just like everyone else. They must be very close in terms of ACT scores--which are higher than BYU. They take the same classes as everyone else with no grade inflation--a 3.0 makes the deans list. Classes the first semester at USAFA--and USNA is very similar--are chemistry, calculus, computer science/cyber operations, a foreign language and military history. The 2nd semester is similar with chemistry and calculus but physics is added.

The difficult academic load is on top of the military drilling, physical training, numerous briefing, meal formations, room inspections, weekly "knowledge tests", etc. The time demands are horrendous--nothing like that at BYU--and the pressure never abates. It is an atmosphere where constant stress and time demands are intentionally placed on all cadets/midshipmen.

They can't have cars the first two years and must have passes to get off campus and then they are limited in terms of the distance they may go; they can't marry while at the academy and there are random drug tests.

Following graduation from BYU, students move on to a job. Academy graduates face a 5-year service commitment with assignments depending not on their choice but on service needs, not to mention the deployments and corresponding absences from families.

Athletes and students at BYU are not even ballpark in terms of what they face versus an athlete/cadet/midshipmen at a service academy.