Dadof2, I certainly can see your point. It is not uncommon for a 17/18 year old to have cold feet as I-day approaches, in fact, I can bet most students packing up and getting ready to head off to any college may have the same trepidation. That is where a parent can do the most good in guiding their young adult and encourage them to stick to the plan, go to I-day, make it through BCT/Plebe summer and never make any big decision on the spur of the moment.
I am glad that it all worked out for your DD, but I still stick to my original post in having a solid plan B. What would your DD have done if she had been hurt or became ill and received a medical turn back during or shortly after BCT/Plebe summer? I am sure she would manage, but without a solid plan B, at least through the Fall school start, to me is too big of a risk, especially where a scholarship is involved. I would give our kids more credit than to just throw a dream away because they are afraid. That type of thinking did not get any of them where they are and most of them have what it takes to face their fear of the unknown and push through to success. Those that don't, were not going to make it at the Academy anyway, whether or not they had a solid plan B. That's just my perspective. I hope your DD continues to do well and before you know it, you will be sitting at her graduation bursting with pride.