You could ask 10 different cadets this question and get 10 variations of an answer ranging from "it's all about your attitude and what you decide to get out of it" all the way down to "it sucks, embrace it, get through it and then get past it." You can also get different answers depending on the day you ask a cadet.
As a parent, from my perspective, the academies seem more of a journey than a traditional college. I have one in traditional college and another at the academy. Even with all the research my cadet and other cadets have done, it isn't the same as experiencing it first hand.
It really depends on what you want to get out of your experience and what you are willing to do and put up with in order to achieve it. It also depends on your personality and how needy/high maintenance you are. If you require a lot of "private time", the academy is probably not for you. If you need the outlet of partying to balance intense studying, then the academy is probably not for you. If you are the type who seriously resents following rules that you disagree with or dislike, then the academy is probably not for you.
Dating is always a sticky subject beside the frat and chain of command issues when considering fellow cadets as dates. Again, depending on who you ask is the answer you are going to get. The key thing to consider is where in the list of your priorities is dating? Also, especially C4C year, your ability to date will be limited due to transportation, restrictions, military training, etc. etc. etc. etc.. Will you be happy just going for a hike and spending time walking around or does a date need to be dinner and a movie out?
At some point I believe every cadet is faced with the question "is the prize worth the price?" Do I really want to do what it takes in order to succeed?