Rethinking my decision.. help

[armynavyfan38]

Hello I received and accepted an appointment to the Navy and I’m starting to rethink everything (as alot of others probably do as well) as I-day approaches. I have wanted to go to the Naval Academy since my freshman year of high school but I’m starting to rethink and doubt my commitment. All my high school friends are all going to schools where they can enjoy their college life and I just feel like I’m going to dread the next 4 years of my life. I really do want to go but I just need some help and reassurance that this is for me. Thanks.

 

[A1Janitor]

I can’t answer if this is for you. Only you can answer that.

My son absolutely loved attending USNA. The friendships, the academics, the teamwork.

He had liberty and visited friends at their schools. He went out when he was back home on leave.

I do not think my son would have been as successful at any other university.

And the respect he is shown in public by his friends, his old teachers, and strangers is humbling.

 

[LoonWatch2027]

I think it's natural to fear the sudden change of life coming with the transition from being a kid to being a midshipman with responsibility. As a future class of 2027, I have the same mix of feelings. Every time I get nervous I reevaluate why I love USNA. The time I spent at NASS and various CVW I realize these are the people I want to be around. So what (in my opinion) I won't get to party and go out every night, I'll be meeting friends and creating everlasting long friendships with the people there. I'm going to enter a career very few people get to experience. At the end of the day don't let your feelings completely derail your dream, maybe think it out for a few weeks or write down the pros and cons and let that decide. Ill leave you with my favorite quote "The quality of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts"- Marcus Aurelius.

 

[OldRetSWO]

Hello I received and accepted an appointment to the Navy and I’m starting to rethink everything (as alot of others probably do as well) as I-day approaches. I have wanted to go to the Naval Academy since my freshman year of high school but I’m starting to rethink and doubt my commitment. All my high school friends are all going to schools where they can enjoy their college life and I just feel like I’m going to dread the next 4 years of my life. I really do want to go but I just need some help and reassurance that this is for me. Thanks.

Only you can figure this out but I'll just say that despite a very rough plebe year. . . because I was not academically ready, I stll managed to have fun even plebe year and then more and more fun each year.
Everybody is different and one person's joy is another person's endurance test but for me, the summer training was probably the most fun thing that I did, certainly coming after plebe year but First class cruise for me was in the Mediterranean and I got some great liberty but even better got a chance to try on life as a SWO.
Sure the academic year is rough and you're sure to see social media about how "fun" civilian college is but take that stuff with a serious grain of salt. I am a professor at a fairly rigorous tech school and our kid are not enjoying themselves very much either. The work required to complete a degree from a rigorous school in STEM or with STEM add ons is not congruent with the movies/media depictions of "college life" as you see in films like "Van Wilder".

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

.
I am not feeling too accommodative today ... forgive me.

This is your 3rd post ... post 1 & 2 were lame "sell me on either Army or Navy" ..... This post is even more lame.

Btw ... you didn't post to the "USNA Class of 2027 Appointment List Updated By Posters" ... odd?

USNA or USMA - Sell me on why I should go Navy

I am considering USNA or USMA. I honestly do not know where I should go. Can y’all give me some insight on why navy > army? Not sure if I want to be on a ship or away from family for long periods of time. I love the naval academy but I want to focus on service.

www.serviceacademyforums.com

.

 

[armynavyfan38]

I don’t understand how it’s lame to rethink my life for 9 years at the age of 18. I am new to the forum and I didn’t understand most people who see the Naval Academy forums see the West Point forums as well so I thought I had to post my question to both sides. I am a person who really wants to know everything before I can choose what I am doing and it just feels like a blind trust fall into a service academy not really knowing anyone who is there and anyone who has served before.

 

[armynavyfan38]

I don’t understand how it’s lame to rethink my life for 9 years at the age of 18. I am new to the forum and I didn’t understand most people who see the Naval Academy forums see the West Poont forums as well so I thought I had to post my question to both sides. I am a person who really wants to know everything before what I am doing and it just feels like a blind trust fall into a service academy not really knowing anyone who is there and anyone who has served before.

My wording on the question was bad but I really wanted to know others perspectives on the pros and cons of the Army vs Navy

 

[A1Janitor]

.
I am not feeling too accommodative today ... forgive me.

This is your 3rd post ... post 1 & 2 were lame "sell me on either Army or Navy" ..... This post is even more lame.

Btw ... you didn't post to the "USNA Class of 2027 Appointment List Updated By Posters" ... odd ... are you a troll?

USNA or USMA - Sell me on why I should go Navy

I am considering USNA or USMA. I honestly do not know where I should go. Can y’all give me some insight on why navy > army? Not sure if I want to be on a ship or away from family for long periods of time. I love the naval academy but I want to focus on service.

www.serviceacademyforums.com

USNA or USMA - Sell me on why I should go Navy

I am considering USNA or USMA. I honestly do not know where I should go. Can y’all give me some insight on why navy > army? Not sure if I want to be on a ship or away from family for long periods of time. I love the naval academy but I want to focus on service.

www.serviceacademyforums.com

.

Wow you are in a bad mood today!

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

I don’t understand how it’s lame to rethink my life for 9 years at the age of 18. I am new to the forum and I didn’t understand most people who see the Naval Academy forums see the West Point forums as well so I thought I had to post my question to both sides. I am a person who really wants to know everything before I can choose what I am doing and it just feels like a blind trust fall into a service academy not really knowing anyone who is there and anyone who has served before.

.
If you are struggling this much with your decision, then you should "Rescind" your Acceptance ..... It is that simple.

You will always be 2nd guessing your decision .... Don't put yourself in this position.

The right thing to do is to allow someone else the opportunity to fulfill their Desire & Commitment. Give this opportunity to a Waitlister.
.

 

[BoatKid11]

Hello I received and accepted an appointment to the Navy and I’m starting to rethink everything (as alot of others probably do as well) as I-day approaches. I have wanted to go to the Naval Academy since my freshman year of high school but I’m starting to rethink and doubt my commitment. All my high school friends are all going to schools where they can enjoy their college life and I just feel like I’m going to dread the next 4 years of my life. I really do want to go but I just need some help and reassurance that this is for me. Thanks.

I have also received and accepted an appointment to USNA and I had the exact same feelings. I had been working towards USNA for years but when I actually received my appointment (after the initial burst of excitement), I had a big feeling of "Oh crap...what am I getting myself into?" I took 5 days before I made my decision and accepted. What ended up helping me get to that point was talking about it, asking current/former midshipmen all of the questions I could possibly think of, and taking the pressure off of myself to make a rapid decision. Whether I decided to accept or reject the appointment, my future life would not be the same going forward. Either way, my childhood experiences are coming to an end and I am moving into a new chapter. A lot of my family wanted to know what I was thinking about everything but it was important to remember to separate their opinions from my own. I think it will help you to try and do some of the same and think back to why you started this process in the first place. Maybe reread your application and nomination essays and find your 'why' again.

If it makes you feel any better, I still have waves of fear and uncertainty. But, after all, "Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable." - Sydney J. Harris

I don't know you, but I think you will always regret it if you don't at least try attending the Naval Academy. You can always leave during the first two years with no payback if you hate it.

 

[justdoit19]

Hello I received and accepted an appointment to the Navy and I’m starting to rethink everything (as alot of others probably do as well) as I-day approaches. I have wanted to go to the Naval Academy since my freshman year of high school but I’m starting to rethink and doubt my commitment. All my high school friends are all going to schools where they can enjoy their college life and I just feel like I’m going to dread the next 4 years of my life. I really do want to go but I just need some help and reassurance that this is for me. Thanks.

My Mid has had a fantastic year. Balancing obligations, and lots of social events. Actually, you can create some of your experience there. If you are double majoring, athlete, involved in lots of EC’s, your experience will be different than someone who isn’t.

My Mid has had a LOT of fun. Met his people. There are all sorts of people there, just like high school. And you will find your people. Yes, it’s challenging. But how satisfying is doing something challenging?

Look on the socials. Look at this weekend of croquet. My guy messaged me he had the best time. And it spilled out to City Dock with live bands and friends and adult beverages.

There is fun to be had. Flying planes and summer experiences. I asked my mid what his biggest misconception was about USNA. He actually responded that ‘it would be all military geeks and no fun’……he parties in DC most weekends with friends at colleges there. He manages his obligations to allow for that. There is fun to be had.

BTW, doubts are completely normal.

 

[NavyHoops]

As @OldRetSWO mentioned, I was the same. I was not prepared academically. Plebe Year we also traveled extensively for basketball. Our team missed 25 more days of school than any tiebreaker team. That isn’t 25 total, but 25 more. I struggled.

But, I never regretted it. I was actually one of those that loved USNA. It kicked my tail. I didn’t realize how much of an introvert I truly am and how I needed to recharge. But I had fun. I found ‘my people.’ I am still close to them today. I did fine academically after Plebe Year. Even made Dant’s list a time or two. I finished middle of the pack. I have seen so many Mids sit in their rooms, whine about how bad it sucks and never take advantage of what USNA is. Don’t be that guy and you will be fine. USNA is 100% what you make of it. If you ultimately can’t live without the ‘regular college experience’ then don’t go. If you want a place that will challenge you, a place that will make you question yourself in every way possible, and graduate as a well prepared officer, then go to USNA.

 

[navy27hopeful]

The same thing happened to me. The day I got my appointment I was ecstatic, my dream had finally come true! Then, my excitement was replaced with nerves and almost dread. I wasn't sure if I could handle the pressures, I knew that it was NOT college, and all those things made me question my decision. I took a few days and really thought about where I saw myself in 2, 5, and 10 years. If you went through the entire application process, there's no doubt that you want USNA. If they accepted you, they believe that you can do it. Each year over 1,000 mids successfully graduate. I would bet that most of them questioned if they could do it or if they belonged there at some point.

Worse comes to worse and you DO end up hating it, you can leave. You can leave USNA and go to a civilian college, but it would be an uphill battle to try to get re-accepted if you decline your appointment. Think about what you would regret the least. Take some time and do some soul-searching and think about why you spent the last year of your life applying to this school.

 

[USMC Crayons]

Hello I received and accepted an appointment to the Navy and I’m starting to rethink everything (as alot of others probably do as well) as I-day approaches. I have wanted to go to the Naval Academy since my freshman year of high school but I’m starting to rethink and doubt my commitment. All my high school friends are all going to schools where they can enjoy their college life and I just feel like I’m going to dread the next 4 years of my life. I really do want to go but I just need some help and reassurance that this is for me. Thanks.

My 2 cents. 1st you need to define what "enjoy college life" actually means to you. To most soon to be college freshman, that means party, show up to class drunk (or high) from time to time and chase around members of the opposite sex (or whatever floats your boat). That is also usually correlated with a "C's get degrees attitude" and a bachelors degree in something that is potentially not very valuable in the real world. If that is something that is potentially desirable to you, then I think you have your answer. I can assure you that students at highly ranked civilian universities that are actively pursuing employable degrees (usually STEM) and putting in 100% effort are not gleaning any more enjoyment than SA candidates are bound to. If anything, attending a SA exposes you to things that are highly enjoyable, and not very many people get to do. Can Annapolis suck sometimes? I am certain that it can. But any college/university is going to suck from time to time if you are there for the right reasons. IMO the lows may be lower at a SA, but the highs experience wise no civilian institution can touch.

 

[Skipper07]

I haven't "dreaded" a day at USNA for any reason besides academics since Plebe year. I still had a lot of fun plebe year. The experiences I've had here are worth the plebe struggle 1000x over. I don't think the academic "dread" or struggles here are much different than they would have been if I went elsewhere. I also have a guaranteed job flying some sort of Navy aircraft for the next 10 years...

I am happy to share more details about my experiences here via PM.

 

[Small Team Bacsi]

And here the paths deviate.

Are you the type to take the harder, less traveled, quite possibly unpleasant path that leads to serving and protecting your country or are you going to take the easier, more fun, way more popular experience ? The one your HS mates are taking.

my first a USNA grad with a year at prep school hated his first 4 years. Their senior year they did enjoy.

my second one , still there, is not having a happy time. They are struggling. I expect them to struggle for every year they are there.

patriotism and service to country is such an easy subject to yack about, until you consider it’s not going to be easy.

That’s why the majority of Americans don’t serve, It’s quite hard. Talk on the other hand is easy

If you want fun for 4 years this is such an easy decision.

 

[NeverSayNever]

I worked 3 hard years as an enlisted sailor to get an appointment and took a year through prep school. I hated every second of every day at USNA…it was quite a struggle as an older mid. I do not regret going as the experience helped me to realize the strength of my character and abilities. I was very reluctant in supporting my DDs decision to apply but she convinced me of her commitment and desire to test herself….she got turned down. Look at your position from her eyes…she would trade places with you in a heartbeat. But… If you truly want college fun…don’t go.

 

[DutchAmerican]

You have 2 years at USNA to figure out if this is the way to go. Is it all go ping to be great? No. is it all going to suck? No. You will be with a group of likeminded individuals who want to serve their country and receive a great education. Think back on why you applied to USNA in the first place. Was it because of your parents or others? If so, you may want to head in a different direction. Doubts are perfectly normal. Will you miss out on the getting drunk parties? Yes. But you will get to learn more about yourself as a person during your time at USNA than you would at a “regular” college. You will have plenty of great experiences with your fellow plebes. In just the past 3 days, my plebe got to attend a formal dinner, see a fast attack sub, go on an overnight retreat with the Men’s Glee Club, march in a formal parade, go to a dance at St. John’s College and get brunch at his favorite restaurant.

 

[wmap]

Hello I received and accepted an appointment to the Navy and I’m starting to rethink everything (as alot of others probably do as well) as I-day approaches. I have wanted to go to the Naval Academy since my freshman year of high school but I’m starting to rethink and doubt my commitment. All my high school friends are all going to schools where they can enjoy their college life and I just feel like I’m going to dread the next 4 years of my life. I really do want to go but I just need some help and reassurance that this is for me. Thanks.

You're probably just flustered. I'm not sure if it's the same at USNA, but I know you can leave in the first 2 years at USMA with no consequences.

This is probably for you if you got this far.

 

[Rach3]

I have also received and accepted an appointment to USNA and I had the exact same feelings. I had been working towards USNA for years but when I actually received my appointment (after the initial burst of excitement), I had a big feeling of "Oh crap...what am I getting myself into?" I took 5 days before I made my decision and accepted. What ended up helping me get to that point was talking about it, asking current/former midshipmen all of the questions I could possibly think of, and taking the pressure off of myself to make a rapid decision. Whether I decided to accept or reject the appointment, my future life would not be the same going forward. Either way, my childhood experiences are coming to an end and I am moving into a new chapter. A lot of my family wanted to know what I was thinking about everything but it was important to remember to separate their opinions from my own. I think it will help you to try and do some of the same and think back to why you started this process in the first place. Maybe reread your application and nomination essays and find your 'why' again.

If it makes you feel any better, I still have waves of fear and uncertainty. But, after all, "Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable." - Sydney J. Harris

I don't know you, but I think you will always regret it if you don't at least try attending the Naval Academy. You can always leave during the first two years with no payback if you hate it.

Nice, mature response ... one that makes me feel confident that you will have a great year. Congratulations on your appointment ... GO NAVY!!