Anonymous wrote: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?

The question is why would you ask this question?

I understand service academies are free, plus they offer a fantastic start in life. If you feel that calling, and are accepted, it's wonderful!

some of the best corporate leaders I’ve known have come from the service academies.

Anonymous wrote:The young men I've known who went to West Point were all very smart and athletic who had a lot of college choices. But it was also clear to me that it was the parents (mainly dads) pushing the kids into the academy.

Kids who are pushed by their parents don't last. Most want to be there.

The young men I've known who went to West Point were all very smart and athletic who had a lot of college choices. But it was also clear to me that it was the parents (mainly dads) pushing the kids into the academy.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Service before self. A foreign concept to most on DCUM, I know.

Aren't you smug?

About my ability to answer a simple question, yeah, a bit.

Anonymous wrote:As you said, he is the smartest senior. He is smart for going there.

He is also brave. There will be a war during his generation, perhaps even before he graduates.

Anonymous wrote:Service before self. A foreign concept to most on DCUM, I know.

Aren't you smug?

As you said, he is the smartest senior. He is smart for going there.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

What are you even talking about? There is no setback.

Financially it is, especially if this kid was accepted to an Ivy.

- veteran

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I would just as soon as hire from West Point as I would HYP. I don't see HYP as better.

(I am not military) It is an impressive school who puts out impressive people. And I would go so far as to say that the West Point graduates that I've known are extremely hard working, self sacrificing, as well as smart. HYP are smart, but often lack the dedication and hard work of West Point.

Service before self. A foreign concept to most on DCUM, I know.

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Good for him. Guessing he's really good-looking too, and will look great in the uniform.

Anonymous wrote: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.

What are you even talking about? There is no setback.

Anonymous wrote: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.

That is why very few go. It is a call to serve. The five years actually provide experiences and leadership opportunities extremely rare in the world today. "Setback in career progression"? Please. I would love to hear you elaborate.

West Point, and all the service academies, are amazing opportunities that should be celebrated.