Anonymous wrote:My DC's "Big Three" sends at least one graduate each year to either USNA or West Point. Most turned down Ivy or other top schools to do this. Amazing, selfless and patriotic individuals.

OP here.

Yes, kid I know turned down HYP Ivy.

Anonymous wrote:OP here.
Not questioning it. I'm sorry if that was implied. I know that it's super prestigious, incredibly rigorous (academically and physically), etc.
I'm just curious why people you've known have made this choice. I know very little about it.

The people I've known to attend strike me as kids with future political ambitions. So maybe that's a factor?

My DC's "Big Three" sends at least one graduate each year to either USNA or West Point. Most turned down Ivy or other top schools to do this. Amazing, selfless and patriotic individuals.

Most kids don’t want to give up 5 years of their lives post grad. It is a big sacrifice and a setback in career progression. I know one Navy guy who regrets it.

Perhaps he feels called to serve.

Not only is it free, they get paid.

OP here.
Not questioning it. I'm sorry if that was implied. I know that it's super prestigious, incredibly rigorous (academically and physically), etc.
I'm just curious why people you've known have made this choice. I know very little about it.

The military academies have the strongest alumni networks by far. Not even the Ivies can compare.

Why wouldn’t he? What’s your reason NOT to? As others said, it’s free, prestigious and a great career path even out of the army.

It is crazy notion I know, but perhaps he also wants to serve his nation.

In all seriousness, West Point offers an outstanding education. (And a dedicated alumni network that is hard to beat).It is not a typical college experience but in my experience almost all service academy graduates end up with great careers even if they leave the military after their 5 year commitment,.

Why question his decision? Just thank him for his service.

It’s free
Guaranteed career path
Maybe there’s a family tradition?
Maybe they want to be in the military?

Why is this hard to understand?

Anonymous wrote:Because it's a great school that leads to amazing opportunities

+1

Incredible opportunities.

Because it's a great school that leads to amazing opportunities

I just found out that arguably the smartest senior I know (very top student at a top 5 private (per Niche) school in the US) is attending West Point over other options. This kid is a math whiz---many years beyond calculus---and also has high EQ. Just total OUTSTANDING total package kind of kid.
Why choose West Point?