Reef Points

[USNA2010]

Alright I was talking about this on CC but I think it's time to merge over to this forum. Anyway,

What do you guys think about learning plebe knowledge before plebe summer?

Personally, I think it almost waters down the effect that USNA is trying to achieve. On the other hand, I can see how a candidate should try to be prepared as much as possible for his/her own good.:rolleyes:

[Sandiegodude1607]

I've looked for a copy of reef points with no success. Where could I even get my hands on one before I-Day?:confused:

[bossf51]

For what it's worth I think it's a waste of time memorizing "knowledge" before reporting for summer training(no matter which academy). It's all part of the process and to come in with stuff memorized already puts you in the position of "sticking out" from the crowd which is not usually a good thing. My advice:enjoy your last couple weeks of civilian life.

[dbluecap]

I've looked for a copy of reef points with no success. Where could I even get my hands on one before I-Day?:confused:

from the usna gift shop.

i have one from like 2 years ago.

[Zaphod]

There is nothing wrong with preparing. If you know your rates, that's a GOOD way to stick out, so long as you don't bilge your classmates in the process.

Just make sure that what you're studying is right. ;)

Don't go nuts, though. Get a head-start, but don't blow your summer, either.

[lizgirl06]

i got a copy on ebay a while back, but all you really need is on the internet or has been posted on cc. so it was kinda a waste of money. you live, you learn.

[Zaphod]

you live, you learn.

"...or you don't live long." - Robert A. Heinlein (USNA '29) :thumb:

[peskemom]

My daughter refuses to look at a Rate to study or a Reef Point until I-Day. This is a kid who can memorize easily and wants to be as equal as she can with her plebe-mates in this effort, instead of having a 'head start' in her words. In the permit to report orders package, there is a page in the long booklet with the first sets of rates the Plebe needs to know on I-Day. She told me she will take them with her on the plane ride to Baltimore and look at them then. So this is her approach.

[Maximus]

My son asked his squad leader about this at Summer Seminar when they went into the Midshipman's store, he said don't buy it as it's changed every year. They might change the format or chapters around but the info is still the same.

[2012mom?]

A lot of the info is the same, but I can tell you from flipping through them side by side that the 2008-2009 version is completely reorganized versus 2006-2007. Some chapters in 2008-2009 didn't exist in the earlier version.

A current Mid or alumnus may disagree, but my take is that memorizing rates is way low on the priority scale for your preparation. Focus first on maxing your academics, then get into the best shape (particularly running) that you've ever been in.

If you want to prepare for doing rates, you can work on rapid memorization of anything. The problem is, no matter what you memorize, you aren't going to be able to simulate what it's like to try to remember things while being "rated," so follow Z's advice (it's good, as always :smile:), and don't waste a lot of time worrying about Reef Points.

[Simayan]

A lot of the info is the same, but I can tell you The problem is, no matter what you memorize, you aren't going to be able to simulate what it's like to try to remember things while being "rated,"

Hah. I remember at the NASS mock-indoc night, I was "asked" the recite the 5th Law of the Navy. A split second thought ran something like this:

"Well, I know what it is. But I should probably start and end it with 'sir.' Oh! And I can't forget to repeat the question before I answer. Pretty simple. How could I mess up?"

And then I just started to recite it without any 'sir's, etc. Cost me 20 push ups. :biggrin:

[TeeJay]

Speaking of "Reef Points," anyone have a 1974 edition they would want to part with? Or have any idea how I could obtain one? I have a very special man in my life. I know it would mean the world to this alumnus to get a copy.

[mxschool08]

There is no point in learning reefpoints before you go. You will have more time than you need to memorize the information. You will just be standing up waiting for the next evolution. It would be a huge waste of time to memorize anything in reef points before you get there. Either way, youre going to miss a rate, really is not that big of a deal.

[Luigi59]

Speaking of "Reef Points," anyone have a 1974 edition they would want to part with? Or have any idea how I could obtain one? I have a very special man in my life. I know it would mean the world to this alumnus to get a copy.

Ebay?

[TeeJay]

Yes, I tried EBay and have an search alert, but nothing. Thanks for the suggestion Luigi.

[cfam386]

Agreed. You have so much else to worry about when prepping for the Academy. Do yourself a favor and don't stress out about the rates before you arrive. Odds are, with all the stress of the first few days there, you won't even remember the rates you learned beforehand anyway.