USMA vs AROTC

vampsoul

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I had both interviews this week, and both of my interviewers were very passionate about their path to commission. It led me to wonder, what led you guys to choose one over the other? If you could choose over again, would you make the same choice? Why?

Thank you for your input!

Vampsoul
 
Yes, I would make the same choice.

I chose USMA because it is more of a full-time experience. In normal colleges you are only a "part time" cadet since you only wear the uniform 2 or 3 times a week and have a lot of freedom. Your cadet position means more here since you are performing your job 24/7 having to account for others and make changes on the go. I wanted something that would challenge me and get me prepared for the Army. This place takes up a lot of time forcing you to be more efficient and prioritize in order to succeed. This place gives you discipline and forces you to drop bad habits. I have already noticed changes in how I act on a day to day basis and the way I think. Also, just walking around here and looking at the architecture, scenery, and thinking of all the great men who have walked where you are walking just inspires me to be the best that you can be.

I thought about ROTC during the application proccess. I had the interviews for the ROTC scholarship and realized a normal college wasn't what I wanted. The next best thing after USMA for me would have been a senior military college since they provide more of a "full-time" cadet experience than normal colleges.
 
I did not apply to USMA, but I can tell you that I am in AROTC and I have never been happier. I have only been on campus for 5 weeks and already I am in much better shape, eating healthier, and learning more than I thought I ever would. I think being in a regular college, and being on your own, PLUS juggling the responsibilities of being in AROTC is a learning experience like no other; no one tells you when to do things, or how to do them. It is all up to you, just like in the real world. Not to mention your options are a little wider with ROTC.

I think a lot of people knock AROTC and ROTC in general because you aren't in uniform 24/7, but honestly you get out of it what you put into it, just like everything else in life. Not to mention being in uniform on a civilian campus carries HUGE responsibility; to everyone else, you represent yourself, your unit, and the United States Army. Also remember that EVERYONE ends up at BOLC II after their senior year, including WP grads.

Then again, West Point is well.....West Point:biggrin:. I've visited there many times and going there would be a huge honor. You honestly cannot go wrong either way. You have a very difficult decision to make but just consider yourself fortunate to have options!
 
great question

I had both interviews this week, and both of my interviewers were very passionate about their path to commission. It led me to wonder, what led you guys to choose one over the other? If you could choose over again, would you make the same choice? Why?

Thank you for your input!

Vampsoul

Great question Vamp!
 
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