Go for it?

wp0524

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Mar 21, 2016
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I received my appointment to WP a week ago. Ever since I became interested in the Academies (about 4 years ago), I have been set on WP over USNA 99% of the time. Similarly, for the last several months, I have preferred WP over USNA. I have yet to even receive a waiver for USNA, and it could be a while before that happens, and longer still before a decision is made on my application.

I know I prefer USMA to USNA as a school, and I think I know more or less what my goals are in the military, but for whatever reason I am still hesitating to accept the appointment. I know in the end this is entirely my decision to make and I've talked it through with my parents and guidance counselor, but thought people on SAF would understand the dilemma better. So my question is, objectively, do you think I should go ahead and accept the appointment (so I can get started on paperwork, etc.), or should I wait to hear from USNA?
 
If you know you want to go to USMA I would accept the appointment. The only reason I would say to not accept it is if you plan to visit USNA. This may change your mind or confirm that you want to attend USMA. If you do not plan on making a trip out there what could change your mind?
 
I received my appointment to WP a week ago. Ever since I became interested in the Academies (about 4 years ago), I have been set on WP over USNA 99% of the time. Similarly, for the last several months, I have preferred WP over USNA. I have yet to even receive a waiver for USNA, and it could be a while before that happens, and longer still before a decision is made on my application.

I know I prefer USMA to USNA as a school, and I think I know more or less what my goals are in the military, but for whatever reason I am still hesitating to accept the appointment. I know in the end this is entirely my decision to make and I've talked it through with my parents and guidance counselor, but thought people on SAF would understand the dilemma better. So my question is, objectively, do you think I should go ahead and accept the appointment (so I can get started on paperwork, etc.), or should I wait to hear from USNA?

Do you want to be an Army officer, or a Naval officer? If you just want to serve, do what's guaranteed. Just remember, you're taking somebody's place while you hesitate - somebody who would accept their appointment without hesitation.

To me, I think you know that West Point is the right choice for you, but you realize the magnitude of this decision and are having trouble making it. That's fine, it means you care. If this is your goal, though, and you've made it, why would you stop here? The best part is on the other side of that appointment.
 
For what it's worth, as an Enlisted Sailor, I would rather go to USMA and commission Army.
I like the institution more and I like the service branch opportunities more.
 
From you description, you have had your heart set on USMA as a goal for a long time. It is normal to hesitate before closing a door. You are not just picking a college, you are making an enduring lifestyle choice. Let's say the BFE from USNA arrived tomorrow...what would you do? Would you feel disappointed that you had committed to West Point and closed that door? If you are truly hesitant because you would rather go to the Naval Academy and serve in the Navy or Marine Corps, call your admissions counselor at USNA. Call him or her on the phone and ask that hard question, "I have an acceptance from West Point, should I keep waiting for my offer from USNA?" Your admissions counselor will be able to give you the real deal. However, if it is truly just concern about closing those other doors, but in your heart you are Go Army (like the rest of us) and you want to go to USMA and you want all of the great opportunities for leadership and lifestyle that ONLY are offered in the Greatest Army in the World, then accept your appointment and be happy and proud of your choice...and spend the rest of your senior year enjoying your life and preparing for the next great challenge. Good luck.
 
If you got appointments to both, which one would you choose? Accepting is not a commitment to attend and you can still change your mind. However, once you decide for sure, you should let the other SA's know of your decision.

The decision on which to attend should not be based on which campus you like better, but rather what are your interests/goals in joining the military?
 
Bold choice...congratulations. I hope that the peace of mind this fantastic, adult decision gives you enables you to press ahead smartly with the rest of your senior year. Good luck. Go Army, always!
 
Congrats! You will be glad you accepted sooner rather than later when you see the copious amount of paperwork headed your way!
 
No harm in accepting. If you changed mind later you can still decline. No issue either way. I still hope you get the offer from USNA, so you get the pleasure of telling them, "no thanks, Go Army, Beat Navy!!
 
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