opinion is easy. I don't believe that there's ANY applicant in the country that feels equally about the different branches of military. They know which one they want, and they are WILLING to take one of the others as a "BACKUP". If you honestly think they are both the same and equal, and you would feel the same if you received an appointment to either one, then you definitely don't know what you're getting into. But; if air force is your #1 choice; then you take that summer seminar. That's a no brainer. If navy is your primary choice, then you take that summer seminar.
Different people will have different opinions about your choices and decisions. And while they will all have good intentions, none will be the right opinion. The right opinion is; "What do you want to be doing this summer". Only you know what you want to do. Just don't try to make these strategic decisions. If it's a choice of which summer seminar; choose the one that is the military that you want. If it's the summer seminar or another activity; choose which one is what you really want to be doing. Of course, it's always best if you can reschedule different activities so you can attend ALL OF THEM. But that's not always possible. You've probably read in one of the other posts, that there are a lot of different reasons some people apply to the air force or other military academy. For some, the military academy is their #1 choice in the entire world. (It's their DREAM SCHOOL). For some, it's a backup if they don't get accepted or can't find the money to their dream school. (It's one of their safety schools).
I guess what I'm saying to all those who have similar decisions to make; is if you are true to yourself and know exactly why you are doing or choosing whatever it is in life; then the decisions become very simple. It's when you try and do or choose but you don't know what you really want; or you're trying to play too many sides at once in an attempt to "Cover all your bases", that decisions become difficult. Many people wish they had done some things differently as they get older and look back. I can honestly say that the ONLY thing I would have done differently (of significance) is more of "Concept" than a particular thing. It would be to follow my heart and do what I WANTED to do, more than what I thought would be the RIGHT thing, more advantageous, or safe thing to do. Life is too short. Do what you want to do. Not what others want you to do or what is expected of you. The time will come; either in the military or a civilian job, where certain things will be expected of you and you'll have to follow them. At least be heading into the area that you WANT to be. Then, it's a lot easier to be a follower. best of luck. Mike.....
Personally, as a parent, the "Doolie for a Day" part is much of the reason I do want my son to go to the seminars. I want to know now (and have him know) that this is what he wants to do. 3 summer seminars (and 2-3 of those days - I didn't see it listed on West Point's schedule) will give him a bit of a real feel for what it will be like (and I realize it doesn't compare to Beast - been there, done that!). But 5 days of getting up at 0530 and running hard until 2330 is hard on anyone. Add in the PT and everything else, and he's going to be a tired kid. .