USNA or West Point 2024?

D

desertlover12

Member
Joined
Aug 15, 2019
Messages
28
I'm an applicant to the class of 2024 and have received LOA's from both the Naval Academy and West Point. Before my nomination interviews, though, I'd like to make a decision as to which is my true #1 school. I attended summer seminar and SLE so I've seen both campuses and have nothing left of my applications but a nomination. As a female I've heard the Navy is a bit better, but I'm more interested in liberal arts than STEM (which puts West Point over USNA). Additionally, I'm attracted to the Terrorism Studies minor at West Point as I would like to major in political science at either school. There is no intelligence branch straight out of the Naval Academy as there is out of West Point so I would probably branch SWO, but they have long tours and I want to have a family (Navy is the worst branch for having a family is what I hear). I think USNA would provide more freedom and an "easier" lifestyle if I can say that. I am not a recruited athlete either. For my interests, West Point seems the obvious choice, but I liked the campus and lifestyle at USNA more. As far as post-academy, branching MI from West Point fits my interests.

If anyone can provide insight to my decision I'd be very grateful!
 
Reverse-engineer it. Focus on what you want to do as a 2nd LT, 1st LT and a Captain in the Army, as you will be doing that a lot longer than the 4-year way station that is the SA. I chose the Army ranks because that is what popped out at me from your comments.

Your branch choices are the key. That’s the long pole in your tent. Figure that out, and everything else falls in place.

You can always apply for the exchange semester as a 2/c, major permitting, and come get your dose of salt in Naptown!

If you have two LOAs, clearly you will thrive where you are planted. Good luck with the noms!
 
1. Not sure why you heard Navy is a bit better than the Army for females. I've seen females succeed and fail in both services.
2. Both services can be a challenge for those who wish to have familial units, but there are many successful women in both services who have well-adjusted scalawags. Now if your spousal unit, (1 EA) is also a service member it can be a challenge to juggle careers and caregiving for the rug rats. My wife and I have found the auto feeders available on Amazon work well. https://www.amazon.com/WOpet-Automa...s=auto+feeder&qid=1568218729&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I think MJ's response is right on. Figure out your branch, then back plan from there. But be aware, people change their minds on branches. Also, while things may change, right now there is a push for 90% of West Point graduates to go into combat arms. Think infantry, armor, field artillery, air defense, aviation, and engineers. MI is possible, but assume you will be in one of the branches I listed.

Yeah, Highland Falls is not Annapolis. But the friends you make and being happy with your career will be more important in the long run.
 
.
Doesn’t MI these days lean on Data Science, Statistical/Predictive Modeling and Machine Learning? Big Data too.
.
Math and Computing is most things these days .... Math is really everything.
.
 
Last edited:
You need to lay out what your priorities/desires are for both your college and first tour when you commission. In my opinion, USNA has a much nicer setting both on and off campus, especially with downtown Annapolis being a couple of blocks right outside the main gate, whereas West Point is in the middle of nowhere. As far as the treatment of females goes, there isn't any discernable difference between the Army and Navy. I concur with a couple of earlier posts about considering the Service Academy exchange program during your 2/c (junior) year, so you can at least get a feel for what your other choice would have been like. As far as your career goes when you commission, you can't go directly into the Intel side unless you have some sort of medical issue that doesn't allow you join the unrestricted line communities (SWO, Aviation, Submarines, etc.) so SWO-IP, SWO-IW would be your most viable options.
 
I shall have to be more thoughtful about possible over-use!

I do try to work in “you’re not teetering at grave’s edge” when I detect angst over age issues. I like the mental image.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top