USMAPS, USNA or ROTC scholarship?

My son is at USMAPS right now and, all things considered, I think the year at prep school is one that was very well spent. He is SO much more prepared for success at USMA next year. Perhaps the best outcome of USMAPS is he has made strong bonds with his prep classmates so on R-Day and through Cadet Basic Training he will never be far from a familiar face that he can trust. The other great advantage of USMAPS is that by the time he leaves Fort Monmouth, he will have spent at least 10 days on the USMA post so that too is becoming familiar to him

Prior to his acceptance of the offer to attend USMAPS, I was skeptical of the value of spending a school year studying for a 'diploma' that brings no college credits, much less transferable credits. Now I see his prep year as risk management; the risk being washing out at USMA.

Bottom line: USMAPS is a fantastic deal for those who want the USMA ring.
 
YIKES ZAPHOD! I stand corrected! SHIPS! I can see that this is a sensitive subject for you. I will not make the same mistake twice (unless I'm responding to line in the sand who prefers the term "boats"). I this what we call dissention in the troops?

VMINROTChopeful, thank you for bringing up the Marine option. I had forgotten about that. My daughter has indicated that she would like that option if she went to USNA since it is more like the Army. However, why does everybody I talk to seem to discourage her from the Marines? She loves O course, PT, marksmanship and playing in the mud. Are they really that bad?

as a female, i too have been discouraged by different people from the marines. i've been told that females just don't have enough opportunity in the marines and there is a lot of discrimination. this is just what i've heard, so i really don't know. i know that there are about half a dozen female general officers in the marines though, so females are able to advance there.

also, the marines say "once a marine, always a marine" so there is a lot of marine comraderie for your entire life.
 
VMINROTC, those are some good points. I have a question for you. Are you currently a cadet at VMI or working on that for the coming year? A year ago my daughter earned a trip to the George C. Marshall Leadership Symposium in VA. I went as a female chaperone. We attended a luncheon (conference) and parade at VMI. It was an impressive school. How are you liking it?
 
I this what we call dissention in the troops?

Dissention in the RANKS. :yllol:

My daughter has indicated that she would like that option if she went to USNA since it is more like the Army. However, why does everybody I talk to seem to discourage her from the Marines? She loves O course, PT, marksmanship and playing in the mud. Are they really that bad?

This question was not directed to me, but I'll be nosy and offer my two cents anyway...

The Marines have a well-deserved reputation for being the second most ass-kicking outfit on the planet (SEALs come first - sorry, but Navy loyalty dies hard). Because of that, there is often an impression that women don't fit in.

I call hogwash. If the kid wants to be a Marine, then I say SEMPER FI! :thumb:
 
Perhaps the best outcome of USMAPS is he has made strong bonds with his prep classmates so on R-Day and through Cadet Basic Training he will never be far from a familiar face that he can trust.

From one who's lived it, let me tell you that you have NO IDEA how comforting that can be. :smile:
 
Okay ZAPHOD. I am guessing that you are somewhat of a perfectionist (details matter). I just cant seem to get my definitions right with you today, can I? Did your shorts get starched by accident? I will forgive you for being nosy (your term) because I consider this an open forum regardless of who the questions are directed at. Thanks for your two cents worth on the Marines (really!).
 
Sometimes you just gotta have a little fun! :biggrin:
 
Sometimes you just gotta have a little fun! :biggrin:

Agreed. I've had nothing but fun this afternoon and at the same time I've been able to get some good information to help me guide my daughter. However, lay off the starch!:shake:
 
VMINROTC, those are some good points. I have a question for you. Are you currently a cadet at VMI or working on that for the coming year? A year ago my daughter earned a trip to the George C. Marshall Leadership Symposium in VA. I went as a female chaperone. We attended a luncheon (conference) and parade at VMI. It was an impressive school. How are you liking it?

did you catch the friday 4:35 parade? nice isn't it? i was at a VMI overnighter and sat behind General Peay during the parade :smile:

for Fall 2008, i've been accepted to VMI, the Citadel, Virginia Tech, Norwich University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University plus 2 others that aren't as cool. i'm trying to make up my mind which school to pick. first choice right now is VMI so i'll probably go there if nothing changes between now and May 1. if i go to VMI, i don't start until the summer transition program on August 1. until then, i get to try to finish my senior year on an upbeat! :biggrin:

(but i do intend to apply for USNA c/o 2013 and already put in my preliminary app :wink: )
 
VMINROTC, way to go! You should be very proud! I can tell you really want a Senior Military College experience from the list of schools you are considering. VMI has a great history and great traditions. Whatever you decide, have fun, work hard and never give up on your dreams.
 
My opinion of why people try to talk your daughter out of Marines is because it is very dangerous. Everyone who gave opinions to my DS thought he should go USNA not USMA because of the "safety" issue. Honestly, these days less boats are being shot at than tanks, helicopters, etc. However, if these kids were interested in "safe" jobs, they would not be considering service academies in the first place! If your daughter wants USMA, she should take the USMAPS offer and not look back. One of son's best friends will be at MMI, so he will join your daughter for 2013...see you there! BTW...if your daughter is wanting to get in for 2012, you really should contact those coaches! They have a bit of persuasion power!
 
The Boats v. Ships comments basically arise because Navy squids don't like their boats being called boats...which is probably the main reason I still call them that. They like "ships". If you call it a boat while they're on it, the usually run to their berthing area and curl up with a shipmate in his rack, in tears...it is really heart-wrenching. :eek:
 
USMAPS visit

oneandfive, I hope your daughter has great trip to USMAPS/USMA. She has some great choices for next year. Best of luck to her!
 
Mom3boys, you're absolutely correct. I don't think our kids are looking for the "safest" future. They are not like the "average'' high school kid. They have a sense of duty, love of country and a desire to excell. In the end I will support her in whatever decision she makes and I'm sure she will find satisfaction serving wherever she ends up.

I have received a few texts from her since yesterday and she is totally loving USMA/USMAPS but isn't so sure that the prep school is the route for her. She is soaking in everthing and trying to be objective about the options she is being presented with. I'm sure she will have a better idea of what she wants when she gets home this weekend. I feel like we're finally getting to the end of what seems to be an endless process, but then the next adventure will begin!

Antoinette, thanks for your support too!
 
I had to make choice similar to your daughters. I received an appointment to USMMA, offer for USMA civil prep, and a full four-year army ROTC scholarship to Fordham University. At first, I was apprehensive of taking the prep route, I never had thought of doing an extra year before college. After thinking about it, I realized that I did not really want the "normal" college experience. (thus ruling out ROTC for me) Also, West Point remains my first choice by far, so I decided upon going the civil prep route. I believe I have made the right choice. USMA civil prep will give me a year to prepare and grow for the rigors of West Point. I would recommend your daughter evaluate what she desires from her college experience and what she wants to do after graduation.
Best of luck in any decision she makes!
 
Mr. Roberts

It's a classic comedy. You'll love it. :smile:

Oh, I finally get a response. I've been waiting. I guess it's Mr. Roberts this weekend. I've got to figure out what this "Ensign Pulver" is all about.

Zaphod, even though this is the USMA section, I know where your loyalties lie. I thought you might want to know that things are looking more like USNA instead of USMAPS for my daughter. I know that everybody keeps saying that it's a good option and that the prepsters do very well at USMA. However, after today she kind of felt like there wasn't as much respect between the cadet candidates and their instuctors as there is in a regular academy class. Also, she said it felt like going to another year of high school and it didn't turn out like what she was expecting.

I know that most of the people have indicated she should go with her heart and aim for USMA, but I'm (and she) not so sure anymore. I think she will feel like she wasn't good enough all year if she takes the USMAPS offer and always wonder if it was the best choice.
 
Hello all I haven't been on the forums for a while but its good to be back. Its April 4 and I haven't gotten in or gotten the small letter of death. I have a sneeky suspicion that I am going to end up at the prep school. I also just finished my Eagle Scout so thats a plus. I was also offered a the 4 year scholarship to John Carroll and Marquette, I turned Marquette down. USMA is still my number one though. What should I look for in the mail as far as appointment, USMAPS offer, or I hate to even say it rejection?
 
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