2 neighbors of mine got into West Point, one is in nw and one is set to go to Iraq in April. I also know 2 people in the naval academy. Also, it really isn't too hard to get in if you have connections.
As far had toughness when you finally get in, Cornell has cut-throat competition, where a person will steal your computer because it puts you at a disadvantage. Also, if you get a 99 and the rest of the class gets 100, you get marked 0. Also a very high number of suicides(and convient cliffs nearby

)
I'm also told the Air Force academy is quite difficult too.