Is West Point worth it

usmagirl118 said:
@prospective2019
Curious as to what bull**** and kool aid you refer to here? No college is perfect and to think of an SA to be perfect is pretty much being naive.
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The Academy often falls into the odd cycle of saying "you're adults who will be leading soldiers in combat in a few years" and then switch to saying "you're college students so we have a right to treat you like children" (in other terms). There are lot of newer rules that don't often make sense (the words of Old Grad officers, not me) and a lot of unnecessary micromanagement when cadets have their own Chain of Command that can very effectively solve problems when given the ability to do so. There are other things, but I don't really want to become trash-USMA-in-Chief because I do like it here and have no regrets in attending. It's just the reality of this place and, from what I've been told, often the same hypocrisies that plague the regular military. You just have to be prepared for it and set your mindset accordingly.

The "kool-aid" I refer to is that the West Point posted on social media does not always depict the full story of cadet life, as they would be amiss to do so. Admissions pamphlets do not talk about cadet mental health problems or the unhealthy level of academic work. I would not expect them to. But to take everything in the advertisements at face value is not wise.
 
brewmeist said:
I can't help but notice that you did not mention serving your country as an officer in the Army. That should be the #1 plus to attending USMA. Freudian slip, perhaps?

Only you answer these questions you are asking.
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I love Army ROTC and serving in the Army is really my only immediate goal, so West Point actually detract from me getting to commission sooner.
 
HCopter said:
Congratulations on your appointment and for such a wonderful first world problem!

Agree continue to weigh your options and take your time to decide.
Make a list, assign weights or comments to each concern.
Is there a "special someone" that is included in the decision?
Family does matter as well. We are all a function of family.
You have 2 years at USMA where you can change your mind.
A large part of getting into USMA this year is because you did so well where you are now.
You are thriving in your current college, lifestyle, ROTC unit with all positives about it.
Are your doubts because of the uncertainty and sadness at leaving friends/familiar environment after a year, or because they are true concerns?
If you are sad about leaving friends, remember you will make more lifelong friends at USMA, and have experiences with them that no one else will have.
ROTC is awesome. USMA is awesome. You are awesome, and will do well either place. Good luck choosing!!!
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I love the freedoms that are offered at my current school as well as a more diverse learning environment and student/cadet body. But Im used to the system here and am excited for the upperclassman lifestyle that is coming up.
 
talltrees said:
I love the freedoms that are offered at my current school as well as a more diverse learning environment and student/cadet body. But Im used to the system here and am excited for the upperclassman lifestyle that is coming up.
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Based on your replies to comments, you are sort of doing a SWOT analysis live on the forum.
You managed to do what we all want our kids to do after a setback (TWE).

You didn’t get mired down. You are not bitter.
You bloomed where you were planted in a pandemic and flourished. And managed a reapplication.
I have a solid feeling you are going to excel regardless of the commissioning source.
Heck, if I recall correctly the highest ranking military officer currently serving is the product of ROTC.
 
talltrees said:
I’ve been on this forum for about 2 years now asking about tips on how to gain admittance to West Point, and now that I’ve gotten in I’m having serious doubts about attending. Throughout all of high school I wanted to attend USMA, but now that I’ve experienced college and a 4th class cadet system at an SMC, I’m not sure whether it’s worth it to attend USMA. Everything is weighted towards the academy... Free college, ivy level education, and an extremely powerful brand on my resume, but I can’t help to think that if I attend West Point I will heavily regret missing out on the freedoms and joys of college. I love Army rotc and my class mates, I love the freedom granted to me, but i can’t stop thinking how selfish I would be to turn down this appointment just to enjoy college. I don’t know what to gain from posting here, but I really hope someone could give me their perspective.
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Only you yourself can answer this question. I also have gained a coveted appointment to the academy and I want you to know that I struggle with the same questions. Will I quit during Beast? Will I be able to handle the tough standards of both the Army and USMA? Will I become a successful leader and soldier? I find solace in the idea that I will never know until I try. Even USMA gives you some lee-way when it comes to not liking an SA (you can resign without consequence before your junior year). No matter how much I doubt myself, I will at least make an attempt to experience and enjoy what West Point has to offer. I hope you are able to make this decision for yourself!
 
Beware of making rash decisions based on the opinions of current cadets, cadet parents, or even how fun your life is now. An academy education often looks best in the rear view mirror. What do you want to do with your life, where do you want to end up? I’m living my best life now, I had an amazing 20 year military career and landed the job of my dreams after retirement. This is a direct result of my decision to attend a military academy. I have highly successful ROTC grad friends in the same boat, but the one thing we have in common is we’re not talking about how fun college was - there is a lot of living between now and then and you need to use college to get you to the place you want to be more than as a place to be.
 
prospective2019 said:
The Academy often falls into the odd cycle of saying "you're adults who will be leading soldiers in combat in a few years" and then switch to saying "you're college students so we have a right to treat you like children" (in other terms). There are lot of newer rules that don't often make sense (the words of Old Grad officers, not me) and a lot of unnecessary micromanagement when cadets have their own Chain of Command that can very effectively solve problems when given the ability to do so. There are other things, but I don't really want to become trash-USMA-in-Chief because I do like it here and have no regrets in attending. It's just the reality of this place and, from what I've been told, often the same hypocrisies that plague the regular military. You just have to be prepared for it and set your mindset accordingly.

The "kool-aid" I refer to is that the West Point posted on social media does not always depict the full story of cadet life, as they would be amiss to do so. Admissions pamphlets do not talk about cadet mental health problems or the unhealthy level of academic work. I would not expect them to. But to take everything in the advertisements at face value is not wise.
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I want to extremely emphasize the mental health portion.
 
They are a lot of things that cadets go through that the public does not hear about. Everyday is a struggle, and there isn’t one cadet that does not question why he or she decided to attend the academy every day. Just gotta be mentally tough to get through it. Usma is not really all those stuff you see on Instagram.
 
I’ve known officers who were ROTC and successful. I’ve known West Point Cadets who got in after 3 years of ROTC and were happy with their decision. Probably the happiest USMA Cadet I’ve known walked away from 3 years of ROTC. I thought it was foolish... but he doesn’t. That’s what matters.
There is the goal, and there is the path. Both are important and both can have a profound impact on your career and your life. ROTC offers paths and advantages... if you take advantage of them. SAs offer paths and advantages... again, if you take advantage of them.
I do think the most cynical SA Cadets just don’t know what they have. It’s the old saying, wisdom is lost on the young. From one with regrets of youth... but not about going ROTC.
Is USMA worth it? You have to decide that. It may well be worth it. Or... you could be accepted and turn cynical about the opportunities afforded by being there. Just as I wasted some opportunities as an ROTC Cadet.
 
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You stated something that stuck out to me - the freedoms and joys of regular college life that would otherwise be sacrificed at an Academy. If your only real goal is to commission as an officer in the Army, then don't just jump over to USMA because of the prestige or other benefits that you highlight. It is not selfish to turn down the appointment. You are blessed to have been deemed qualified and accepted, but all roads still lead to commissioning. What matters most to you? A good answer to that question should answer the overarching question for you. Going to USMA for the prestige and Ivy league education is the wrong reason to go there in my opinion. Commitment to serve should be the defining principal, understanding that it too often is not. I don't think you can make a bad decision regardless of what you choose.
 
We have always enjoyed watching branch night and post night activities when streamed by USMA.

Do Army ROTC programs have a similar process or is this unique to SA's?
 
If you truly enjoy it at your ROTC Det./Unit, I would strongly consider staying. You've done your time in a class system already, and USMA no longer has a leg-up in the branching process, only the posting process for '23 and beyond. Take this and the fact that you'd have to start over into account.

Most of all: The O-1 insignia and BOLC are the great equalizers. There are many paths but one outcome at the end of the day.
 
Flevvy said:
If you truly enjoy it at your ROTC Det./Unit, I would strongly consider staying. You've done your time in a class system already, and USMA no longer has a leg-up in the branching process, only the posting process for '23 and beyond. Take this and the fact that you'd have to start over into account.

Most of all: The O-1 insignia and BOLC are the great equalizers. There are many paths but one outcome at the end of the day.
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The branching process changes from one year to the next. I wouldn't assume what is true this year will be true next year, much less in 2025.
 
talltrees said:
I’ve been on this forum for about 2 years now asking about tips on how to gain admittance to West Point, and now that I’ve gotten in I’m having serious doubts about attending. Throughout all of high school I wanted to attend USMA, but now that I’ve experienced college and a 4th class cadet system at an SMC, I’m not sure whether it’s worth it to attend USMA. Everything is weighted towards the academy... Free college, ivy level education, and an extremely powerful brand on my resume, but I can’t help to think that if I attend West Point I will heavily regret missing out on the freedoms and joys of college. I love Army rotc and my class mates, I love the freedom granted to me, but i can’t stop thinking how selfish I would be to turn down this appointment just to enjoy college. I don’t know what to gain from posting here, but I really hope someone could give me their perspective.
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Based on what I have heard and thought about, if you are having serious doubts about going before even being there don´t go. You will probably hate it even more if you are there everyday, and this situation could lead to dropping out which is worse for everyone. If you dont want to go now, you surely wont later, and this is only going to set up a situation in which everyone is let down- including yourself.
 
My DS has gotten an appointment for 2025 also. Like you he did not get in right after high school but he spent a year at a civil prep school. I will tell you he hasn't waivered one inch. He is going to represent the United States of America as an Officer in the United States Army and West Point is how he is going to do that. It's not about free college, or whatever it is he will get paid while he is there. I'm sure he knows his friends will have more "fun" than he will have but I don't even know if he really believes that they will. However, the only thing I have heard him say regarding this is that when his friends graduate they will most likely be working their butts off to get and keep a job, where they will be under employed, and will have to work hard for years to get promoted. He will have a job and a place to live etc. , and he will get to do what he's wanted to do since he was 12 which is serve his country!

As him mom .... He will have opportunities that very, very, few people have because of West Point. I know I will not see him as much as if he were at a regular college but I would never want that to weigh in when he's making a decision that will affect the rest of his life. He sent me a picture of his appointment and it's from the President of the United States! What other college student is getting something like that? It is a honor to be offered admission to West Point - if you don't really want it and don't see it that way ... definitely don't do it.
 
As a current cadet, I'll tell you that your mileage may vary. Your life will probably be great post-academy, that's what everyone says at least and from what I can tell, it should be accurate. Officers get to see their family whenever the duty day is over, they get to live off-post, in their own house or apartment or condo or whatever, the pay is not bad, they can wear civies after work and have fun off-post, and they get a fulfilling job that provides value to society. During the academy, life is what you make of it. Your life will be balanced between having fun, working out, and studying, and you won't have enough time to do all three to the fullest unless you have godly time management skills. Most people here wish that they could have the fun of a normal college student, and I doubt that there's many people who never question whether or not West Point is worth it. You get what you put in, so if you don't put in more than necessary you won't get much out of it. I got in straight out of high school so I don't have much to compare it to, but if you love your life right now in ROTC, it's a big risk to your personal happiness to come here. I know one guy in my company who was in ROTC and came here to see if it was right for him, and he decided it wasn't, outprocessed, and went back to ROTC. Nobody I know of looks down on him for it. If you want to do that, email whoever is working with you on your appointment if that's possible, and there shouldn't be any risk. Some might criticize you for it but it's not like they can take away your appointment for it, since you've already earned a spot here. Where you're at, you're already on track to being an officer, so it's not like you're a selfish person if you turn down the appointment, and however you became an officer, it won't matter to your subordinates. Do what's best for you and your happiness, because nobody will do it for you and if you end up regretful, that'll be something you have to deal with, not whoever or whatever guilted you into accepting the appointment when it would be better for you to stay in ROTC.
 
I feel like I can speak to this a bit as I am a Freshman in ROTC and just turned down an appointment to USMA. One of the things that caused me to stay at my school was that I had fallen in love with it and my heart was no longer completely invested in going to USMA. The advice I was given is if you are not entirely sure about attending, you may want to seriously consider not going. The freedoms you are granted in college are very special and if you do not want to give those up, don't. You must be 100% sure USMA is the right place for you before going in my opinion.
 
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