. . . Here's my take on KP. It is easier to obtain an appointment to KP than to Annapolis. However...IMHO, it's probably harder to succeed at KP than at ANY of the other SA's. Yes, I said that (and I'm a USAFA grad). I truly believe that the pace and academic challenges of KP make it a very difficult place to survive. Think about it...they work on a trimester system so your classes come fast and furious. Now, why do they do that? Because to graduate you must pass your US Coast Guard license exam for either third mate or third engineer. Those licenses require a year of sea experience so...mid's from KP go to sea twice while attending the academy!! The first trip is about four months and the second is eight or so. And they are SUPER busy on sailing periods. They have projects they must complete that will decide whether or not they proceed to graduation. Then they're back in the classroom, no letup. . .