Visiting West Point

che527

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I am looking at the Visits Page on the West Point Website; and I see that the self-tours are only available during the summer, where you can just walk in the campus and go through the front, since class is not in session. Does this mean if I visit West Point this month (Oct.), would I have to schedule an actual guided tour (someone from admissions or something would tour us)? I am not a candidate yet, I am just interested in touring.
 
I am looking at the Visits Page on the West Point Website; and I see that the self-tours are only available during the summer, where you can just walk in the campus and go through the front, since class is not in session. Does this mean if I visit West Point this month (Oct.), would I have to schedule an actual guided tour (someone from admissions or something would tour us)? I am not a candidate yet, I am just interested in touring.

http://www.usma.edu/admissions/SitePages/Visit.aspx

If you haven't yet read every page, dropdown and link on Service Academy Admissions websites, I recommend it.

From the way I read this, during the academic year, it's as described, with no self-touring.
 
My son went for a visit as a junior.
After a briefing he spent a few hours with a cadet. Went on a short tour and attended a class followed by lunch.
There was a separate brief and group tour for parents.
During the brief the briefing officer was specific about not believing what you read on forums, especially this one.
I had never heard of it so afterwards while waiting for my son I checked it out on my phone.
While there is some bad information floating around someone usually sets the record straight fairly quickly.
The insight gleaned from this forum played no small part in his being awarded an AROTC scholarship.
 
My son went for a visit as a junior.
After a briefing he spent a few hours with a cadet. Went on a short tour and attended a class followed by lunch.
There was a separate brief and group tour for parents.
During the brief the briefing officer was specific about not believing what you read on forums, especially this one.
I had never heard of it so afterwards while waiting for my son I checked it out on my phone.
While there is some bad information floating around someone usually sets the record straight fairly quickly.
The insight gleaned from this forum played no small part in his being awarded an AROTC scholarship.
Did you have to schedule a tour?
 
Yes, I do not remember if it was done on line or with a phone call.
Be sure to bring government approved identification, you will need it to get past the front gate.
 
Can we visit on Columbus Day?

It's a Federal holiday. I am fairly certain it will be observed by faculty, staff and cadets. One of our USNA sponsor mids had her USMA sister down for a visit this weekend, and neither have class tomorrow. I would draw the conclusion no one will be in Admissions.
 
It's a Federal holiday. I am fairly certain it will be observed by faculty, staff and cadets. One of our USNA sponsor mids had her USMA sister down for a visit this weekend, and neither have class tomorrow. I would draw the conclusion no one will be in Admissions.
So is it still okay to tour?
 
I think we are back at your original post, where you indicated your research, presumably on a West Point visitor page, indicated self-tours were not available at this time of year.

I provided a link on how to coordinate an Admissions briefing and tour.

On the same pages you are visiting, I saw the information for the paid bus tour from an external vendor, another option. That does say it takes 48 hours to clear the manifest.

http://www.usma.edu/visitors/SitePages/Home.aspx

http://www.usma.edu/visiting/SitePages/Home.aspx

At this point, if I were in your shoes, having exhausted what can be learned online, I would call the Visitor Center in the morning, and in the mean time, hope for more knowledgeable posters.
 
The security at WP has changed with much tighter control. You will need to present ID and fill out a form for tours if they are available. You must understand WP is very much an active duty post. In the past 12 months a number incidents have tightened security. You are not allowed to wander about the post at anytime. The tours will take you to the Cadet Chapel, Trophy Point, Museums, Old Cadet Chapel and historical makers. You may not visit Washington hall, Central Area, Grant Hall, Class rooms and Barracks.

I would call before going.

Push hard, Press Forward
 
The admissions office does early morning briefings conducted by one of the regional commanders. They are very good, and follow with a campus tour. The candidates who are invited to do an overnight visit will leave with a host Cadet after the briefing, and shadow the cadet until the next morning. Candidates are also allowed to meet with the RC who is on duty for the briefing. This opportunity is pure gold, and the RC will give a full and candid assessment of the candidates application.

The tours are guided, which is a good thing. You want insight.
 
The admissions office does early morning briefings conducted by one of the regional commanders. They are very good, and follow with a campus tour. The candidates who are invited to do an overnight visit will leave with a host Cadet after the briefing, and shadow the cadet until the next morning. Candidates are also allowed to meet with the RC who is on duty for the briefing. This opportunity is pure gold, and the RC will give a full and candid assessment of the candidates application.

The tours are guided, which is a good thing. You want insight.

My son went for a visit as a junior.
After a briefing he spent a few hours with a cadet. Went on a short tour and attended a class followed by lunch.
There was a separate brief and group tour for parents.
During the brief the briefing officer was specific about not believing what you read on forums, especially this one.
I had never heard of it so afterwards while waiting for my son I checked it out on my phone.
While there is some bad information floating around someone usually sets the record straight fairly quickly.
The insight gleaned from this forum played no small part in his being awarded an AROTC scholarship.

We got it, I think the OP is NOT a candidate nor have they even applied. Correct me if Im wrong on this, I think they were just inquiring if they can wander around the post or go on a tour. They have half and one hour bus tours and this may be confused with an over night stay only open to those applicants deemed competitive with an LOE.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
I am pretty sure the only way you could walk around West Point on your own as a visitor is if you have a DoD CAC or dependent ID card holder.
 
Anything inside Cullum and Washington Rd is off limits to the public. Even if you are a parent with a Cadet. There are certain weekends when families have the opportunity to explore the post.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
I agree. My DS is on his HS rowing team in central NJ so we use the WP rowing tanks 3 times a year in the winter for training. He be applying next year so when we are there we just always tend to just walk around everywhere except inside the buildings. The only building I was allowed to walk unobstructed in was gym and the ice rink. The others I just knew don't bother asking. And we always stay off the Parade Field. :)
 
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