absolutely correct. There is really no way to prepare for this aspect of KP, nor a way to really understand what it is until it happens to you. At least that is what it looks like from afar. An unbelievable amount of academic work, on top of the regiment requirements, on top of athletic requirements, and, of course, the need to sleep at least a couple hours a week. I have immense respect for anyone who is there, or from there, and such has just grown in this past year, as I can see it through DS' eyes. I compare DS' experience with friends who have children at USMA and USAFA, and, there is no comparison--although they think there is.
joriebelle; the 4 year attrition rate is consistently about 25%, although there is a push to lower that percentage. Some of that attrition is tempered by set backs coming back to the school the following year. I don't recall seeing a breakdown of what the attrition numbers are from, but, there will be a couple percent, at least, on medical issues. There will be a couple on the simple fact that some people do not understand KP means you will be on the water. Some drop at Sea Year. The rest are probably academic, although there could be the discipline issue every know and then.