Hello all! Since becoming active again, I remembered how much I used to browse these forums throughout my admissions process with USMA. If you haven't seen any of my previous posts/replies, I am currently '23. I received a direct appointment in 2019.
What I can definitely say is that I wish I had more insight into academy life and the Big Army before placing all of my eggs into one basket. Although I am likely only two or three years older than some of you candidates, there are many things you must wholeheartedly consider before attending USMA or a service academy in general. I will willingly disclose that I am pursuing voluntary resignation after completing this semester. However, this does not mean that I intend on defacing USMA in any manner. The reality of the situation is that USMA is the right place for some people, but not for others. Unfortunately, I have fallen into the latter category. But, my intention of this post is not to tell my life story.
After my most recent post and doing some soul searching to figure out what I want to do with my life, I realized that many candidates are not afforded a true opportunity to see what it means to be a West Point Cadet. Especially with COVID-19 now, I fear that many of you will make lukewarm decisions on whether you will deny your acceptance or decide to come. Admissions puts on a great show, don't get me wrong, but there are so many things at the Academy which you all are not exposed to in the glitz and glamour of West Point hype videos and brochures.
So, with all this being said, I would like to open up this thread to any questions you all have about USMA. It seems crazy to think that most of you will be just one click away from making the most influential decision of your teenage and young adult years. Do not take that lightly! You should reference most things you can get your hands on because this lifestyle truly is a commitment. And you should be sure and confident in making your choice, whatever that choice may be. Ask away!!
What I can definitely say is that I wish I had more insight into academy life and the Big Army before placing all of my eggs into one basket. Although I am likely only two or three years older than some of you candidates, there are many things you must wholeheartedly consider before attending USMA or a service academy in general. I will willingly disclose that I am pursuing voluntary resignation after completing this semester. However, this does not mean that I intend on defacing USMA in any manner. The reality of the situation is that USMA is the right place for some people, but not for others. Unfortunately, I have fallen into the latter category. But, my intention of this post is not to tell my life story.
After my most recent post and doing some soul searching to figure out what I want to do with my life, I realized that many candidates are not afforded a true opportunity to see what it means to be a West Point Cadet. Especially with COVID-19 now, I fear that many of you will make lukewarm decisions on whether you will deny your acceptance or decide to come. Admissions puts on a great show, don't get me wrong, but there are so many things at the Academy which you all are not exposed to in the glitz and glamour of West Point hype videos and brochures.
So, with all this being said, I would like to open up this thread to any questions you all have about USMA. It seems crazy to think that most of you will be just one click away from making the most influential decision of your teenage and young adult years. Do not take that lightly! You should reference most things you can get your hands on because this lifestyle truly is a commitment. And you should be sure and confident in making your choice, whatever that choice may be. Ask away!!