Forbes names West Point #1 American college!

[jasperdog]

Congratulations to West Point, Air Force and Navy to be sure but you have to take a good look at the criteria to understand why USCGA and USMMA are below say some of the places above them on the list:

"The methodology used in Forbes' 2008 inaugural edition of "America's Best Colleges" rankings has been modestly revised for 2009. As in 2008, we base 25% of the rankings on student satisfaction with their course instruction. Also, like last year, we base another 25% on indicators of post-graduate employment success, and one-sixth (16.67%) on the likelihood of graduation from college within four years. Last year, we weighted the estimated average four year student loan debt at one-sixth (16.67%) in the rankings. Given the rising costs, debt levels and associated concerns with this issue, we have increased the weight to 20% this year. "

Interesdting that when you dig deeper the indicators of post graduate success include the laurals and accomplishments for national and international awards of BOTH the students and the faculty. At USMMA and USCGA because of a combination of factors once a Professor comes to KP his or her opportunities for pusuing those types of accomplishments are negatively impacted, even more than Faculty members at the larger academies.

I had to go look and I'm certainly biased as a USMMA '82 grad but I'm sure happier knowing my son is in the USMMA Class of 2012 rather then say VMI or some of the other 240 odd schools listed above KP. I'm also pretty sure my 3 classmates with sons and daughters in the USCGA Class of 2013 prefer their kids choice then many of the 100+ choices above them. I'm not trying to demean those institutions just sayin'

 

[Memphis9489]

Very impressive. I have been browsing the threads last few days as my son is considering applying for a ROTC scholarship and it is my perception that most here prefer the Naval Academy or Air Force Academy? Is there a reason? I have always thought West Point had a bit more prestige, maybe just because its been around for so long.
Kudos to them for making #1

Consistently (well, at least in recent history) the Naval Academy has more applications over both West Point and the Air Force Academy. I'm not sure why that is true. Perhaps because of movies like "Officer and a Gentleman" and "Topgun"

Also, I think "The Yard" at the Naval Academy, especially on a nice day, tends to be a bit more scenic and impressive. Although, when I visited West Point one weekend, I thought it was quite beautiful.

Also, compared to the other academies, the Naval Academy does not seem so remote and desolate as it resides in the middle of Annapolis. To a prospective candidate - those type of things tend to stick in their brain.

The reasons Forbes cites for selecting the Military Academy as #1 all apply equally to the other academies. The fact of the matter is that the service academies have much more in common than they have differences - especially when you compare them to civilian institutions. You can't go wrong choosing ANY of them -and- you'll get a great education/experience at ALL of them.