Hey everyone I am coming down to a decision and now deciding between NAPS and USC. I went to summer seminar and wasn’t really sure if it was for me but still applied and got into naps which is a really great opportunity for me to get into the FBI later. However, I also got into USCs school of price public policy and am having an extremely hard time making a decision. Any suggestions or advice ?
Naps or another decision
- Thread starter BellaM
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2008
- Messages
- 20,971
Let’s dial back a bit from the FBI, which is a fine goal for your mid to late 20’s. NAPS in and of itself is not a springboard to the FBI down the road. It’s a mix of a Service academy degree/college degree and outstanding performance and solid experience as a junior officer that is an excellent foundation for any of the Federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies. FBI and other Federal agents and analysts come out of all kinds of backgrounds, though.
Working backwards, are you prepared and do you want to and are over the moon excited about spending a minimum of five years as a Navy or Marine Officer, after 5 years of prep + USNA? Do you want a full immersion military experience from the get-go? If that is what you have been driving for, then grab onto that NAPS golden ticket and start down that road.
You went to NASS and were not sure if it was for you. Have you asked yourself why? Was it the tiny sip of military immersion you got as part of what is a marketing and familiarization program? Listen to your heart and gut here. If NASS didn’t feel right to you, my gut says NAPS and USNA will most definitely not feel right to you.
USC is a fine path. If you are happy with your choice, you will be successful. If you want to choose a path simply for a future résumé bullet it brings for a goal set while there is still likely a “teen” in your age, I urge you to just stop, think and be okay with stepping away from a path you have dutifully explored, and turning to what truly calls you.
You will have many choices in your life like this, where you will shut a door and realize there is likely no way to re-open it. You have no idea how your journey will go. Make the best decisions for yourself based on what you think will feel right to you in the coming year.
Coming to this forum for advice major life decisions can be helpful, but keep in mind, only YOU can make this decision.
Some things to consider: NAPS leads to an appointment to USNA - do you want to serve as an officer for at least 5 years upon graduation? While military service can certainly help you land a job for an ABC government agency, there are always other alternatives to reaching those goals without military service. Those who enter service academies without a desire to serve can often struggle with motivation.
Alternatively, if you are unsure about the military, NAPS is free and has no strings attached. This means you can leave at any time, without a commitment to USNA, enlisted service to the Navy, or monetary reimbursement. You could certainly test the waters for a year, and if you decide that the service isn't for you, you could always still attend USC.
USC offers deferred enrollment. If you go to NAPS you can still have USC in your back pocket for the following year.
Some things to consider: NAPS leads to an appointment to USNA - do you want to serve as an officer for at least 5 years upon graduation? While military service can certainly help you land a job for an ABC government agency, there are always other alternatives to reaching those goals without military service. Those who enter service academies without a desire to serve can often struggle with motivation.
Alternatively, if you are unsure about the military, NAPS is free and has no strings attached. This means you can leave at any time, without a commitment to USNA, enlisted service to the Navy, or monetary reimbursement. You could certainly test the waters for a year, and if you decide that the service isn't for you, you could always still attend USC.
USC offers deferred enrollment. If you go to NAPS you can still have USC in your back pocket for the following year.
Last edited:
Thank you for the thoughtful answer. NASS was definitely a big wake up call to me and in the moment I wasn’t all for it but the as the application process to USNA continued I found myself manifesting it into my dream. My ultimate ultimate goal in life is to work for the the FBI which USNA would be helpful for. But quite honestly I have no idea how to choose which school is right for me. A part of me wants that life and to leave home but a part of me also wants to stay with what’s safe at home.
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2019
- Messages
- 1,863
.
NAPS or USC’s school of price public policy? These 2 choices are Polar opposites.
Btw, NAPS is a preparatory program for the STEM curriculum at the Naval Academy, and the physical and mental demands there as well. The place will break you down, academically and physically/mentally ... to build you up. Is this what you want?
NAPS is a good thing going in, then graduating. It can be tough in between. You will be “Proud” when you graduate from the program.
.
NAPS or USC’s school of price public policy? These 2 choices are Polar opposites.
Btw, NAPS is a preparatory program for the STEM curriculum at the Naval Academy, and the physical and mental demands there as well. The place will break you down, academically and physically/mentally ... to build you up. Is this what you want?
NAPS is a good thing going in, then graduating. It can be tough in between. You will be “Proud” when you graduate from the program.
.
Last edited: