<p>In a word, “control.” For USNA.</p>
<p>Foundation students are essentially on your own. Financially, academically.</p>
<p>I’ve long contended that it would be far more efficient; academically rigorous, productive, and credible; and cost-effective to send ALL NAPSters to private, accredited prep schools. However, USNA has no “control” in those independent, private prep schools. </p>
<p>NAPS is a fully antiquated concept but it is all about money, inputs and outputs, perceived need to be obtuse and/or non-transparent, and control, especially in many situations where USNA might be highly motivated to ensure that specific candidates ascend to Midshipmanship. USNA has far more “invested” in NAPSters than in Foundation students, literally and figuratively. </p>
<p>The upside for Foundation candidates included most always receiving a highly superior, fully accredited prep school “preparation” competing against similarly brighter students day in and day out, and the benefit of having had to pay for and make this on their own, they are winners, whether they land at USNA or elsewhere.</p>