United States Military Academy at West PointAcademics Summary

Written by Ryan Peckyno

Ryan Peckyno

Hometown

Bradford, Pa.

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Most students at West Point feel that academics are both challenging and competitive. The professors are there to teach and not to do research. As a result, they are more than willing to go out of their way to help students, as long as the students themselves are willing to expend the necessary effort. The poise and professionalism associated with the military is definitely present in the classroom. Also, students should expect to be challenged. Students will tell you that collaboration, especially with the smaller class sizes, can be essential to educational accomplishment. That's not to say that the faculty isn't there to help you, though. At West Point, everyone has a stake in your development, and although students are competitive, most would agree that this does not override the need to work as a team.

Succeeding academically at West Point involves two major skills: working with other people and managing time. West Point is as rigorous academically as it is physically demanding of cadets. With all of the other requirements of the Academy, it can be hard to find time for studying. Cadets have to learn early how to fit everything in when the days seem so short. Still, students seem to agree that if you were accepted and are willing to work hard, you can make it through. Everyone agrees that cadets receive one of the finest educations in
the world.