| Bachelor of Science Degree-undergraduate |
The most lacking aspect of a cadet's development while at the academy is
in the social arena. Several factors play into this conclusion, the main
ones being the lifestyle and workload. The regimented lifestyle
requires such focus and dedication that little time remains for social
activies, especially as an underclassman. The only real social activies
as freshman include going to church where cookies, punch and other
snacks are served, going to sponsors homes on post on weekends where
they engorge you with food, and infrequent holidays for the opportunity
to travel home (Thanksgiving and Christmas). As far as alcohol and the
assumed college party scene, it is as about as non-existent at West
Point as can be. There is one bar on post (campus) and it is called the
Firstie Club (Firsties are the seniors, so-called because they are in
their first class year) which is only open to seniors and only from
thurs-sat. No other cadets are allowed to drink on post, period, no
exceptions. If one is caught drinking or possessing alcohol on post or
in the barracks, serious repercussions will undoubtedly ensue. Due to
its close proximity to New York City, that is probably the most common
weekend retreat for cadets, although the cost of the city begins to
drain the meager cadet bank accounts pretty quickly. The final 2 years
are the years of freedom (relative of course) where cadets are allowed
to have cars and progressively allowed more and more weekends and off-
post privileges. Seniors are even allowed to leave post on what is
called OPPs (Off Post Privileges) during the week, but of course must be
back by lights-out at midnight, no exceptions. The Greek system of
fraternities/sororities is non-existent, probably a good thing in that
sort of environment. Overall, the social life of the academy is
extremely lacking, but that is not a fact that should catch a cadet by
surprise. If a cadet enters the academy without as much prior knowledge
as possible, the consequences could be devastating.
|
United States Military Academy at West Point Admission & Application Surveys
