Happy at the Academy
I don't think anyone should be disappointed even.....realize that the Princeton Review question isn't worded correctly........
My daughter, currently a 4th class, would never say that the USCGA is "fun" nor is she "happy" most of the time. If you look at the article, USAFA, USMA and USMMA were also on the list. Had they extended it past the "top 20" I suspect USNA would be in there as well.
I suspect that both my daughter and many of the other cadets would tell you is that this is one of the most challenging things she has ever done, she is getting the experience of a lifetime and more, and that this is the "right" place for her. And hopefully she is the "right person" for the Academy.
What the Princeton Review should really be asking is "how satisfied", "how meaningful" or "how challenging and purposeful" is your overall experience at college. If they asked it that way, the whole survey would be different. But they asked how "happy" are you.....like everything useful and meaningful in life is there to make you happy....
If the cadets were really unhappy, they would be leaving, and they don't, at least not at anywhere near the rate that those of us teaching at "civilian" colleges see. And there are still a lot more applicants than openings.....That pretty much says it all.