Senior Service at Military Colleges: What to Expect?

I've been eyeing senior service colleges as part of my higher ed decision. I understand they provide upper level leadership training in the military. What specifically does a typical senior year look like at these colleges? What should I expect?

A senior year at a senior service college, such as the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, United States Naval Academy (USNA) at Annapolis, or the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, can be as academically challenging as it is mentally and physically demanding.

The curriculum incorporates both military instruction and academic classes, so you will still be taking coursework related to your chosen major, similar to any other higher education institution. These classes will often be more advanced or specialized than those offered in previous years.

On the military side, the focus shifts towards leadership development and preparation for the roles you're likely to assume upon commissioning as an officer. You can expect to take classes on military strategy, operational planning, policy development, and leadership psychology. These classes often include simulated exercises to give you a hands-on experience of what it's like to lead in a military setting.

In your senior year, you will likely hold a leadership position within the Academy's Cadet/Midshipman hierarchy. These positions range from leading a group of cadets or midshipmen as a company commander or holding a staff position within the Cadet Chain of Command. These leadership opportunities aim to give you real-world experience of what it's like to lead, manage, and mentor others.

Outside of the formal curriculum, it's common for seniors to take part in research projects, internships or independent study on topics related to their future service. For instance, you might have the opportunity to conduct research with a professor or work on a capstone project related to your field of study.

Finally, there's a significant focus on physical readiness. Athletics, both competitive and recreational, play a huge part in life at the Academies to ensure cadets and midshipmen maintain peak physical condition. Many seniors are also involved in competitive team sports or club activities, which adds another layer of time management and leadership practice.

It should be noted that the exact experiences can differ depending on the specific academy and major, so this is a general overview. Always contact the specific academy for more detailed information. And of course, remember that upon graduation, all academy graduates are commissioned as officers in their respective military service, which is a major commitment unto itself.