Update, '25 has 233 plebes in it right now after starting with about 289 according to the commandant's department
Wow - 6 months in and 20% of the class is gone. The attrition numbers from a percentage standpoint are staggering when compared to those of the DoD schools where the overall graduation rate was 87% covering 4 years (not six months!).
THERE IS A REASON PEOPLE SAY USMMA IS THE EASIEST SERVICE ACADEMY TO GET INTO BUT THE HARDEST TO GRADUATE FROM.
It would be interesting to understand why to either better educate applicants or more importantly, better prepare incoming students for success.
1) The trimester format does have something to do with it because you are theoretically taking the same course in a shorter time period, but there is more to it than that.
2) I think the watch standing system is an additional complicating factor that has students potentially sitting watch from midnight to 4am on a school night - something I do not recall seeing at any of the DoD schools. FWIW, USAFA Cadet watch ends at TAPS each day. Sleep is critical to an SA student's academic success and this one is puzzling to me for an academic environment. I understand that the ability to work on little sleep and the need to grow accustomed to a variable sleep schedule is a critical component for mariners post-graduation and you have to start somewhere, but to outsiders - this one is questionable.
Are there other factors that you think add to the high attrition rates for USMMA?
Each SA has a core curriculum that focuses heavily on STEM courses.
The student profile is virtually identical for each SA and it is more common than not that an applicant for 1 SA will apply to multiple SA.
Each SA has a class system that places additional military responsibilities on the lowest class.
Each has weekly knowledge tests covering military and professional topics.
Each has limited freedoms and privileges are earned (and taken away).
Each has restriction of movement and you are limited in opportunities to go off campus.
Each have a 24/7 military school environment.
Each consider access to a private vehicle as a privilege reserved for the top two classes.
Each location is a cold weather environment whose geography brings challenges that could be different from "home"
Each program requires a service commitment following graduation
4 out of the 5 programs require a Nomination
Each program has high medical testing standards
Each program has recurring fitness testing requirements