NAPS or A&M Corp of Cadets

E

esmeraldarolivares

Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2020
Messages
13
Our DD just got a notice on her portal that she got an appointment to NAPS. She is devastated. She had her heart set on USNA. She also recently received the NROTC Scholarship that she can cash in anywhere but really thinking A&M Corp of Cadets. She's a high school student but she’ll be graduating with her associates. Those two years will transfer to A&M so she can graduate with her Master's and be guaranteed a Marine Officer Spot. However, if she decides to go NAPS we've understood that only a few get selected to go the Marine officer route. Please share your thoughts. I told her we’re still proud of her but she “feels like a failure”.
 
An appointment to NAPS is not failure. NAPS is a path to USNA. NAPS does not preclude her from commissioning as a USMC Officer (in any way shape or form) from USNA. If USNA remains a priority as compared to A&M - understanding that graduation from USNA is delayed by 1 year - then, she should grab the appointment to NAPS. If she successfully completes NAPS, she will join many classmates at USNA the following year. Good luck. Your DD is far from a failure.
 
I would suggest that she should be delighted by the future ahead of her. She has many paths available and only she can know which is best for her. It sounds like the A&M path would yield a quicker route to her degree and commissioning, and a more reliable route to USMC. But, that Academy background is also appealing and, although her path would be through the prep school, offers an almost certain entry into next year‘s USNA class. It doesn’t sound like a “failure at all.” I am sure hundreds of candidates would trade places with her in a heartbeat! As a mustang Marine I applaud he interest in going Marines and so appreciate her willingness to serve while so many others want to sit by the sidelines!

Whatever route she chooses will, I am sure - with your guidance - be the right one for her. I spent many years in the Corps. and my wife had two brother USAFA grads, and we have a brother-in-law USMA grad. who was lost in Afghanistan. Two of my sons chose USMA and I have to tell you how impressed I am by the Army and West Point Cadets! But, I am partial to USMC - and hope that she keeps that in her sights. It sounds like from your description of her academics so far, and her ambitions - she will be successful in whatever she chooses to do. Thank to you - and to her!
 
Nothing happens at NAPS as far as being a future USMC Officer other than getting the student well prepared for the USNA.

NAPS is strictly there to prepare the students for the USNA.

It’s a tough demanding often unpleasant 9 months. But as one of mine has said——one who is now a USNA grad with a handful of grad degrees ——NAPS was the single most important academic year of their life.

The other swears they could never make it at the USNA without NAPS behind them.

The issue is not NAPS or not its the USNA or not. And that is a student family decision with no one correct answer.

BTW NAPS appointees should know one thing.

Despite some deficiencies in their background , and if there were not deficiencies , we would not even be discussing this, the Navy USMC wants them badly enough to invest quality time and lots of money getting them ready.
 
Now a happy thought based on my own experiences as a parent. :)

No matter which path she chooses it’s going to feel, at least at times, as the wrong decision.

If she does go to NAPS she will certainly wish she was enjoying regular college life at a great school like AM rather than being as unhappy at naps as most seem to be. Approx a third every year do not make it to graduation.

If she passes on naps-usna and goes somewhere else it’s a decision she will at times later regret.

”I almost went to the USNA or other SA ”

is not a regret free decision.

Good luck
 
I don't believe she is guaranteed a Marine Officer position out of either option. She would have to meet all the standards and do well, to be selected.

Congratulations, she has two amazing options!!!
 
Your DD should not be devastated, this is a wonderful dilemma to have. A few things:
  • If your DD wants to attend USNA, then NAPS is a no brainer. Take it. USNA believes she has what it takes to attend USNA and become an officer, with some prep work. NAPS is a great program and she will 100% be prepared for USNA. I have never met someone who attended NAPS regret it. Its 1 year, its not slowing down her commission, its making her better prepared to for that day. A year of maturity, getting the home sickness out of her, focusing on USNA academics, getting comfortable with the PRT, and getting used to the military life style. It makes USNA that much easier. Commissioning at 23 or 22... honestly not an issue in my mind. Its a year of maturity and for those who have been butter bars and looking back... we had no idea how young we were really were. Plus the NAPS year counts as a year of service.
  • USMC - Sounds like she has earned a NROTC-MO scholarship, great news. That does guarantee her a Marine Commission, IF she completes the program. That means attending OCS. Candidates get hurt at OCS or get dropped. It does happen. Therefore there are no guarantees, all of them have an asterisk that says if the program is completed successfully. It is not a guarantee for a Marine Commission at USNA, but it is in her control. I have never met someone who did all the right things not get USMC. The right things are great military performance, at least passing academics, solid to above average PT, complete Leatherneck with at least average scores, show USMC interest (That means Semper Fi Society, USMC mixers, etc). Those who have not gotten USMC messed up or missed one of these along the way; some its PT, lack of participation in USMC activities, honor or conduct issues, poor or lackluster performance at Leatherneck. The other way to look at it... She has USN and USMC options out of USNA, she does not have commit one way or the other without exposure.
  • Texas A&M - Wonderful school, is a SMC the right thing? If she drops ROTC or gets hurt, can she remain there with finances, etc? Also, do your research on the degree part. I do not believe (and someone correct me if I am wrong) the Navy is not going to pay for a Masters? I know some schools pay for Room and Board, is Texas A&M one of those? If not, how will that be paid for.
Getting NAPS can be an ego blow initially. It shouldn't be. I actually asked for NAPS and didn't get it. I nearly failed out of USNA and wish I had attended NAPS. No one who attended NAPS has regretted it. Most look back fondly on that year and really understand how critical it was for their success at USNA. At the end of the day, USNA wants her and is willing to spend an extra year investing in her. They think she needs to fine tune something to be better prepared for USNA. If she wants USNA, take it and be excited for it!
 
While NROTC at A&M will give her more freedome while at college and let her graduate one year earlier, I personnaly would go NAPS. A successful completeion of either path NROTC or NAPS/USNA will both get her there, to become a Marine Corps Officer. Like someone else mentioned, they are both great paths, but ask her in ten years from now, what will sound better to her looking back, that she went to A&M or USNA? Either way Congrats to her!
 
Do both schools have some visit days in the next few months that your DD could go to, experience student life, and then decide?

About getting a Master's: it definitely is very feasible depending on the school (and also practically get it paid for too), as long as it doesn't extend your time to graduate past 4 years. I know of several from my NROTC unit who graduated with both their BA and MA, and then commissioned the same day as everyone else in their ROTC class. They didn't have to pay a dime more for tuition to do that either because our tuition is not dependent on credits taken, only semesters. My university does have special joint BA/MA programs where students basically take enough graduate-level courses as part of their 36 required to get their BA. I've heard of mids graduating with an MA at other units as well, and it appears to be easier to accomplish if your school accepts transfer credits or APs for freshmen (my university does not, so it makes getting an MA in 4 years significantly harder).
This could be something to consider, your DD can get several degrees and a commission with just 4 years at A&M; however, going to NAPS will for sure be 5 years for a Bachelor's and commission. Of course, if her heart is still set on the academy at the end of the day, then she won't get that experience anywhere else but the academy.
 
NAPS 100%!
Most, if not all that come from an academy prep school will tell you that going to prep school before the academy is the best thing that could ever happen. You learn how to be in the military, how to study, adjust to being away from home, make lasting friendships. It's only one year (in beautiful Newport, RI by the way) - and when you get to the academy, NAPSTERS are looked to be the leaders during Plebe Summer and the academic year. While the rest of the plebes are nervous on I-Day, not knowing what to expect, showing up at I-Day as a NAPSTER is a mini-reunion with your NAPS classmates! NAPS has no impact on what your service selection will be - that is determined by your performance, academics, etc... as a Mid.
I'm sure there are numerous successful Navy and Marine Corps stories that include a year at NAPS -- look up these two Flag Officers........both went to NAPS. Just one of many for sure.
Major General M. Borgschulte
Major General B. Shea - https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/ne...-shea-this-is-the-key-to-success-as-a-marine/
 
MP83 said:
NAPS 100%!
Most, if not all that come from an academy prep school will tell you that going to prep school before the academy is the best thing that could ever happen. You learn how to be in the military, how to study, adjust to being away from home, make lasting friendships. It's only one year (in beautiful Newport, RI by the way) - and when you get to the academy, NAPSTERS are looked to be the leaders during Plebe Summer and the academic year. While the rest of the plebes are nervous on I-Day, not knowing what to expect, showing up at I-Day as a NAPSTER is a mini-reunion with your NAPS classmates! NAPS has no impact on what your service selection will be - that is determined by your performance, academics, etc... as a Mid.
I'm sure there are numerous successful Navy and Marine Corps stories that include a year at NAPS -- look up these two Flag Officers........both went to NAPS. Just one of many for sure.
Major General M. Borgschulte
Major General B. Shea - https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/ne...-shea-this-is-the-key-to-success-as-a-marine/
Click to expand...
The down side to NAPS. And I am as big a NAPS supporter as there is. From a distance anyway.

The first day at NAPS every year tough motivated athletic kids are reporting in then a few hours later quitting.

There are people who would sail thru A&M and would struggle but would get thru the USNA and graduate that might well be DOR at NAPS.

NAPS to me, as a parent, is in some or many ways tougher than the USNA.

I don’t see this as an easy slam dunk decision either way.

If she is in the 1/3 that quits or is asked to leave NAPS each year both A&M and the USNA will not be a future option.

NAPS seems to me like a 9 month USMC boot camp. It’s a hard punch in the face not a slow warm up.

good luck on a tough decision

BTW some,of the best combat leaders I served under or know of were USMC Oficcers who had gone to NAPS.

Next to the Basic school. I can’t think of a better training ground for hard charging future Marine Officers than NAPS.
 
MP83 said:
NAPS 100%!
Most, if not all that come from an academy prep school will tell you that going to prep school before the academy is the best thing that could ever happen. You learn how to be in the military, how to study, adjust to being away from home, make lasting friendships. It's only one year (in beautiful Newport, RI by the way) - and when you get to the academy, NAPSTERS are looked to be the leaders during Plebe Summer and the academic year. While the rest of the plebes are nervous on I-Day, not knowing what to expect, showing up at I-Day as a NAPSTER is a mini-reunion with your NAPS classmates! NAPS has no impact on what your service selection will be - that is determined by your performance, academics, etc... as a Mid.
I'm sure there are numerous successful Navy and Marine Corps stories that include a year at NAPS -- look up these two Flag Officers........both went to NAPS. Just one of many for sure.
Major General M. Borgschulte
Major General B. Shea - https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/ne...-shea-this-is-the-key-to-success-as-a-marine/
Click to expand...
Not to mention NAPS grad VADM Robert Harward who went on to become a SEAL, serve as the head of Special Warfare, the Deputy Commander of U.S. Central Command, and the CEO of Lockheed Martin. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Harward
 
Difficult to digest that somebody would be devastated from receiving a "golden ticket" to USNA. Personally took me three years AND a trip through prep school.

That being said:

It really just comes down to the SA experience. If that is what she wants the go to NAPS>USNA.

If she wants to make ENS/2lt as soon as possible and with as much education as possible - then ROTC.

The NAPS path will commission her one year later and she will have plenty of opportunity later in he career to obtain a relevant masters degree.

Edited to add - 25% of each class can select USMC. Usually not an issue for a dedicated female mid with good PT/Leatherneck scores and USMC personality.
 
Attending USNA via NAPS may seem like a slowdown or longer path for a gung-ho candidate eager to get on with it. But as a USNA/ROTC parent and college professor, I know that being in a hurry at that age can be a lost opportunity to grow, learn, evolve. NROTC-MO is an outstanding path. But it doesn’t seem to leave much wiggle room for someone to change their mind, for better or for worse.

DD entered USNA with a clear view: She could see herself in any of the warfare communities except USMC. Three years later, she was adamant: It was Marine Corps or bust! What happened? She was exposed to the outstanding Marine contingent on the Yard — SELs, company officers, professors, BattOs, OICs — and had her assumptions challenged. In three years, she came to realize that USMC was her tribe.

How does this apply to your daughter? If she attends USNA, she’ll be exposed to various paths and may find herself evolving. At that age, most people simply don’t know exactly what they want (simply see the stats for changed majors, school transfers, etc.). In the end, maybe subs or SWO or aviation is her calling, and USNA affords that exploration. NROTC-MO may very well be the right path — but it could also be overly straight and narrow. Sometimes the longer, more meandering route is the right way to go. Life is long.
 
Take NAPS. That said, which major at A&M? I'm sitting on a college year (32 credits) of AP classes that can possibly transfer toward a degree. I've been accepted at A&M Enginneering and it looks like I'll be able to transfer about 12 credits or so toward an EN degree. Some of the A&M programs will want A&M credit to be earned so don't assume with an AA that 2 years are in the bag until discussing with a counselor. Some of the A&M programs are world class. Also with ROTC the minimum duration to complete is 3 years with doubling up ROTC classes the first year. The additional year with NAPS may not be that much of a setback in the end.
 
Don't let NAPS scare you. People say that 1/3 drop out, from what I've seen this year, that has not happened. The people who have been removed due to academic reasons did not put in any effort or seek help. Everyone at NAPS goes through some kind of challenge while here. It doesn't matter how smart or physically adept you are.
I felt disappointed as well when I first received the email saying I was accepted to NAPS, but the preparedness I now feel for plebe summer as I won't be going into it blind is incomparable. NAPS really is a 'golden ticket'. Do what you're told to do, try hard, and stay physically fit and you will end up going to the academy.
Ultimately what your daughter chooses to do just depends on her priorities as others have stated. Good luck!
 
MDRDV said:
Take NAPS. That said, which major at A&M? I'm sitting on a college year (32 credits) of AP classes that can possibly transfer toward a degree. I've been accepted at A&M Enginneering and it looks like I'll be able to transfer about 12 credits or so toward an EN degree. Some of the A&M programs will want A&M credit to be earned so don't assume with an AA that 2 years are in the bag until discussing with a counselor. Some of the A&M programs are world class. Also with ROTC the minimum duration to complete is 3 years with doubling up ROTC classes the first year. The additional year with NAPS may not be that much of a setback in the end.
Click to expand...
I wouldn’t recommend being in the Corps of Cadets 3 years and missing your Zip “senior” year. Work so hard to get your senior boots and never get to use them at a march-in or wear them to class. 😩 That would be a waste along with missing all the good times with your buddies.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top