Would USMA be worth it?

M

MountainConqueror

USMA Class of 2026
Joined
Apr 17, 2022
Messages
9
I know that there is a similar post to mine, but his situation differs from mine in numerous ways. Basically, I originally applied to USAFA Senior year of high school, but being rejected, I enrolled as a business student at Texas A&M University without doing any form of ROTC. My plan was to reapply to USAFA as a college freshman, which I did, but I also applied to USNA and USMA. Surprisingly, I have not heard back from USAFA even (I take it as a rejection), but have received an appointment to USMA. USMA was very new to me when I heard I had gotten in so I decided to do an overnight stay as a CC there and sort of feel in love with the place.

Here's what I'm asking - Should I accept or decline my appointment? (I am not asking y'all to decide for me but rather hear your opinions)

I would 100% accept USAFA and rather go there, but since that is out picture, I either decide to stay at A&M or go to USMA. My main goal is to serve, mainly in the Air Force, but I want to serve in the military nonetheless. My plan B (if I did receive any appointments) was to go AF OCS after graduation. What I feel drives me to West Point is the fact it is a Service Academy. That means I receive the benefits of a cadet as well as being able to attend a prestigious academy. I am already very happy at A&M, hence why I have this dilemma. Again, my main intention is to ultimately serve.
 
Your last sentence is the key. Focus on the service culture and officer roles available out of all commissioning options, and what feels like the best fit for you in the minimum 5 years you will spend on active duty. The SA is a way station to that, just as a college ROTC program is. Wait until you have all offers/decisions in hand, focus on 4 years down the road, and steer accordingly. If you are happy where you are, and like AF as a goal, you can explore OTS. Or you can go down the Army road, but don’t do it for the reasons you stated - do it because you are excited about Army career paths and feel USMA is your best-fitting path.
 
MountainConqueror said:
I know that there is a similar post to mine, but his situation differs from mine in numerous ways. Basically, I originally applied to USAFA Senior year of high school, but being rejected, I enrolled as a business student at Texas A&M University without doing any form of ROTC. My plan was to reapply to USAFA as a college freshman, which I did, but I also applied to USNA and USMA. Surprisingly, I have not heard back from USAFA even (I take it as a rejection), but have received an appointment to USMA. USMA was very new to me when I heard I had gotten in so I decided to do an overnight stay as a CC there and sort of feel in love with the place.

Here's what I'm asking - Should I accept or decline my appointment? (I am not asking y'all to decide for me but rather hear your opinions)

I would 100% accept USAFA and rather go there, but since that is out picture, I either decide to stay at A&M or go to USMA. My main goal is to serve, mainly in the Air Force, but I want to serve in the military nonetheless. My plan B (if I did receive any appointments) was to go AF OCS after graduation. What I feel drives me to West Point is the fact it is a Service Academy. That means I receive the benefits of a cadet as well as being able to attend a prestigious academy. I am already very happy at A&M, hence why I have this dilemma. Again, my main intention is to ultimately serve.
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As time goes on ROTC in a good civilian college is just as good if not better than attending USMA. Historically, Generals are almost all USMA graduates but then civilian colleges began to grow it's advantages in academic areas (graduates/phd programs) which many believes it is better than attending a SA. Now, Generals that attended ROTC began to grow which rivals USMA graduates
 
Like what CAPT MJ said do what you think is best for you. I'm a college reapplicant and my university is ranked 60th in the world on USNEWs. However, i'm a first generation college student I believe attending USMA can set a great foundation for me.
 
The first question—-do you want to attend a US service academy?

If so then saying yes to the USMA seems a no brainer.

If you don’t want to attend a US SA then saying no to the USMA seems a no brainer.

As far as serving in the military on AD as an officer I doubt it makes a whole lot of difference where you attend.

But most don’t stay 20-30 years on AD.

Most will at some point move into a civilian job. Which school do you think the average non military serving job interviewer will be most impressed by a degree from U, Tech, State or a degree from the USMA?

Academy grads may or may not make better officers but you can’t deny how impressed civilians and civilian employers are With the SA grads.

Civilains are in awe of SA grads and SA students.
 
I might check my portal again to be certain of my USAFA status before saying they didn't get back to me at all. That seems weird. Either you didn't complete some step in the app or you'd probably have some status by now. There are still some folks waiting for the very last few appts to come out, but the vast majority of applicants should have some news by now.

Regarding this question, a bird in the hand etc etc etc and I'd be heading to NY. If you love the place and it's a direct four year line to your goal I'm not seeing the hesitation. Plus the Army is huge and has branches that are similar to much of what the Air Force offers. Other than most of the fixed wing work, what did you specifically want to do in that service (or were you just that enthralled with the brochure from the Minot, North Dakota Chamber of Commerce? ;) )
 
StPaulDad said:
I might check my portal again to be certain of my USAFA status before saying they didn't get back to me at all. That seems weird. Either you didn't complete some step in the app or you'd probably have some status by now. There are still some folks waiting for the very last few appts to come out, but the vast majority of applicants should have some news by now.

Regarding this question, a bird in the hand etc etc etc and I'd be heading to NY. If you love the place and it's a direct four year line to your goal I'm not seeing the hesitation. Plus the Army is huge and has branches that are similar to much of what the Air Force offers. Other than most of the fixed wing work, what did you specifically want to do in that service (or were you just that enthralled with the brochure from the Minot, North Dakota Chamber of Commerce? ;) )
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Honestly, I don't really know what I want to do in the Army. I have had thoughts ranging from infantry to intelligence. What I would want to do in the AF is become a fighter pilot or a CRO. Also, like everyone who hasn't gotten a response yet I'm guessing, I have been checking my portal everyday to no avail. :(
 
MountainConqueror said:
Honestly, I don't really know what I want to do in the Army. I have had thoughts ranging from infantry to intelligence. What I would want to do in the AF is become a fighter pilot or a CRO. Also, like everyone who hasn't gotten a response yet I'm guessing, I have been checking my portal everyday to no avail. :(
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CRO?
 
MountainConqueror said:
I know that there is a similar post to mine, but his situation differs from mine in numerous ways. Basically, I originally applied to USAFA Senior year of high school, but being rejected, I enrolled as a business student at Texas A&M University without doing any form of ROTC. My plan was to reapply to USAFA as a college freshman, which I did, but I also applied to USNA and USMA. Surprisingly, I have not heard back from USAFA even (I take it as a rejection), but have received an appointment to USMA. USMA was very new to me when I heard I had gotten in so I decided to do an overnight stay as a CC there and sort of feel in love with the place.

Here's what I'm asking - Should I accept or decline my appointment? (I am not asking y'all to decide for me but rather hear your opinions)

I would 100% accept USAFA and rather go there, but since that is out picture, I either decide to stay at A&M or go to USMA. My main goal is to serve, mainly in the Air Force, but I want to serve in the military nonetheless. My plan B (if I did receive any appointments) was to go AF OCS after graduation. What I feel drives me to West Point is the fact it is a Service Academy. That means I receive the benefits of a cadet as well as being able to attend a prestigious academy. I am already very happy at A&M, hence why I have this dilemma. Again, my main intention is to ultimately serve.
Click to expand...
Direct message me. I am around tamu a lot and know a lot about some of the situations surrounding you, and I hope I can help.
 
MountainConqueror said:
I know that there is a similar post to mine, but his situation differs from mine in numerous ways. Basically, I originally applied to USAFA Senior year of high school, but being rejected, I enrolled as a business student at Texas A&M University without doing any form of ROTC. My plan was to reapply to USAFA as a college freshman, which I did, but I also applied to USNA and USMA. Surprisingly, I have not heard back from USAFA even (I take it as a rejection), but have received an appointment to USMA. USMA was very new to me when I heard I had gotten in so I decided to do an overnight stay as a CC there and sort of feel in love with the place.

Here's what I'm asking - Should I accept or decline my appointment? (I am not asking y'all to decide for me but rather hear your opinions)

I would 100% accept USAFA and rather go there, but since that is out picture, I either decide to stay at A&M or go to USMA. My main goal is to serve, mainly in the Air Force, but I want to serve in the military nonetheless. My plan B (if I did receive any appointments) was to go AF OCS after graduation. What I feel drives me to West Point is the fact it is a Service Academy. That means I receive the benefits of a cadet as well as being able to attend a prestigious academy. I am already very happy at A&M, hence why I have this dilemma. Again, my main intention is to ultimately serve.
Click to expand...
I would follow your heart. My daughter also only applied to USAFA while a senior in high school. She did not get in and decided on self-prep vs. rotc at state college. While at the prep-school was made aware of the other service academies and applied to 4 of the 5 academies. What she loved about USMA was the foundation of leadership. After her visit she knew that was the place for her so that is what she chose. Good luck on your decision.
 
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