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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]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[/quote]

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 [/quote]

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?[/quote]

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