USAFAPS AND NAPS

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2020Karate

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Jan 5, 2023
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I have recently been offered appointments to both USAFAPS and NAPS. I am extremely greatful and excited for both of these opportunities however now I am stuck deciding between both because of course there are always going to be pros and cons for both schools. Of course my goal is to become a pilot and both schools offer this opportunity. My intention initially was to attend USAFA or the prep school but as I dove more into what the Navy has to offer, I found myself at a standstill with deciding where I want to spend my next 5 years. I would like to know if anyone here can give me some insight on either prep schools. How was the student life at either prep school? I would much appreciate it!
 
Do NOT base your decision on the prep school. That’s merely the prelude to a stretch that will last minimum 10 years — one at prep, four at the SA, five on AD.

Think of the mission and culture of each branch. Which suits you better? And ask yourself this: If you can’t be a pilot, which branch offers you the best Plan B, C and D? Because what you want now may not be what you get later.

You have no bad choice. But one is probably better than the other. Think big — well beyond prep school.
 
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Consider it your first major decision as an officer. (Albeit as an officer in training). Meditate on what it was that syarted you down this path. And is the 'original dream' what still excites and drives you? To the level that it will sustain you through 4 difficult years of ups and downs?
Once you've made your decision. Act as if the other choice never was present. Focus on your Gratitude for this amazing opportunity.
My DS is going through a similar difficult decision. USAFA or USMA ???
Yes, it's a "first world problem", but I understand the stress it creates. It's such an honor from both, that it's impossible to tell one no. In the end, your service to our country is what's really important.
Congratulations! And thank you for your willingness to serve at the highest levels!
 
While I totally agree that it’s the service or the SA not the prep school that matters the choice of prep school can in fact matter a lot.

Just based on my own parental experiences as a NAPS parent and watching a lot of potential future mids there, my impression and the impression of my kids———this place really sux. :)

NAPS was like a cold slap in the face and some were DoR (leaving) during their first day at NAPS. And NAPS is in Newport not on a SA campus. You are more isolated. And you have Marines to deal with.

1/3 of those that started naps with both of my kids, who attended years apart, never made it to naps graduation. That may not be the same for all years even most years. But I do know about two years.

within the past few days we have had a thread re. Pass failure rates among the 3 prep schools. A few comments about what a fun time people are having at Foundation schools or the Prep School on campus.

This is not a which is tougher to survive comment. But not all prep schools are the same.

you need to know what kind of experience you want.
 
Small Team Bacsi said:
1/3 of those that started naps with both of my kids, who attended years apart, never made it to naps graduation. That may not be the same for all years even most years. But I do know about two years.
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That information ought to be readily available from both Prep Schools, right? If I were in OP position, I'd certainly ask.
 
From my understanding right now at USAFAPS, it sits at almost exactly 25% of the students that started this year(2023) are no longer there. Hoping every C/C that made it this far finds there way up to the Hill!
 
NAPS was like a cold slap in the face and some were DoR (leaving) during their first day at NAPS. And NAPS is in Newport not on a SA campus. You are more isolated. And you have Marines to deal with.
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If folks can't handle NAPS, how are they ever going to handle USNA? If someone drops the first day at NAPS, that person probably isn't meant to be at a SA or in the military. Just saying . . .

As to the other comments, while USNA is in downtown Annapolis, it's not as if the mids are out in town every evening. USAFA is isolated and USMA even more so. SAs aren't civilian college. If you want a party atmosphere, go to a big, in-town state U.

Finally, the USN and USMC are a team. if you don't want to deal with Marines, then you shouldn't attend USNA and shouldn't be in the Navy.
 
usna1985 said:
If folks can't handle NAPS, how are they ever going to handle USNA? If someone drops the first day at NAPS, that person probably isn't meant to be at a SA or in the military. Just saying . . .

As to the other comments, while USNA is in downtown Annapolis, it's not as if the mids are out in town every evening. USAFA is isolated and USMA even more so. SAs aren't civilian college. If you want a party atmosphere, go to a big, in-town state U.

Finally, the USN and USMC are a team. if you don't want to deal with Marines, then you shouldn't attend USNA and shouldn't be in the Navy.
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Virtually every year there are those at the USNA that leave the first day of pleb summer. So it’s not just napsters .

I think mine would say that naps was tougher for them in many ways than the USNA.

Not wanting to serve with Marines should not be a disqualifier for anyone wanting to join the Navy. I served with plenty of a marines who felt the exact same way :)
 
NAPS was tougher for them because it was their introduction and first experience.

NAPS is not tougher for Napsters than USNA plebe year is for direct admits.
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Every intro to the military is a shock. My point is that almost every military accession program (boot camp, OCS induce, I-Day/R-Day) is more challenging than prep school indoc. Folks who who can't handle one day at NAPS aren't likely to fare well going forward. It only get harder.
 
you honestly think naval boot camp is tougher than naps Indoc? :)

Id say not remotely close

And I-don’t think for minute that all who walk away from naps are unfit to serve and should leave.

Sometimes it’s just a tiny difference in adjusting to an initial shock like you have never seen or experienced before.

I doubt much separates those who leave and those that down load their DOR request and really want to leave but for some reason don’t. Maybe no other reason than the fear of college loans.

Some quit and if they had just managed to stay that extra day they might have done quite well.

personally , except for combat , I thought being in the military was a lot of interesting fun.

But there was nothing tough about navy boot camp
 
Small Team Bacsi said:
you honestly think naval boot camp is tougher than naps Indoc? :)

Id say not remotely close

And I-don’t think for minute that all who walk away from naps are unfit to serve and should leave.

Sometimes it’s just a tiny difference in adjusting to an initial shock like you have never seen or experienced before.

I doubt much separates those who leave and those that down load their DOR request and really want to leave but for some reason don’t. Maybe no other reason than the fear of college loans.

Some quit and if they had just managed to stay that extra day they might have done quite well.

personally , except for combat , I thought being in the military was a lot of interesting fun.

But there was nothing tough about navy boot camp
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Agree. Usually those that quit are those that really didn't want to be there in the first place. This type of training follows a distinct pattern, the first year is a major haze and progressively gets easier. The biggest hurdle for most is actually time management, not physical fitness. They purposely load you up in the first part to see if you can deal with stress. Those that can't usually have a tough time.

After the initial start, the military aspect becomes increasingly easier. That uniform that you got dressed down for in your first year, suddenly becomes acceptable on year 2. Same with room inspections, etc. Those that don't want to be there or can't deal with stress are gone early. Most everyone makes it if you hang in there a little longer.

Play the game, keep a target off your back, and keep a good attitude and you are home free...
 
HI ALL!

My DS Conditional LOA to NAPS has become a NAPS - Fully Qualified Offer and there is also an ACCEPT OR DECLINE button. We are over the moon proud of him for his perseverance. I am excited about the option of Prep School prior to USNA for him. Since his portal JUST changed/updated today, I'm assuming it will be another week or so before he gets a letter or anything sent via mail. Curious - what was the response time to accept or decline on those that have already received/accepted/rejected their NAPS offer? Was there a deadline to respond? He also has an AROTC scholarship offer so he is considering all options. Just thought I would help if I could give him a tentative deadline for NAPS response.

Thank you for all your help!
 
ChaosCoordinator said:
HI ALL!

My DS Conditional LOA to NAPS has become a NAPS - Fully Qualified Offer and there is also an ACCEPT OR DECLINE button. We are over the moon proud of him for his perseverance. I am excited about the option of Prep School prior to USNA for him. Since his portal JUST changed/updated today, I'm assuming it will be another week or so before he gets a letter or anything sent via mail. Curious - what was the response time to accept or decline on those that have already received/accepted/rejected their NAPS offer? Was there a deadline to respond? He also has an AROTC scholarship offer so he is considering all options. Just thought I would help if I could give him a tentative deadline for NAPS response.

Thank you for all your help!
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Congratulations to your son on the NAPS offer. He can call Admissions or come up on the live chat to ask about response deadline. This time of year, it’s always best to confirm with the official source.
 
ChaosCoordinator said:
HI ALL!

My DS Conditional LOA to NAPS has become a NAPS - Fully Qualified Offer and there is also an ACCEPT OR DECLINE button. We are over the moon proud of him for his perseverance. I am excited about the option of Prep School prior to USNA for him. Since his portal JUST changed/updated today, I'm assuming it will be another week or so before he gets a letter or anything sent via mail. Curious - what was the response time to accept or decline on those that have already received/accepted/rejected their NAPS offer? Was there a deadline to respond? He also has an AROTC scholarship offer so he is considering all options. Just thought I would help if I could give him a tentative deadline for NAPS response.

Thank you for all your help!
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Congrats!!

Did he receive an email? Check his spam as well, as it could come from a different address.

*Usually* there is additional correspondence that would have the info you are looking for. His deadline to accept, etc. Check for additional correspondence.

If he wants to attend USNA, this is a reservation for him in next years class. With a bonus of a little extra prep, to set him up for his best success.

Edit: and for sure confirm with primary source, if you don’t find correspondence addressing your questions.
 
Capt MJ said:
Congratulations to your son on the NAPS offer. He can call Admissions or come up on the live chat to ask about response deadline. This time of year, it’s always best to confirm with the official source.
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Thank you! He has sent an email to admissions and cc'd his BGO officer. We were just hoping to get an idea while we wait on final confirmation. All the waiting was grueling but its exciting to see this result!
 
justdoit19 said:
Congrats!!

Did he receive an email? Check his spam as well, as it could come from a different address.

*Usually* there is additional correspondence that would have the info you are looking for. His deadline to accept, etc. Check for additional correspondence.

If he wants to attend USNA, this is a reservation for him in next years class. With a bonus of a little extra prep, to set him up for his best success.

Edit: and for sure confirm with primary source, if you don’t find correspondence addressing your questions.
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Thank you! He did send an email to admissions as well and cc'd his BGO. When he originally received notice of a "conditional offer" which has now been changed to "fully qualified" the portal updated and the email came thru the next day. So far no email, but you can bet that we will be "refreshing" the email as often as we were the Candidate Portal(s) 🤣
 
ChaosCoordinator said:
Thank you! He did send an email to admissions as well and cc'd his BGO. When he originally received notice of a "conditional offer" which has now been changed to "fully qualified" the portal updated and the email came thru the next day. So far no email, but you can bet that we will be "refreshing" the email as often as we were the Candidate Portal(s) 🤣
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(I love your ‘name’!!)
 
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