More than one SA?

Ditka089

Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2018
Messages
52
Last week, it was mentioned to me from an academy rep that applying to more than one service academy was of “ poor character”. I am in the process of applying to three. I have my first choice, but would definitely strongly consider my other options. Thoughts?
 
Plenty of people here who not only have applied to multiple academies, but have been accepted to multiple academies. You should be honest when asked which one is your primary choice, but apply to all those you are interested in
 
Well, that's a new one. Sounds like whoever said that might have the "poor character" issues. There's nothing wrong with wanting to serve one's country as a commissioned officer, regardless of military branch. In fact, that's incredibly admirable.

Sure, there are those who say they only want to fly AF jets or only want to wear Navy summer whites or only want to lead an Army infantry platoon. And that's OK too. But more power to those who are willing to serve wherever they're called.
 
Well, that's a new one. Sounds like whoever said that might have the "poor character" issues. There's nothing wrong with wanting to serve one's country as a commissioned officer, regardless of military branch. In fact, that's incredibly admirable.

Sure, there are those who say they only want to fly AF jets or only want to wear Navy summer whites or only want to lead an Army infantry platoon. And that's OK too. But more power to those who are willing to serve wherever they're called.
That’s how I feel. I want to serve this country, and if the SA’s don’t work out, I hope ROTC does. Thank you for your insight.
 
Don't worry about applying to multiple service academies. If someone told you that is of "poor character" then they are wrong and need to reconsider what the service academies are about. Applying to multiple civilian universities or Ivy Leagues are not frowned upon, so don't think that applying to multiple service academies is wrong. You should keep in mind what your first choice is though so that you can convey that in an interview.
 
I applied to USAFA and USNA. I received a direct appointment to USAFA and an offer to NAPS. There's nothing wrong with applying to multiple service academies. You may want to exercise some discretion in talking about it however. You don't want to give your B&G officer or ALO the impression that they represent the academy further down your list. I would recommend not mentioning to them that you're applying to multiple academies unless directly asked.
 
When I asked my BGO the same question, I was advised that applying to several SAs actually looks better since he/she shows their strong willingness to serve the country regardless of military branch.

Many candidates in this forum reported that they got 2-3 appointments from different SAs. How can a candidate be regarded as “poor character” just because of their strong willingness?
 
When I asked my BGO the same question, I was advised that applying to several SAs actually looks better since he/she shows their strong willingness to serve the country regardless of military branch.

Many candidates in this forum reported that they got 2-3 appointments from different SAs. How can a candidate be regarded as “poor character” just because of their strong willingness?
I was taken aback at his comment, and then I panicked. I didn’t really know how to respond back! My friends that are already in a SA all applied to two or more.
 
I don't know where that comment comes from. I suppose that occasionally there are candidates who want to "earn the Trifecta" (get offers to USAFA, USMA, and USNA) but really have aspirations to only go to one of them, or to use those offers to make themselves look better to an Ivy League school. I think those candidates are few and far between, though. The fact that this process is a much longer one than applying to any civilian college - and is decidedly more in depth - speaks to character (I think), but in a good way. It's too bad that an academy representative would say something like that, but maybe there was some missed context behind that statement? If there wasn't, I wouldn't put much stock in that. The academies and their associated branches have vastly different missions, so there should be some indication in the candidate's mind as to which path they want to take. Sometimes however, the decision to join the military is an "aha!" moment, and the willingness to serve (in general) is the driving factor. In that scenario, I can completely understand the indecision as to where to commit. If you don't know, you don't know. Maybe you need more time to decide.

Let's also not forget that USAFA, USMA, and USNA get all the "press" around here, but USMMA and USCGA are gems in that arena as well. USMMA and USCGA often get passed over by the general public (who know nothing about them) because they aren't combat-oriented. That orientation makes no difference to their importance to our country and to our way of life. Acta non Verba and Scientiæ Cedit Mare !
 
Some may (often erroneously) believe that a candidate who is applying to multiple SAs hasn't thought through what he/she really wants, isn't focused, etc. Some may also have trouble believing that a candidate who would be happy at USMA/in the Army would be equally happy at USCGA/in the Coast Guard and therefore hasn't really given it much thought (see prior sentence).

Some folks apply to all 5 SAs. Some to only 1. If you apply to more than one, you should actually want to (not just be willing to) attend all to which you apply and be able to articulate your reasons for wanting to attend each.

Applying to multiple SAs "just to see how many I can get into" or similar approaches does show a level of poor character, at least IMO.
 
My DS received appointments to more than one service academy. His desire to serve his country no matter the branch and the very low acceptance rates at the service academies were the driving factors in applying to more than one. He also applied to ROTC programs too. In my eyes, it is prudent to plan for contingencies.

In general when it comes to applying to civilian colleges, no one applies to just one college. That wouldn't be prudent. Same scenario here.
 
Last week, it was mentioned to me from an academy rep that applying to more than one service academy was of “ poor character”.
> I would be curious what Service Academy this person represents, what level (ie. a BGO/FFR/ALO), and whether the statement represents official policy from a particular Service Academy. I have never heard such a comment or policy from USNA. In fact, most briefings and discussions I have seen and participated in suggest that the Ivy's are our main "competition", not other Service Academies. I would expect that other Service Academies have similar viewpoints, and highly doubt this is an official policy statement from any Service Academy. If a statement from a local rep like BGO/FFR/ALO, keep in mind that we all have independent opinions and bias' , and some people are naturally more competitive and may make statements like this.

. You don't want to give your B&G officer or ALO the impression that they represent the academy further down your list. I would recommend not mentioning to them that you're applying to multiple academies unless directly asked.

> I disagree. BGO's are not recruiters, and we don't get points for meeting quota's and getting kids into Service Academies. This is not an issue to me, as I always ask how they got interested in USNA, what other schools (not just Service Academies) they are applying to, whether they applying for NROTC or other ROTC's, and the rationale behind their choice. I usually get a pretty good feel for a Candidate's interest and motivation from that discussion, and can quickly tell if someone is BS'ing me.

Personally, I don't care if USNA is your 2nd choice as long as your reasoning is sound. I never denigrate another Service Academy,but I will be quick to correct faulty information and perceptions, as well as explain , what I perceive to be the benefits of USNA over other Service Academies.
 
Perhaps the context would help understand the comment....perhaps that context was misleading or even confusing to someone who didn’t ‘get the context (sarcasm? Who knows. Doesn’t matter. Just an idea). Perhaps it was a direct comment to see how you would respond. Who knows. Again, doesn’t matter.

The gist of it is that it’s NOT of poor character (unless collecting accolades is your motive...).

Thank you for your willingness to serve. Wherever that may be!
 
Building on my earlier post: Not at all unusual for a candidate to genuinely desire to serve, regardless of branch. Sure, that person can have a favorite, but they’d take what was given them, and happily so.

DD declared back in middle school that she wanted USNA. But also that she wanted to be a commissioned officer above all else. She was thrilled to get the USNA offer. It was followed by a USMA offer along with some good-natured lobbying by WP alumni. She seriously flirted with the idea for a couple weeks before committing to USNA. By the time her USAFA offer, came, she was locked in to Annapolis. Now, as a youngster, she’s applying to the USAFA exchange program, just to see how the other third lives.
 
Thank you for insight. I visited each of the 5 academies and I have a definite first choice but can see myself at the others too. Like the SA’s, I have applied to 5 plan b schools with ROTC programs. I appreciate all of your comments and I take this process very seriously. This site has helped me tremendously through the application process. And now I wait patiently. Thank you for YOUR service on this Veteran’s day.
 
+1
I always appreciate great insights from parents, alumni, and experts here in this forum.

As a sea cadet corps petty officer, I am now waiting for a ceremony in a local Vetran's Day event.

Whenever I participate in these events and meet veterans and their families, my desire and willingness to serve the country just gets bigger regardless of military branch eventually.

It's very hard to explain my feelings but I appreciate all great opportunities to be part of the application process and interviews with BGO and FFR who volunteered to evaluate me and my capabilities.

I want to join Ditka089 in appreciation for veteran...thank you for YOUR service!

I gotta join a ceremony soon! Thank you all. :)
 
Last edited:
> I would be curious what Service Academy this person represents, what level (ie. a BGO/FFR/ALO), and whether the statement represents official policy from a particular Service Academy. I have never heard such a comment or policy from USNA. In fact, most briefings and discussions I have seen and participated in suggest that the Ivy's are our main "competition", not other Service Academies. I would expect that other Service Academies have similar viewpoints, and highly doubt this is an official policy statement from any Service Academy. If a statement from a local rep like BGO/FFR/ALO, keep in mind that we all have independent opinions and bias' , and some people are naturally more competitive and may make statements like this.



> I disagree. BGO's are not recruiters, and we don't get points for meeting quota's and getting kids into Service Academies. This is not an issue to me, as I always ask how they got interested in USNA, what other schools (not just Service Academies) they are applying to, whether they applying for NROTC or other ROTC's, and the rationale behind their choice. I usually get a pretty good feel for a Candidate's interest and motivation from that discussion, and can quickly tell if someone is BS'ing me.

Personally, I don't care if USNA is your 2nd choice as long as your reasoning is sound. I never denigrate another Service Academy,but I will be quick to correct faulty information and perceptions, as well as explain , what I perceive to be the benefits of USNA over other Service Academies.

That may be true for you. I told my BGO that I had applied to both USAFA and USNA, and it was very clear that he disapproved. BGOs are human, and one person's very strong bias or attachment to a particular institution could affect their view of a particular candidate. I don't recommend lying, I simply recommend not bringing it up unless asked.
 
It is difficult, if not impossible, to assess an individual's perspective when interviewing. You cannot gauge their personal bias on one topic or another. So, don't try. Just be true to yourself. If the responses you give to any question represent your true feelings, then that is all you, or anyone else, can ask of you.
Don't try to answer based on what you think they want to hear. Answer based on your true beliefs. You may not get the position, but you will stay true to your own sense of ethics.
At the end of the day, that is all that really matters.
 
Now, as a youngster, she’s applying to the USAFA exchange program, just to see how the other third lives.

@MidCakePa, I think people would like to hear about this! DD has run across a cadet (USCGA to USAFA) on the exchange program which sounds very interesting! When you have time, or find out more, would you start a new thread on this? No rush. Thanks in advance!!
 
Back
Top