United States Naval Academy

I went to Navy unsure of whether the Navy would be my career or a place to get started. I went to a public high school in a blue collar town and during my plebe year I wasn't sure I was going to survive the barrage of academics, military responsibilities and a very harsh military environment. It wasn't much fun. At some point along the way, around my junior year, I started to realize that I just might graduate. Upon graduation, I spent five years serving aboard two ships and then left the Navy to attend graduate school for an MBA and ultimately to pursue a business career. Twenty five years later, I have an appreciation for what this institution did for me and what it does for our country. My classmates are in many walks of life. Astronauts, hedge fund managers, CEOs, social workers and ministers. Even a former NBA player who now runs and investment fund and overseas an inner city school for disadvantaged youth. If you have a chance to go here and you are willing to skip the usual college experience, and you feel a sense of duty and service, this is the place for you. But don't come here for someone else or because of the school's prestige. I saw many who did this who didn't make it. You really have to want it, but if you do, it is am amazing place that will unlock opportunities that you would never have dreamed of.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

You have to want to serve and dedicate yourself to the institution, Naval Service, and country so do not enter without proper research. It's not for everyone, if you want a challenge and to test yourself go with vigor and pride. USNA produces leaders and as such is very rigorous. The bonds among classmates and alumni are as thick as blood and graduating from the Academy is serving your country is an honor which also has deep personal rewards, tangible and intangible. Tough on the social life but the rewards outweigh anything missed if I had attended any of the other fine institutions at which I was accepted.

4th Year Male -- Class 1984

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Surrounding City: F

The United States Naval Academy is the "best" undergraduate college in America. I am currently a student and I absolutely hated USNA when I arrived, but now I can see why this institution is so powerful. You will feel and be so much more advanced than your civilian counterparts due to the rigorous environment here at USNA. The academics are top notch, but more importantly, the leadership is the best. This school produces so many successful graduates, yet does not advertise it like the Ivy league does. The last two years, USNA has produced SEVEN Rhodes Scholars, more than any other collge in America. USNA has also produced more astronauts than any other collge in America. The next possible President of the United States of America (John McCain) and 4 of the 6 Joint Chiefs of Staff are also USNA grads. In theory, if McCain is elected in 2008, Graduates of this school will be running the world! Be prepared to work hard. I mean really, really hard. It's rewarding!

3rd Year Male -- Class 2007

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Social Life: D