Ivy / MIT vs West Point University

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The way the world is today- do you want your kid on active duty ?

How is the world "today"?
Record low number of american soldiers in war zones.

And a record lower number of soldiers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:West Point is a very good military school and some say it is like Ivy / MIT and it is free. Why are students or parents not interested in West Point? Is it the courses offered or military commitment needed or the location.....my child attended their CLD STEM camp and likes West Point a lot so would like tp get some honest feedback

A lot of it is a lack of role models.
Then this guy came along. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonny_Kim

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many reasons. Service is a calling, which not all teenagers have. You’re making a 9 year commitment, which is more than a lot of teenagers want to give. The physical difficulty. The competition to even get in (it seems impossible to get a nomination if you live around here).

Is getting nomination the hardest?. What do the senators office look for to provide nomination (we are naturalized parents so no military experience)

I know it is a very long process which starts in Junior year and multiple interviews as well (for nomination and for admissions)

Getting a nomination is easier than most people think. You don't have to know the senator or congressman. You apply to all nominating sources. Some senators or congressman does interviews and some don't. Some do in person and some over a Zoom call. My DD got a nomination from her senator, and there was no interview. A lot depends on how competitive your district is, and your overall stats GPA/SAT/CFA score. Even if you don't get a nomination, and if they really want you, they'll find one for you. No, you don't have to start Junior year. In between your Junior and Senior year during the Summer is fine. The process is long because they want people who really want to be officers in the military as they will be investing a lot of money on that individual. It is a weeding out process.
The acceptance rate is much higher than what they adverstise because they count people who started the application as applicants not just those who complete the application. Ultimately, my DD went to an Ivy on a ROTC scholarship.

Would love to know where you live because we’re in Arlington, DS is applying for a nomination, and all you hear is how impossible the odds are. I assumed that was true for everyone in the DMV. Is it not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many reasons. Service is a calling, which not all teenagers have. You’re making a 9 year commitment, which is more than a lot of teenagers want to give. The physical difficulty. The competition to even get in (it seems impossible to get a nomination if you live around here).

Is getting nomination the hardest?. What do the senators office look for to provide nomination (we are naturalized parents so no military experience)

I know it is a very long process which starts in Junior year and multiple interviews as well (for nomination and for admissions)

Getting a nomination is easier than most people think. You don't have to know the senator or congressman. You apply to all nominating sources. Some senators or congressman does interviews and some don't. Some do in person and some over a Zoom call. My DD got a nomination from her senator, and there was no interview. A lot depends on how competitive your district is, and your overall stats GPA/SAT/CFA score. Even if you don't get a nomination, and if they really want you, they'll find one for you. No, you don't have to start Junior year. In between your Junior and Senior year during the Summer is fine. The process is long because they want people who really want to be officers in the military as they will be investing a lot of money on that individual. It is a weeding out process.
The acceptance rate is much higher than what they adverstise because they count people who started the application as applicants not just those who complete the application. Ultimately, my DD went to an Ivy on a ROTC scholarship.

Would love to know where you live because we’re in Arlington, DS is applying for a nomination, and all you hear is how impossible the odds are. I assumed that was true for everyone in the DMV. Is it not?

It's generally tougher coming from the DMV. Annapolis in particular is an almost impossible admit from this region. But when it comes to the Nomination, make sure you reach out to your House representative and both Senators. You just need one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:West Point is a very good military school and some say it is like Ivy / MIT and it is free. Why are students or parents not interested in West Point? Is it the courses offered or military commitment needed or the location.....my child attended their CLD STEM camp and likes West Point a lot so would like tp get some honest feedback

It’s not the location. It’s beautiful up there.

For most, it will be the service commitment. I believe it’s 5 years active for West Point grads. And then there’s the application process itself, which is nothing like a normal college application. The fitness test is a big component, and most high school students would never pass it. Then there’s the necessity of being a top student, a community and school leader, and usually a top athlete.

Then there are all the realities of passing the various Army tests - can’t have ADHD and a whole host of other fairly common conditions. Eyesight will be checked. Every health detail will be measured and cross checked. Obviously, substance abuse and problems with the law are automatic disqualifiers.

Less than 25 percent of American 18 year olds are even eligible to join the military at all, much less have all the other qualifications to even apply to an Academy.

And then there’s the need for a Congressional Nomination, which is no easy thing. Every senator and house member has a committee that will go through the applicants from their district or state. And then they interview the candidates.

It’s a lot for an 18 year old. Even among those interested, most don’t come anywhere close to getting to the stage where they can actually submit a completed application.

My son went through it. Got the Congressional Nomination. But he also applied for the 4 year ROTC scholarship, which he received. West Point does not accept Early Decision applications. My son got into his Top 20 ED school and subsequently withdrew his West Point application as required.

He has no regrets about choosing the 4 year ROTC scholarship and a T20 over West Point. So far, the Army has paid more than $300,000 for my kid’s education. And he got the post college branch he was seeking. Plus, the ROTC Army active duty requirement is 4 years, which isn’t bad.

So far, so good. Both the academies and ROTC can be a great experience for the right students. You have to want it though. It’s not for everyone

Thank you for the detailed response. Yeah we have seen the campus when he did the STEM leadership camp there and we love it. I know they have a fitness requirement. He is still in Junior year but I know the application process is lengthy beginning with Congressional Nomination. Any tips on getting Congressional Nomination?

OP I didn't see your answer to the first question. Is your DS fully aware of the lifestyle that service academies lead to? Is your DS willing/able to make the service commitment?

[Anonymous]

If you go to med school too, you are typically still in the service in your 40s (you end up wanting your full retirement). It really can be a lifetime choice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many reasons. Service is a calling, which not all teenagers have. You’re making a 9 year commitment, which is more than a lot of teenagers want to give. The physical difficulty. The competition to even get in (it seems impossible to get a nomination if you live around here).

Is getting nomination the hardest?. What do the senators office look for to provide nomination (we are naturalized parents so no military experience)

I know it is a very long process which starts in Junior year and multiple interviews as well (for nomination and for admissions)

Getting a nomination is easier than most people think. You don't have to know the senator or congressman. You apply to all nominating sources. Some senators or congressman does interviews and some don't. Some do in person and some over a Zoom call. My DD got a nomination from her senator, and there was no interview. A lot depends on how competitive your district is, and your overall stats GPA/SAT/CFA score. Even if you don't get a nomination, and if they really want you, they'll find one for you. No, you don't have to start Junior year. In between your Junior and Senior year during the Summer is fine. The process is long because they want people who really want to be officers in the military as they will be investing a lot of money on that individual. It is a weeding out process.
The acceptance rate is much higher than what they adverstise because they count people who started the application as applicants not just those who complete the application. Ultimately, my DD went to an Ivy on a ROTC scholarship.

Would love to know where you live because we’re in Arlington, DS is applying for a nomination, and all you hear is how impossible the odds are. I assumed that was true for everyone in the DMV. Is it not?

We live in the Chicago area, so the state of Illinois and our district might be a lot easier than Arlington and the state of Virginia. Even if you don't get a nomination, and if you are a very strong candidate, they will find one for you, but nothing's guaranteed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many reasons. Service is a calling, which not all teenagers have. You’re making a 9 year commitment, which is more than a lot of teenagers want to give. The physical difficulty. The competition to even get in (it seems impossible to get a nomination if you live around here).

Is getting nomination the hardest?. What do the senators office look for to provide nomination (we are naturalized parents so no military experience)

I know it is a very long process which starts in Junior year and multiple interviews as well (for nomination and for admissions)

Getting a nomination is easier than most people think. You don't have to know the senator or congressman. You apply to all nominating sources. Some senators or congressman does interviews and some don't. Some do in person and some over a Zoom call. My DD got a nomination from her senator, and there was no interview. A lot depends on how competitive your district is, and your overall stats GPA/SAT/CFA score. Even if you don't get a nomination, and if they really want you, they'll find one for you. No, you don't have to start Junior year. In between your Junior and Senior year during the Summer is fine. The process is long because they want people who really want to be officers in the military as they will be investing a lot of money on that individual. It is a weeding out process.
The acceptance rate is much higher than what they adverstise because they count people who started the application as applicants not just those who complete the application. Ultimately, my DD went to an Ivy on a ROTC scholarship.

Would love to know where you live because we’re in Arlington, DS is applying for a nomination, and all you hear is how impossible the odds are. I assumed that was true for everyone in the DMV. Is it not?

Our son got a nomination for West Point and USAFA in VA8 (Don Beyer) three years ago. There was a separate application process/essays for each Senator and Rep. And a committee did the interview and selection. There is cooperation between the Senate and House members to make sure they are not all picking the same kid and using all available noms. Make sure your child applies to all sources - including VP.

Absolutely recommend you use serviceacademyforums com for way better info than DCUM.

Good luck! West Point has been an amazing experience for our son.

[Anonymous]

While you don’t pay tuition and won’t have any student loan dept, it isn’t free. Those students earn every cent given to them for their education. They work harder and more is asked of them than any college student or new graduate working.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The name is the United States Military Academy at West Point.

The military commitment and the difficult lifestyle deter many.

It's not the location, LOL.

Difficult lifestyle? Can you elaborate?

My child is interested in Bio and want to go to Med school as well

Difficult lifestyle meaning your life is not your own for 9 years. You live where they station you. Do the job they tell you. Wear what they tell you, cut your hair how they tell you. Take vacation when they allow, which is much less than if he went to traditional college. Lots of adults I know who went there or the naval academy love it and talk glowingly about it. But it’s very hard and not for everyone

Everything PP said. This, and then when you're 9 years in and an officer (and for sure you are married at this point; all officers are) then you realize with the promotions and the potential promotions, you're going to stay in for the full 20. Very few don't.

So you're talking 20 years. Which by that point, you definitely want. It's your life.

No. You can do the Army ROTC scholarship, and it's four and out. A trifle longer will also pay for an MBA - and the M7 do like their elite soldiers. And of course, consulting, finance, and the corporate world are keen on smart lieutenants and captains from top schools and the academies.

Medical school will be a longer commitment. But it will be paid for and it will be interesting. The doctors I've met over the years, uh, like the action. So, again, maybe not for everyone.

Flying is another thing and it's own subculture.

West Point, Annapolis, Air Force and ROTC at T20 schools are best for young people that are really keen to push themselves. Go to Annapolis on a Saturday afternoon. They are all working out. If you have that drive, it's a good thing. If you don't, that space is not going to work out well. You've got to want it. And then one thing leads to another, and it's a hell of a lot more interesting than what most 20somethings are doing.

No, ARMY ROTC now requires 8 years of active duty service. It's almost a decade of one's life--not a decision to be taken lightly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many reasons. Service is a calling, which not all teenagers have. You’re making a 9 year commitment, which is more than a lot of teenagers want to give. The physical difficulty. The competition to even get in (it seems impossible to get a nomination if you live around here).

Is getting nomination the hardest?. What do the senators office look for to provide nomination (we are naturalized parents so no military experience)

I know it is a very long process which starts in Junior year and multiple interviews as well (for nomination and for admissions)

Getting a nomination is easier than most people think. You don't have to know the senator or congressman. You apply to all nominating sources. Some senators or congressman does interviews and some don't. Some do in person and some over a Zoom call. My DD got a nomination from her senator, and there was no interview. A lot depends on how competitive your district is, and your overall stats GPA/SAT/CFA score. Even if you don't get a nomination, and if they really want you, they'll find one for you. No, you don't have to start Junior year. In between your Junior and Senior year during the Summer is fine. The process is long because they want people who really want to be officers in the military as they will be investing a lot of money on that individual. It is a weeding out process.
The acceptance rate is much higher than what they adverstise because they count people who started the application as applicants not just those who complete the application. Ultimately, my DD went to an Ivy on a ROTC scholarship.

Would love to know where you live because we’re in Arlington, DS is applying for a nomination, and all you hear is how impossible the odds are. I assumed that was true for everyone in the DMV. Is it not?

It's generally tougher coming from the DMV. Annapolis in particular is an almost impossible admit from this region. But when it comes to the Nomination, make sure you reach out to your House representative and both Senators. You just need one.

Does that mean that DC residents -- who don't have senators -- are at a disadvantage?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots of prestigious and great FREE options beyond west point too -

Naval Academy
Air Force

No as prestigious but also:

Coast Guard
Merchant Marine

and for Naval Engineering: Webb free tuition for all.

[Anonymous]

I have friends who went to the military academies (West Point, Annapolis, and Coast Guard). I will say my friend who went to West Point is still in the military but he did end up serving in Iraq, so that's one thing to consider. It is extremely hard to get in and requires factors you don't necessarily need for other top schools (physical fitness).

My Dad was a career officer and all that moving was pretty tough for me as a kid. I was approached as well but I had a long talk with my Dad and decided it wasn't the route I wanted to take. I had the same conversation when I was approached for JAG and also decided it just wasn't a good fit for my family. It's very hard on the spouse.

[Anonymous]

How is the NROTC (or ROTC) experience at the Ivies? DC is applying to academies and also two Ivies. Already awarded the first board NROTC, and just hoping for options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Free college then potentially lead others to their death in combat. What not to like?

Exactly. OP is either a troll or from Mars. For girls, sexual assault is a real concern too OP. Read the WSJ today about assaults at service academies.