2nd Thoughts

Positivity, good luck to you as you enter WP. I can't remember someone saying to me that they regret going to West Point, but I can name you a dozen times that they regret that they didn't. To quote tugboat, push hard, press forward.

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Positivity, good luck to you as you enter WP. I can't remember someone saying to me that they regret going to West Point, but I can name you a dozen times that they regret that they didn't. To quote tugboat, push hard, press forward.

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Good point- it's one that I have been thinking about a lot as well. Appreciate the input.
 
Early in the thread you made a comment along the lines of "I'll get to play football." Are you a recruited football player? Sometimes the corps squad recruits do not understand that they are officers in training first and athletes second. While there are many perks to being an athlete, you will still be required to adhere to regulations, meet standards, and participate in activities you might not care for. After 6+ years on this page and also 6 on West Point Moms, I'm sticking with my original recommendation: give your slot to someone else who has a burning desire to be an Army officer. The pain of being brought down a peg or two (or ten) doesn't seem to jive with your long term goal of being a gazillionaire. :cool:
 
. . . give your slot to someone else who has a burning desire to be an Army officer. . .

It's a done deal, he cannot give his slot to someone else nor his slot can't be used by anyone else. There is an urban legend of a last minute appointment because someone dropped out. It doesn't happen.

The reality is that not everyone that shows up on the R-day will graduate and become Army officers and West Point is not expecting everyone that shows on the R-day to get commissioned.
 
And as our VC friend here can probably say, you need to "invest" in your idea a bit too. And often that will take some $$ of your own.

But if you don't need to invest, then here's an idea, make a car key that confirms your car is locked or not from afar. How many times do I have to hit my remote lock button before I can be sure?
 
HE cannot give his slot to someone else, but if he told them now that he was not coming, they have plenty of time to get someone else in. Every year you hear about last minute appointments (true ones, not legends). I know a 1LT who received his appointment late May...it was a scramble to get all the paperwork in, but he did it.
 
Don't Go

Positively, you are asking the wrong questions and getting the wrong answers. You need to ask your self, "Why do I want to attend WP and what are my ultimate goals for my life?"
Please keep in mind your stated goal of branding yourself and making $'s are ok. But I know a lot of wealthy people who are miserable. And a lot of 'middle class' people who are happy.

Making coin does not equate to being "HAPPY." Building your brand. Let me clue you in you are always building your brand. It is constantly changing it you want to continue to grow and become a success. Remember "success" is not about making coin. "Success" is about making a difference in the world.

All of the advice you are receiving here take it to heart and then decide for yourself. What is important to you in your life. So far your life experiences are few and the lessons you have learned are few.
 
HE cannot give his slot to someone else, but if he told them now that he was not coming, they have plenty of time to get someone else in. Every year you hear about last minute appointments (true ones, not legends). I know a 1LT who received his appointment late May...it was a scramble to get all the paperwork in, but he did it.

LG is right. They PLAN for 200 to quit. 1200 got in, but Congress tells them 1000 will graduate, because 4400 is the number. There are 5 and fly planning kids in 2018 who will be 4 stars, and there are high speed huahs who won't make it through beast.

OP isn't taking a slot from anyone if he doesn't go. If they messed up on 2018 attrition numbers, 2019 will get some more seats. But he absolutely isn't wrong not to go, nor right, to go. He hasn't cost anyone's kid a slot, although I understand people feel that way.

I actually think its kind of cool that he is having these doubts. All these kids are having them now. That he is measuring twice, and seeking advice, is a good trait.
 
HE cannot give his slot to someone else, but if he told them now that he was not coming, they have plenty of time to get someone else in. Every year you hear about last minute appointments (true ones, not legends). I know a 1LT who received his appointment late May...it was a scramble to get all the paperwork in, but he did it.

A LT doesn't mean it happens all the time. Still let me correct myself and say highly unlikely to happen. I trust cadets, but sometimes details are blurred their mind.

Having a time to get someone else is irrelevant as they need a good reason to get someone else.

Also, West Point is trying to reduce not increase.
 
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We're going to have to agree to disagree here. My WP sources say last minute appointments happen every year. Not a lot, mind you, but some. Anyway...back to whether or not the OP should fritter away the prime of his life at West Point, or go forth and conquer the world and become a bajilloinaire by 28....
 
You can also attend for two years and quit, without any obligation at all. You will get some leadership training & development during that time as well as rigorous academics that may benefit you in your 7-figure quest.

The rules allow it, so follow the rules. Go for 2 years and quit. It will benefit everyone involved: you, the future troops who may suffer under your less-than-gung-ho leadership, and the taxpayers who will only have to foot the bill for 2 years of your scholarship instead of 4.

And you will still be able to list "West Point" as a school you attended prior to transferring to some other lesser college.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Positivity View Post
No comprende.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Positivity View Post
No comprende.

Not surprised.

First off, it's No comprendo, if your intent is first person singular.

Second, I suggest you print copies of this discussion and pass them out to all the enlisted personnel and upper classmen with whom you interact during your plebe year. I am sure they can give you some valuable guidance.

Third, the bigger surprise is the indulgence given you by the well-intentioned posters.
 
Third, the bigger surprise is the indulgence given you by the well-intentioned posters.

I, as probably the case with most responders, post not only for the OP but for countless others that might read it in the future. Part of the OPs quandry apply to many people in similar situations. There are definitely others that are having second thoughts and the responses give them things to consider as well.
 
I am impressed with Positivity. Thanks for your honesty and transparency. I think you will be successful in whatever you choose to do. Do what you want to do and it is fine to have doubts. You earned this appointment and you can do with it what you like.
There has been great advice given to you from many people.
My advice is to go to West Point. See for yourself if it is what you want. If you decide that it is not for you, then leave and find what is for you. Many of my former classmates who left on their own, attended Ivy League schools. They would not have gotten in without a year or 2 at West Point.
Best of luck to you and I wish you all the success in the world.


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Come on people, how much longer are you going to let this guy pull your chain?
 
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