United States Military Academy

Date: Jun 26 2008
Major: Civil Engineering (This Major's Salary over time)
Being removed from the experience has probably made the highs higher and the lows lower. However, I can say that I didn't enjoy going there at all, especially in the first year. Afterwards I was in the military for five years spending most of the time deployed.

I put the negative up front because one should emphasize that going to West Point is a much bigger decision than just deciding what university you want to go to. More than any other college it will change your life for good or bad.

That said I am glad that I went to West Point for a variety of reasons. First I think that the academic experience is very rewarding. The teacher there are paid to do only one thing, teach. They are willing to spend as much time as it takes to help out students. Everyone is going to the same place to have the same job so there is not really any sniping or people trying to one up each other.

After you graduate I think that there is a certain cache to having a degree from West Point. I would caution people from thinking that they will make a ton of money once they get out, because that depends on a heck of a lot more than where you went to school. But the lessons that you learn about leadership, team work, time management, and hard work will always be applicable in your life.

As a last note I would caution prospective students to remember that if you go to West Point you are essentially making a nine year commitment. Make sure that you want to serve in the military because after your second year you are committed.