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If you want to get your cadet a Leatherman for a graduation gift, that is awesome. A Leatherman is nice (I have a couple). My cadet was happy with the less expensive Gerber. Multi-tools have a tendency to go MIA in the field. New cadets, have a lot of new experiences -- mix with some sleep...

Boys State. SLE's primary goal is to generate interest. It has no impact on your evaluation as a candidate, other than to check a box showing interest (and maybe getting a CFA out of the way). Stay in contact with your FFR/RO, and schedule an overnight in the fall where you'll get a better...

That's up to you and I guess the condition of your boots after field training. 😀 My cadet has a "field pair" and a "garrison pair". As you would guess, the field pair are more sturdy while the garrison pair are a little lighter weight. But to each their own. Best wishes. (Fyi, we sent the...

Others will be able to provide more personal specifics, but I can offer the following based on what my cadet conveyed to me. 1) don't spend your time over-thinking it, you will be told what to do. 2) Best/worst part of beast is an individual thing. You may find things easier/more difficult...

As it concerns credit cards, I can highly recommend Chase. They were the only company that would provide a standalone (non-cosigned, non-secured) card to our cadet who, expectedly, had no credit rating. They also applied military terms and conditions that provide a little more flexibility in...

Your points are well taken. I agree that candidates should pursue all nomination sources available to them. I was not implying otherwise. I see how nominations outside of an MOC plus a nomination from an MOC provides flexibility to the SAs (and to the candidate). My question is the same true...

I have never understood the fascination with receiving multiple nominations -- unless those nominations are to different SAs which would provide multiple opportunities for selection. Multiple nominations to the same SA, by my understanding, does not provide a better chance of admission. (You...

As I recall, you will have ample time to submit last semester transcripts. Remember, many in the country (particularly in the Northeast) don't graduate until mid-June.

When you say specialty, I assume you mean branch. Picking a branch is a process that occurs throughout a cadet's tenure at USMA and is influenced by "the needs of the Army". USMA will occasionally post aggregate branch selection on the west point.edu site.

While it's great that you are thinking about upcoming academics, don't over-think this. You were admitted because the selection boards see potential in you. WP wants you to succeed. You will be placed in classes based on your academic history and placement tests (primarily for math and...

Cadet candidates (soon to become 'New Cadets') have in the past setup Snap Chat groups. I know this from my cadet.

As others have written, I would prioritize A-Day over R-Day concerning your parents attendance. Having them attend both is great if it's something that you collectively desire. As a parent, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of social gathering opportunities for R-Day.-- it's not just a...

Congrats to your DD! Echoing DrMom's comment, there are too many variables that can impact the timeline. It's best for all candidates to submit their best application, let the process playout, and have strong plan B, and C's. In the state in which our cadet is from, little moves until all...

Keep it simple and inexpensive for CBT. A Timex ironman, or the like, is fine. Once the academic year starts you can reassess your needs.

You have received a lot of insightful replies. The only addition I have -- and this advice was provided from a field force rep -- is unless you have a really compelling story, do not speak to a sports injury. Good luck to you.

I would spend less time repeating back to USNA what they are and what they provide. They know that already. Spend more time on you. What's driving you to be a top officer in engineering? How do you hope to apply the opportunity if awarded to you? What inspires you and how does USNA enable...

I hope to get thoughts on the following...I have heard through the "grapevine" that wearing black boots socks with low quarters can help with fit challenges. Are "dress socks" strictly adhered to?

I'll let others comment, but I have heard of many cadets using a Garmont T8 Bifida (or a more mid-weight? boot) for CBT then eventually switch to a very light boot for garrison life. BTW, Khybers seem to be popular with many saying they need little break-in -- unfortunately I can't offer more...

I'll add Belleville C320's to the list.

Good insight. What's the milage limit a cadet can travel on A-Day? I believe last year it was highly restricted due to COVID. Hopefully it opens up a little this year.