<p>It will probably be difficult for you to make this decision without actually visiting West Point. One simple visit. Even a couple of hours can tell you whether you would love it, hate it, or feel indifferent. I know a father and son who visited the Naval Academy from out of state, but never even stayed in a hotel. They flew into Baltimore in the morning, drove to Annapolis, and flew back out that evening. Amazing what even a brief visit can tell you.</p>
<p>Although there are very good reasons for not going to West Point (as aglages points out), you might want to imagine yourself in, say, the year 2030. Do you think that you will wonder “what if…” you had gone to USMA? Will it matter to you, or not? This is one of those chances of a lifetime, and it should be taken seriously.</p>