<p>It isn’t even as much the rigor and regimented lifestyle. More, it’s the feeling that I wouldn’t be able to fully develop intellectually. That’s not to say I wouldn’t learn, because I have no doubts that USNA is a great academic institution, but I just feel like some of that growth would be stunted by other tasks. I’m in NJROTC in high school, and I know that I grow frustrated when I have to spend time shining my shoes or brass…when I have a calculus test the next day. Is that a legitimate concern? </p>
<p>I’m considering doing Navy ROTC at University of Maryland which, ironically, because of the cross town at GWU, would require me to wake up at the same time, if not earlier for most of the Academic year. I’m not bothered by the things that most people are bothered by. Service commitment I could care less, getting yelled at I could care less (unless it was inhibiting my ability to learn other things), waking up early I could care less. I’m more concerned about opportunity for education. Some of the Academy grads, and non-grads who served, said that they considered USNA to be more of a trade school-preparing graduates to serve as naval officers, not necessarily focused on making them the most educated, implying that the military aspect of their education came before the academic. </p>
<p>I’m applying to a number of different universities, so I’m hoping that I have options. Ironically, if I did do ROTC at a non-HPYM university, I feel like I would be with more people who got rejected from Navy than people who were in a boat similar to mine. </p>
<p>I’m just trying to bounce ideas off people to see which concerns of mine are legitimate. My issues don’t seem to be the typical ones people ask about, so I haven’t been able to read about it elsewhere. I appreciate all your opinions. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>