NWP vs. Randolph-Macon Pros and Cons

RVee2021

Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2021
Messages
13
Hello,

Yesterday I received confirmation that I was not directly appointed, however, I am a Falcon Foundation Scholar. While slightly disappointed with no direct appointment, I am still happy, proud, and grateful that I am being seen as a viable candidate and to have this golden ticket opportunity.

After discussing with my parents, I am split between Northwestern Prep and Randolph-Macon, but I am not sure about the pros and cons between both prep schools. I haven't learned much about NWP since their website is outdated, but I hear it's the most sought-after and that the head of NWP has a pretty good acceptance rate. But Randolph-Macon on the other hand gives a more educational foundation, has an ROTC program, and I think a flight program, though I may be mixing it up with either Georgia or MMI.

If anyone knows the pros and cons between both prep schools, that would be very vital and helpful towards my final decision.
 

FlyFalcon

'26, FFS (NWP 2021)
Joined
Jan 4, 2020
Messages
724
Hello,

Yesterday I received confirmation that I was not directly appointed, however, I am a Falcon Foundation Scholar. While slightly disappointed with no direct appointment, I am still happy, proud, and grateful that I am being seen as a viable candidate and to have this golden ticket opportunity.

After discussing with my parents, I am split between Northwestern Prep and Randolph-Macon, but I am not sure about the pros and cons between both prep schools. I haven't learned much about NWP since their website is outdated, but I hear it's the most sought-after and that the head of NWP has a pretty good acceptance rate. But Randolph-Macon on the other hand gives a more educational foundation, has an ROTC program, and I think a flight program, though I may be mixing it up with either Georgia or MMI.

If anyone knows the pros and cons between both prep schools, that would be very vital and helpful towards my final decision.
Highly recommend watching 2021 nwp video on youtube. It was my class but it also shows the athletics and some of the events that happen. I gave pros and cons on another thread but if you have specific questions I'll gladly answer them for nwp
 

aw25

NWP ’23
Joined
Oct 30, 2021
Messages
39
Hello,

Yesterday I received confirmation that I was not directly appointed, however, I am a Falcon Foundation Scholar. While slightly disappointed with no direct appointment, I am still happy, proud, and grateful that I am being seen as a viable candidate and to have this golden ticket opportunity.

After discussing with my parents, I am split between Northwestern Prep and Randolph-Macon, but I am not sure about the pros and cons between both prep schools. I haven't learned much about NWP since their website is outdated, but I hear it's the most sought-after and that the head of NWP has a pretty good acceptance rate. But Randolph-Macon on the other hand gives a more educational foundation, has an ROTC program, and I think a flight program, though I may be mixing it up with either Georgia or MMI.

If anyone knows the pros and cons between both prep schools, that would be very vital and helpful towards my final decision.
All schools have a high 90s acceptance rate to USAFA the following year. Basically do what you're told anywhere and don't get arrested and you're in. My advice would be to choose what would benefit you the most. R-MA has a military piece to its program while NWP doesn't, and it also has a flight program. It only takes 10 falcons max while I'm not sure there is a limit for NWP, which usually has upwards of 30 every year. R-MA is the full year while NWP is a semester there and a semester at whatever college you want. Both schools are great choices and will get you to where you want to go. I would suggest calling both of the schools and learning more about each, because there's a way too much info to talk about here. Good luck on your choice
 

mach01

NWP '19, USAFA '24
Joined
Jun 11, 2018
Messages
105
Like others have said, I would recommend calling Mr. Durbeck at NWP and the equivalent at RMA and discussing with them. No program is really "more successful" than others in terms of acceptance rates. If there is a non-100% acceptance rate, it is not because of the program and more to do with an outlier student...

I will say for NWP, one of my favorite outcomes was when I was accepted, I already had a network of friends (50+) I knew before BCT even started. NWP is by far the largest of the SA prep programs with around 30-40 falcons and another 30 or so free agents so you'll get to make a lot of great friends while you're there. I didn't really think about this going in but ended up becoming a huge blessing for me afterwards.
 

luqui03

USAFA Prep School Class of 2023 Dad
Joined
Nov 13, 2021
Messages
308
All schools have a high 90s acceptance rate to USAFA the following year. Basically do what you're told anywhere and don't get arrested and you're in. My advice would be to choose what would benefit you the most. R-MA has a military piece to its program while NWP doesn't, and it also has a flight program. It only takes 10 falcons max while I'm not sure there is a limit for NWP, which usually has upwards of 30 every year. R-MA is the full year while NWP is a semester there and a semester at whatever college you want. Both schools are great choices and will get you to where you want to go. I would suggest calling both of the schools and learning more about each, because there's a way too much info to talk about here. Good luck on your choice

Can they go out on weekends at R-MA?
 

Cider42

Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2021
Messages
26
Before you make your decision, I recommend that you set up a 1:1 meeting with Mrs. Durbeck at NWP. She and her husband direct the program. She was generous with her time, shared photos (better than the website) of the facilities, and we were left with a much better feel for the program overall. My DD was a 2021 Falcon and received her USAFA appointment last month. I also suggest looking at the Falcon Foundation website. You will find data from past classes that is informative regarding acceptance and graduation rates. I believe USAFA Admissions will invite you to a Zoom where each of the schools makes its pitch as well. All are great choices for the reasons that suit you best. In the end, you must trust in the process that USAFA has set out for you. Congrats and good luck.
 

Dakota R/T

New Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2022
Messages
5
Hello,

Yesterday I received confirmation that I was not directly appointed, however, I am a Falcon Foundation Scholar. While slightly disappointed with no direct appointment, I am still happy, proud, and grateful that I am being seen as a viable candidate and to have this golden ticket opportunity.

After discussing with my parents, I am split between Northwestern Prep and Randolph-Macon, but I am not sure about the pros and cons between both prep schools. I haven't learned much about NWP since their website is outdated, but I hear it's the most sought-after and that the head of NWP has a pretty good acceptance rate. But Randolph-Macon on the other hand gives a more educational foundation, has an ROTC program, and I think a flight program, though I may be mixing it up with either Georgia or MMI.

If anyone knows the pros and cons between both prep schools, that would be very vital and helpful towards my final decision.
Hello! I highly recommend calling the numbers you were given. Talk to the people at those places. They can tell you everything you could want to know, especially about NWP. While I might be a little bias towards NWP, the Durbecks are all about the academic life. You can’t get the full academic prep experience when your worrying about your military duties (that is just me personally). While the flight school is appealing, I was told you won’t have time with your academic prep and leadership roles assigned to you. NWP is hard, and I’m not going to down play it. While it seems less appealing look into the fact that you can celebrate at home with your family when your appointment comes in. But definitely call and ask any questions you have as that will give you the most accurate, unbiased information.
 

RAI923

Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2019
Messages
145
Can they go out on weekends at R-MA?
My DD has had 2 great years at R-MA! The 2 classes of Falcons while she was there were very successful and 100% accepted to USAFA. Many other direct admits as well.

Most of the weekends are open for travel unless there’s a parade or homecoming or some event. Covid had placed some limits but everything now
Is lifted. DD has a local friend and even stays there some school nights to study.

The benefit of a full time academic program is that it will boost your success at USAFA doolie year.

The flight program is an incredible bonus and gave DD first hand experience flying which helped her decide on service path.

Recommend R-MA 100%. DM if you have questions.
 

luqui03

USAFA Prep School Class of 2023 Dad
Joined
Nov 13, 2021
Messages
308
My DD has had 2 great years at R-MA! The 2 classes of Falcons while she was there were very successful and 100% accepted to USAFA. Many other direct admits as well.

Most of the weekends are open for travel unless there’s a parade or homecoming or some event. Covid had placed some limits but everything now
Is lifted. DD has a local friend and even stays there some school nights to study.

The benefit of a full time academic program is that it will boost your success at USAFA doolie year.

The flight program is an incredible bonus and gave DD first hand experience flying which helped her decide on service path.

Recommend R-MA 100%. DM if you have questions.
Thank you!!
 

mid26

New Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2022
Messages
9
Hi, I also received a Falcon Foundation Scholarship yesterday, and although it was a little disappointing at first, I have come to realize the impact it will make on me! Congratulations to you, also! I accepted my offer and will be attending R-MA this fall, but I will say that NWP is already out of available spots, so I didn't even consider it. I know R-MA has a flight and drone program and many extra benefits! I have been in communication with Mrs. Harriman, and she has been accommodating with filling out my application and answering any questions that I have had. She has also allowed me to speak with current Falcon Scholars, and I'll have the opportunity to ask any questions of them. So far, I have had a great experience with R-MA, and hopefully, I'll see you in Virginia in August! If you accept your offer to R-MA, I am down to talk to you more if you want to shoot me a message and find some way of communication!
 

TRAILRUNNER00

Member
Joined
Nov 18, 2021
Messages
22
Also just spoke to Mrs. Durbeck. She informed me that there was a glitch apparently on the acceptance link for the scholarship. They are not full and NWP should be listed as an available option.
 

ddurbeck

5-Year Member
Joined
May 7, 2012
Messages
15

ddurbeck

5-Year Member
Joined
May 7, 2012
Messages
15
Hi, I also received a Falcon Foundation Scholarship yesterday, and although it was a little disappointing at first, I have come to realize the impact it will make on me! Congratulations to you, also! I accepted my offer and will be attending R-MA this fall, but I will say that NWP is already out of available spots, so I didn't even consider it. I know R-MA has a flight and drone program and many extra benefits! I have been in communication with Mrs. Harriman, and she has been accommodating with filling out my application and answering any questions that I have had. She has also allowed me to speak with current Falcon Scholars, and I'll have the opportunity to ask any questions of them. So far, I have had a great experience with R-MA, and hopefully, I'll see you in Virginia in August! If you accept your offer to R-MA, I am down to talk to you more if you want to shoot me a message and find some way of communication!
Northwestern Prep is open for enrollment. USAFA Admissions has corrected the issue. Call 1-800-367-8839 for more information. We are very busy accepting applications for Falcons and our Class of 2022.
 
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