On the Fence About Going to USMA

[bopper]

Also think about what happens when you graduate:
1) Are you sure you want to be a Military Officer?
2) If you go to USMA and do well enough, then you will be an officer. If you go the OCS route, you may not be accepted and then where are you?

 

[bopper]

this was after he complained about the food in King Hall, the constant pressure of Academics coupled with ECA and MO's, early morning workouts, the cobblers, the terrible laundry service, 0-dark thirty workouts, parades, Mando meals, etc.

Also keep in mind that being an Engineering student at any college is a constant pressure of Academics. Food at any College gets complaints. You have to do your own laundry at any college. Yes, the other parts (workouts, parades, etc) are unique to an SA. But for an engineering student it isn't all Frat parties if you go to a civilian college.

 

[Allectus]

I think it fair to say experiences vary, and much depends on attitude. DS is a plebe. While at our house for Thanksgiving he mentioned about going “home” in reference to West Point. After dropping him off at the airport, he texted us once he got to West Point and said it felt good to get back. DS loves West Point and says he daily looks around at the beauty and reflects on how lucky he is to be there.

Just one perspective. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Cookiemom]

My OG. A 21, complained about WP all the time. I suggested he look into regular colleges. He said there is no where I would rather be. We complain because its what we do.
He has not gone freedom crazy at ABOLC nor have any of his friends.
He is socially well adjusted and the ROTC and OCS and WP folks get along just fine.

 

[ders_dad]

But for an engineering student it isn't all Frat parties if you go to a civilian college.

This is the unvarnished truth. FWIW my DS's HS classmate is a EE major at Tufts and it is an absolute grind. Those parade times and mandatory fun that are a part of an SA get taken up by more electives in civilian programs.

 

[MidCakePa]

I suggested he look into regular colleges. He said there is no where I would rather be. We complain because its what we do.

I teach undergrads at our flagship state university. I can confirm that complaining is universal — duly practiced at both SAs and civilian colleges. My students complain about exams, homework, grades, facilities, schedules, too little time, too much pressure, their social lives, the cost of school, length of passing periods, quality of food, size of dorm rooms, compatibility of roommates, etc., etc., etc.

Any SA cadet or mid who thinks they’ll have less to complain about by attending a civilian college will be sorely disappointed. The grass is not always greener on the other side. But as my USNA mid says, SA life is much more fun and rewarding if you’re all-in. People don’t admire SA grads because the four years were easy!