United States Naval Academy

I'm sure everyone here has seen the college rankings saying that the education here is supposed to be one of the best. I'd have to say that the resources for a great education are here, but no one has the time of day to take advantage of them. Plebes take 16 credit hours first semester but this is extremely misleading. Instead of studying for tests I often find myself memorizing menus and professional knowledge. They are taking professional knowledge way too seriously this year. We are quizzed daily by upper-class on the week's professional knowledge topic and daily rates (pointless pieces of information) which often entails a large amount of memorizing verbatim. The second-class don't ask about what you got on your chem test, they ask what tomorrow’s evening meal is. Knowing the information the second-class want you to know can make things easier for you, but it could mean failing a test. Things like etiquette training and mandatory pep rally's always seem to be planned during our few hours of study time making things worse. I have found that a lot of people manage to graduate by squeaking by. A mid's major doesn't mean that much here. History majors can go into naval aviation. So if you want a good education without all the bs go somewhere else. The only thing that is keeping me here are the friendships I've gained. I can't see myself putting up with this place that much longer.

1st Year Female -- Class 2008

Campus Aesthetics: A, Social Life: F

I did graduate from the academy but it was by far the worst four years of my life. Congress keeps trying to get rid of the service academies and they should because they are pointless and a total waste of money. The only thing that i learned to do at the academy was how to break the rules so that i could live like a normal person instead of a robot. The education was not very good, what you put in is what you got out. By my junior year i realized that i could get by with only doing about 45 minutes of homework a week. You never know who your real friends are because everyone there will stab you in the back because the administration promotes this. If i could go back four years ago i would never even apply to the academy and i would go ROTC and enjoy a real college experience. Heres how they suck you in. They say the academic year is much better than plebe summer, while in reality it is not. Then they tell you that youngster year is better than plebe year, where in reality they are the same except you dont have to run through the hallways. Then by junior year you have already put up with two years of hell and they wave $25000 in front of your face to stay in. You sign the papers and then spend the next 2 years kicking yourself because it was not worth it. The academy is a horrible choice for anyone, but if you really want a military experience then go to the airforce academy and at least you will enjoy yourself.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

This place is hell. I am in my third year and wishing I had gotten out after my second. You come in motivated to do well(I was a varsity athlete, class valedictorian, and did eca's), and with aspirations for your future - and then they all get crushed. The administration (a clueless marine) is crap, with no base in reality. Air Force would have been a better choice overall. Your fellow classmates are all ready and waiting to stab you in the back. DO NOT COME HERE...GO ANYWHERE ELSE, ANYWHERE.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2004

Surrounding City: D-, Education Quality: F