I could not agree more. Same outcome with a real college experience.Congrats! DS2 received nomination to USNA but found out late in the process he didn't get appointment. When all was said and done, he was so thrilled about ND, it did not matter and I can honestly say that experiencing college life and balancing NROTC were a much better fit.
Just found this thread, so checking back on what your son decided... Mine's still trying to make that decision with a week to go... Tough one!DS accepted to ND class of 2026. Go Irish! I do think being awarded the NROTC scholarship after 1st board helped with admissions. Feeling really good that plan B is secured! He also got a call from our MOC yesterday notifying him that he received a nomination to USNA. It was a big day for him! If he doesn't get an appointment to USNA he will be very happy going to ND. If he gets an appointment it will be the hardest decision in his life.
I'm sure he will love his experience there. Our DD loved ND and feels her engineering degree and the NROTC unit, prepared her well for the Navy.Unfortunately my DS did not receive an appointment to USNA. He is Notre Dame bound! He loves ND and it has a super NROTC unit so all good. Good luck with the decision!