Overnight Visit - What to expect?

lef9820

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Jul 26, 2015
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Hello, My official overnight visit is Nov 19th. Can anyone who has recently done one let me know what it is like, what I should expect, etc.? Also, what should I wear (female)?
Thanks!
 
Mine started out with just a tour of campus, explanation to where everything was. I then went to a class with a cadet (Econ was mine) to see what a classroom setting felt like. Classes are very small, instructors (civilian and military) are very engaged with the students. I ate in the dining hall which you may too, I don't know if you'll sit with your cadet or with the group of kids that are doing the overnight. As a female, I would say just look presentable. Nothing too fancy, some nice jeans a nice semi-professional shirt. Dressy casual. You aren't going to an interview, but you also aren't going to your friends house. Something that you would wear out to go to the city or someplace nice you were meeting someone. Most of all, don't be nervous! Just try and take in the school and all the information given to you to see if it's the right fit for you. I know for me, when I stepped on campus just the energy and knowing that all the cadets were there because they wanted to be part of something bigger than themselves was amazing. Everyone is going to be very kind so you don't have to worry about that. And DONT BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONSSSSSSSS!! Trust me, they looovveeeere answering them and it shows real interest! Hope I helped!
N.
 
West Point is rich with history at every turn. I would get a quick guide to the history of WP. The library has a display of class rings donated or on loan from families. For example when you go into Washington Hall, where the cadets eat, notice the large monolith type structure located in the center. This was the original entrance. When JFK went to address the corps of cadets he noticed how small the area was and commissioned an extension. I would suggest wearing khaki slacks and a polo shirt, closed toe dress shoes. At the end of your over night on the next day you may have an opportunity to sit down with admission and review your file. If they don't mention it, ask for it. Don't be a quiet church mouse! Ask Ask Ask questions!! Why do you do that? What is that? How do you prepare your room? What if you're sick? Where do you keep your military equipment? I play this sport, where do they do that? How do you know what uniform to wear for the day? Why are those cadets dressed walking back and forth?

And most important, enjoy the moment!

You're very fortunate!

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
It is chilly at West Point now so take a coat. You need to take homework or a book to read while your plebe studies. You might want to take gym clothes and shoes as well. Take a small "thank you" gift for your plebe---homemade cookies, hot chocolate, healthy snacks, etc.
 
Home made goodies are nice, I would receive them, but most cadets don't. The latest culture trend now at WP, the cadets are very weight conscience and must be. So, in their rooms are three "boodle boxes". One that is theirs (no one goes in it without permission) two, your roommates (thats theirs, you don't have permission to check what they have) three, a community box that is up for grabs to anyone, even those friends who come to your room. More than likely your well intended offerings from the heart will go into the community box if it makes it that far. At the end of the week, its cleaned out to discourage ants and rodents taking up residence with you.

I would offer a gift card or buying them a pizza and soda from Grant Hall. I would offer them a quick snack from Grant. This will give you some more one on one time to converse.

Push Hard, Press Forward

(If you do go into Grant. Check out the shake machine! Its 800 calories in each cup! Many Plebes have been taken out from that thing, hahaha, no room for chubby Plebes at WP)
 
Home made goodies are nice, I would receive them, but most cadets don't. The latest culture trend now at WP, the cadets are very weight conscience and must be. So, in their rooms are three "boodle boxes". One that is theirs (no one goes in it without permission) two, your roommates (thats theirs, you don't have permission to check what they have) three, a community box that is up for grabs to anyone, even those friends who come to your room. More than likely your well intended offerings from the heart will go into the community box if it makes it that far. At the end of the week, its cleaned out to discourage ants and rodents taking up residence with you.

I would offer a gift card or buying them a pizza and soda from Grant Hall. I would offer them a quick snack from Grant. This will give you some more one on one time to converse.

Push Hard, Press Forward

(If you do go into Grant. Check out the shake machine! Its 800 calories in each cup! Many Plebes have been taken out from that thing, hahaha, no room for chubby Plebes at WP)

tug_boat, if you reread my comment, I said SMALL thank you gift as a token of your appreciation. I don't think a few homemade cookies or nuts will push them over their weight limit and if it does, they have bigger problems than a gift from a candidate. Cadets welcome and enjoy little goodies boxes and it's a nice surprise for them. I doubt lef9820 wants to drag around a giant bag of candy and junk food all day.

I'm not sure how pizza, snacks, or drinks from Grant are healthier than a few goodies from a CC? Believe me, their mothers are sending WAY more junk food than a CC could pack.
 
^^ Hmmmm, didn't even mention you or had any reference to your post. Just my opinion. I do enjoy yours and find them with value.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
Agree with all the above. Expect your car to be inspected by security at the admissions gate. My DD went on her overnight in November and it was very cold and rainy. DD slept on a cot in a room with four cadets and ate meals with her host cadet. DD took ACT study guides for plebe allotted study time. DD attended a math and physical fitness class. (she was not permitted to participate) She was very complimentary regarding her observation of the instructors in their concern/ability to teach the cadets. DD's host cadet took her on an individual tour. Her host cadet past on her email address should there be a need for further questions. Overnight guests did sign up to talk with an admissions advisor, which parents were allowed to be present.
There were several overnight visitors and no one wore jeans. Have a great time.
 
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