United States Naval Academy

Perhaps it is a repetitive cliche, but the Naval Academy is truly a good place to be from, and at times a bad place to be at. It is a difficult academic experience compared to what your typical college entails; the demands of the military education and standards clearly infringe on academic study. An unprepared or undiciplined student will either have to learn quickly and adapt or will have a difficult, miserable time.

This all being said, I enjoyed my time at the school. I believe I received a superb, well rounded education. I know that the diploma opens doors and is highly regarded in both the post-graduate academic world and the business world. The Naval Academy exists, however, to produce officers to fight our country's wars. You will be tossed into that role after school, and the relevance of USNA to your job as a military officer will be minimal, at best. I am a history major, and I fly jets. Classmates who were "leaders" and well ranked at USNA now are ridiculous and unrespected as leaders of enlisted troops, while many "underachievers" have gone on to be stellar officers and leaders of men. It will not build you into a "leader," but you will learn to manage time and cope with the bull$hit of military life. By neccesity.

I don't think the USNA is an institution that builds character, so much as one that reveals it in an artifical environment you will never encounter again. It is difficult, but rewarding. It will hold you to a standard of physical and mental fitness you cannot get at any other school. I reccomend the school, but attend for the right reasons. Don't go because your family pressures you, or you want to fly jets, or just to be an officer. These can all be accomplished more simply at ROTC or OCS programs. Go only if you want the challenge, you want to serve your country, and you are willing and ambitious enough to parley your academy ring into something important down the road. And don't forget to hit ACME Bar & Grill as often as possible. The collection of drunkards, WUBAs, skanks and false Jimmy Buffet afficianados makes the experience tolerable. Say hi to Bobby!

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

You can never truly know yourself unless you are tested. The Naval Academy forces you to know yourself at a very young age. You will find out very quickly what your strengths and weaknesses are. This is invaluable for your future life. Some people NEVER come to this revelation. You will do things at the Academy that others only dream about. It is challenging. Sometimes it can be stressful. Sometimes it will seem overwhelming. But that's all part of the process. In the end you will never regret the experience and be proud that you endured what no other college student can even relate to. The memories will last you a life time. You will learn to be a leader of men instead of when a beer chugging contest at at a Frat party. The bottom line is this: Know YOURSELF. It's not for everybody.

4th Year Male -- Class 1979

Education Quality: A+, Social Life: B-

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000