I don't know what to do.

almondqqq

almondqqq

2026 Army ROTC
Joined
Apr 2, 2021
Messages
389
Hi everyone. I just had my MOC interview today, and I was asked "why do you want to join West Point?" I answered with what I always did in interviews and when people ask. As I thought about it more and more afterwards, I realized that I don't know why I want to go to West Point anymore. Before, it was for joining as a commissioned officer, as as challenge and to prove everyone doubtful of me, but now I'm not 100% sure why. I think as the time went on, the eagerness of joining slowly rotted away. I think I was still going on with the application because all my friend and family think I want to go and are urging me on to complete it. I didn't want to let them down. I don't know if I want to now. There are people out there who think I am good enough, with West Point giving me an LOE or Feinstein approving me for an interview. However If I do receive an appointment and I don't end up later not wanting to continue, I will be wasting a spot where another candidate that could've taken my place and thrive there. Another reason why I'm still working my way is because other people spent their time on my application to near completion and I would be wasting their time, but if I'm not sure what to do. I just need my CFA and I am done. Should I keep going or is it best for me to stop? I am still wanting to join the Army, but since there's are so many way for me to commission with ROTC, OCS, etc, West Point isn't a have to go for me. This has been on my mind all day, and I'm sorry if the irritates anyone who reads this, I just wanted to get this out of my mind and ask for more opinions on this.
 
Doesn't irritate me. I admire your honesty and your reaching out for advice. I see young people on here who it appears to me they want the prestige of an academy degree more than a commission in the service. I've asked a couple of them recently if they want a commission or a pedigree. You want a commission but not via the academy. Good for you. I wouldn't give a flip what the others think. If West Point isn't for you, then don't go.
 
This type of reflection is much better now than when you are depending on the “why” to get through the tough times. Talk to people who are where you want to be and learn about their path - maybe West Point is a good way to get there, or maybe not. Either way, I recommend you have a clear goal in mind when you make your decision. While you work through it, nobody will fault you for completing the process - you earned those recommendation letters and interviews and all of those people just want the best for you. (Just don’t forget to thank them)
 
Since you only need your CFA, I would say finish the application. You are at the finish line. Always keep your doors open. What if maybe you find that reason to go to West Point and you didn't finish your application. Apply for everything (Colleges, Scholarships, ROTC, etc.) then wait to see what is given to you and decide from there. I got an appointment to USMA last year and a scholarship for AFROTC. I waited until I saw all the opportunities on the table before making my decision. Whatever you decide good luck on your journey.
 
As a parent this would be what I would suggest to my own child. Do your CFA and submit it. If you are blessed with an appointment then you can take the time you need to make a decision. If you do earn an appointment nothing says you have to accept it if you decide that is not the path for you. If you don't get an appointment then the decision has been made for you. Good luck.
 
Agree with the advice above. Having guided two kids through the college application process, I believe the best thing you can do is create as many options for yourself as possible. Come decision time in April, you want to have no regrets about the schools you could have or should have applied to. At that point, you can make a fully informed decision (with the additional benefit of a few more months of perspective).

When that time comes — and if you’re indeed contemplating an offer of appointment to USMA — make sure that you’re going for yourself only. Not for family or friends. Not for any perceived obligation. Not for any sense of guilt. SAs can be a very miserable place if you’re doing it for anyone or anything else but you. Those who drop out early — even during plebe summer — often didn’t want to be there to begin with.
 
almondqqq said:
Hi everyone. I just had my MOC interview today, and I was asked "why do you want to join West Point?" I answered with what I always did in interviews and when people ask. As I thought about it more and more afterwards, I realized that I don't know why I want to go to West Point anymore. Before, it was for joining as a commissioned officer, as as challenge and to prove everyone doubtful of me, but now I'm not 100% sure why. I think as the time went on, the eagerness of joining slowly rotted away. I think I was still going on with the application because all my friend and family think I want to go and are urging me on to complete it. I didn't want to let them down. I don't know if I want to now. There are people out there who think I am good enough, with West Point giving me an LOE or Feinstein approving me for an interview. However If I do receive an appointment and I don't end up later not wanting to continue, I will be wasting a spot where another candidate that could've taken my place and thrive there. Another reason why I'm still working my way is because other people spent their time on my application to near completion and I would be wasting their time, but if I'm not sure what to do. I just need my CFA and I am done. Should I keep going or is it best for me to stop? I am still wanting to join the Army, but since there's are so many way for me to commission with ROTC, OCS, etc, West Point isn't a have to go for me. This has been on my mind all day, and I'm sorry if the irritates anyone who reads this, I just wanted to get this out of my mind and ask for more opinions on this.
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I admire your ability to be honest with yourself. I would recommend finishing your application anyways. Keep an open mind throughout the whole process. If you get appointed and choose to accept, you will learn quick why you chose to go once you get there (in BEAST). West Point is an opportunity of a lifetime, don't let yourself live wondering what would've happened if you had decided to go, or decided to complete your application. Good luck to you.
 
Reading this late, great advice already. Know that the introspection you are doing is a normal part of leaving the nest. Whether to an academy or not. Every one of my children at some point had similar feelings….wondering about their selected paths.

I would echo, to finish up your application. And make sure to tend to your other options. And then, should the time come with an appointment offer (1st step), make your decision. That’s still a ways off and you will have months to consider your path.

You can choose to close an open door option. You can’t open one that’s been shut. And you are not taking a spot from someone. This is your application, doesn’t affect anyone else’s.

You will be fine. Don’t worry. At some point things will become clear for you. It’s all part of the process, not something that happens immediately. And it’s normal to question. That is HEALTHY!!
 
Having watched multiple kids go through the service academy application process, I don't think you should hesitate to complete your application. Don’t worry about taking "someone else’s spot." If you get the appointment, it was your spot - even if you later decide it is not what you want. Then, once you receive an appointment, decide if it is what you really want. Don’t attend for someone else - parents, teachers, etc. That is a losing proposition. When you have an appointment in hand, don’t let the momentum of the process and appointment decide for you. But if this is your path to a commission, and you decide that it is what you want, then go for it. Very normal to have some doubts. For some the doubt creeps in during the application process, for others it creeps in after the appointment is received, for others it waits until after they begin their time at the academy. Of course, not everyone has doubts or significant doubts, but as long as you are honest with yourself, you will get it right. Good luck!
 
Small Team Bacsi said:
Just do the right thing and tell them you won't be attending, if that ends up being the case, with enough time , so someone that does want to be there can be appointed.
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I wouldn't even worry about that. They expect a number of declination, and people every year are appointed with less than a week before reporting. The slot will be used. Period.
 
They appoint more faces than there are spots exactly because not everyone accepts. You may revisit this post in two months and shake your head, wondering what you were thinking, or it could be a turning point in your life. Regardless I'd leave the door open to see if you still feel the same way in March or April.

It's always better to have an Aiming Towards rather than only working with a Turning From, so maybe spend some time thinking about where you want to be and seeing what path will best get you there. It may turn out that you get a nom and West Point is the most direct path to that goal, or you may decide you need to do something else. But your review of your goals is normal, healthy and may change again. Don't worry too much, just stay open and remember you don't have to decide anything in the near future. Keep your head up and your feet moving and you'll end up where you're meant to be. Good luck.
 
prospective2019 said:
I recommend doing an overnight visit before you accept your appointment. You will get a much better idea about Academy life and will definitively know afterwards if it's something you want to do.
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Also recommend visiting an AROTC unit, to see how that program is run.
 
almondqqq said:
Hi everyone. I just had my MOC interview today, and I was asked "why do you want to join West Point?" I answered with what I always did in interviews and when people ask. As I thought about it more and more afterwards, I realized that I don't know why I want to go to West Point anymore. Before, it was for joining as a commissioned officer, as as challenge and to prove everyone doubtful of me, but now I'm not 100% sure why. I think as the time went on, the eagerness of joining slowly rotted away. I think I was still going on with the application because all my friend and family think I want to go and are urging me on to complete it. I didn't want to let them down. I don't know if I want to now. There are people out there who think I am good enough, with West Point giving me an LOE or Feinstein approving me for an interview. However If I do receive an appointment and I don't end up later not wanting to continue, I will be wasting a spot where another candidate that could've taken my place and thrive there. Another reason why I'm still working my way is because other people spent their time on my application to near completion and I would be wasting their time, but if I'm not sure what to do. I just need my CFA and I am done. Should I keep going or is it best for me to stop? I am still wanting to join the Army, but since there's are so many way for me to commission with ROTC, OCS, etc, West Point isn't a have to go for me. This has been on my mind all day, and I'm sorry if the irritates anyone who reads this, I just wanted to get this out of my mind and ask for more opinions on this.
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my DD always wanted USAFA. as she neared the end of her ap she believed regular college and ROTC would be a better fit. However, she didn’t want the regret of not completing the ap and seeing it through so no “what ifs” for her.
 
Great advise above !
Here is my two cents…… follow YOUR dreams no one else‘s. You only get one shot at this life. My only advise is to become a productive member of society following those dreams. You are already on the right path. Finish that application but don’t clog up the works once you know your decision.
 
prospective2019 said:
I recommend doing an overnight visit before you accept your appointment. You will get a much better idea about Academy life and will definitively know afterwards if it's something you want to do.
Click to expand...
Prospective2019 beat me to it. Finish it up, get accepted and arrange a visit. I would also be sure to visit all of your other options. The other great advice is you are creating potential paths right now. Nothing is set in stone. What you don't want is to come to the spring and there is only one or two paths. You want to be able to look out in front of you and have several paths you could take. Sure, is it some work right now or does it seem an unlikely path right now? Very possible. But things change quickly. Paradigms shift. Just because you complete your application doesn't mean anything other than you are creating another path come decision time and there is nothing wrong with that.
 
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