USNA hardest admission?

[usna1985]

Look, folks, this one isn't winnable -- by any SA. It's like arguing whether Yale is better than Harvard. Or whether MIT is better than Cal Tech. There is not one that is "better," but there is probably one that is better for each individual candidate.

Several years ago, I had a very highly qualified candidate trying to choose b/t USNA and USCGA. She ended up choosing USCGA. I would MUCH rather she be happy at USCGA than miserable at USNA. Conversely, several years ago, the Army equivalent of a BGO came up to me at an awards ceremony and said, "I lost that one," referring to a candidate who'd chosen USNA over USMA. I don't view it that way -- just like the USCGA candidate, this candidate chose the SA that he felt was best for him -- it's everyone's gain for people to enter the branch of the military in which they feel most comfortable.

When comparing SAs, we can discuss Rhodes Scholars and astronauts, SATs and acceptance rates, presidents and 5-star generals, football programs and PT requirements, etc., until we're blue in the face. It proves nothing other than each of the SAs is a great school that provides a great education and a job in the finest military in the world.

 

[Capt MJ]

Hear hear! Especially the last paragraph... and pile on, and an incomparable launching pad for a successful career in any field.

 

[Gcokeley]

EVERY selective college is tougher to get into now than just 7 years ago.



According to the College Board the acceptance rate at:
USNA is 14%
USMA is 15%.
USAFA is 17%
USCGA is 27%
USMMA is 26%

Does this mean USNA is the most difficult to gain entry? Not really. Remember first you are all competing to be the top in your congressional district - if you are top and qualified then you are in. This competition varies widely between congressional districts. Many qualified candidate in Northern Va have a difficult time gaining an appointment while a lesser candidate from Montana is top dog.
Competitiveness between the academies varies widely from state to state as well. Out west USAFA is very popular and competitive. However a candidate from a congressional district in Western NC or West Virginia may have an "easy" go by being the top candidate.

As much as I hate the plug about WV being an easy state to get a nomination...shes right. I got all three and another to west point.