What is the "college experience" like at West Point, USNA and USAFA?

[Anonymous]

I know it takes a special kid to want to attend and then get admitted to a national service academy. Once there, though, is there any semblance of a "college experience" or is it such a different track that this doesn't even factor in or worse yet is it such doom and gloom until graduation? I guess I was surprised to hear that my neighbor's son a freshman (plebe?) can't even leave the campus (base?) without getting permission and that permission is not readily or often granted. It comes as no surprise that this freshman also cannot drink or date on campus but I'm told he even has to follow regulations on not talking outside of class and how to walk and even how to eat (as in ways to chew, where to look, etc.). Given all of this is there any possible way for someone there to have happy and memorable college type moments? My DD is currently going through the application process and I just want her to go in with eyes wide open.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know it takes a special kid to want to attend and then get admitted to a national service academy. Once there, though, is there any semblance of a "college experience" or is it such a different track that this doesn't even factor in or worse yet is it such doom and gloom until graduation? I guess I was surprised to hear that my neighbor's son a freshman (plebe?) can't even leave the campus (base?) without getting permission and that permission is not readily or often granted. It comes as no surprise that this freshman also cannot drink or date on campus but I'm told he even has to follow regulations on not talking outside of class and how to walk and even how to eat (as in ways to chew, where to look, etc.). Given all of this is there any possible way for someone there to have happy and memorable college type moments? My DD is currently going through the application process and I just want her to go in with eyes wide open.

I chose ROTC over a service academy for just the reasons you describe. Plebe/freshman year is highly restricted at the academies. There are more freedoms for cadets each successive year but it is still very different from a traditional college experience.

[Anonymous]

It's not at all like a typical college experience. It's like being in the military with classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's not at all like a typical college experience. It's like being in the military with classes.

You are obviously not a grad. Sit down.

[Anonymous]

Is your daughter going through the application process for military academies? If so, she should really delve into what it's like.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's not at all like a typical college experience. It's like being in the military with classes.

You are obviously not a grad. Sit down.

I am a graduate of both West Point and USNA and I can vouch for PP's description of the schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know it takes a special kid to want to attend and then get admitted to a national service academy. Once there, though, is there any semblance of a "college experience" or is it such a different track that this doesn't even factor in or worse yet is it such doom and gloom until graduation? I guess I was surprised to hear that my neighbor's son a freshman (plebe?) can't even leave the campus (base?) without getting permission and that permission is not readily or often granted. It comes as no surprise that this freshman also cannot drink or date on campus but I'm told he even has to follow regulations on not talking outside of class and how to walk and even how to eat (as in ways to chew, where to look, etc.). Given all of this is there any possible way for someone there to have happy and memorable college type moments? My DD is currently going through the application process and I just want her to go in with eyes wide open.

It is not a typical college experience, but there are definitely college experience moments. I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for as an answer. It's a fantastic experience, but it isn't for everyone. YOu don't committ until the end of your sophomore year, so it's not as if you are locked in from the second you get there. Plenty of time to transfer out if you want. Not many do, but you can.

You might be better off going to College Confidential and asking there, people on DCUM tend to spout off what they think it's like or based on their neighbor's cousin's son without really having a clue.

--USNA '94 (woman)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's not at all like a typical college experience. It's like being in the military with classes.

You are obviously not a grad. Sit down.

I am a graduate of both West Point and USNA and I can vouch for PP's description of the schools.

Sure. Go twice, did you?

[Anonymous]

It’s not an easy place to be. By design. Those who make it through are prepared to put self before others and to make life or death decisions under extreme pressure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s not an easy place to be. By design. Those who make it through are prepared to put self before others and to make life or death decisions under extreme pressure.

Others before self.

[Anonymous]

OP - you should go spend some time on serviceacademyforums.com - lots and lots of information and way more expertise than DCUM on service academies. there are many posts on this topic. And, the academies have different characters.

Your daughter should definitely do an overnight visit.

FWIW, my child is a plebe at USMA. Not the typical college experience and yes, many rules, but terrific opportunities that don't exist at other colleges. Also, my child has been home two long weekends since leaving in June, went to NYC for the T2T 5K and is flying to TX so see the USAFA v. USMA football game.

[Anonymous]

The Army-Navy football game is the definition of memorable college experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - you should go spend some time on serviceacademyforums.com - lots and lots of information and way more expertise than DCUM on service academies. there are many posts on this topic. And, the academies have different characters.

Your daughter should definitely do an overnight visit.

FWIW, my child is a plebe at USMA. Not the typical college experience and yes, many rules, but terrific opportunities that don't exist at other colleges. Also, my child has been home two long weekends since leaving in June, went to NYC for the T2T 5K and is flying to TX so see the USAFA v. USMA football game.

Does USMA pay any expenses related to travel for away football games?

[Anonymous]

I went to a school in the same league as West Point. Their club teams would spend the night a lot of the time. They seemed to have fun at the bars, other than their beer pong games not being up to par, you'd have trouble differentiating them.

[Anonymous]

Coast Guard Academy friend visited my DD's college and friend was shocked!! that (at her off-campus apartment complex) students were playing frisbee and drinking beer. And some guys were shirtless.